Patagonia is one of the most stunning, remote, and pristine regions of the world, and there are several incredible Patagonia cruises to choose from. These cruises offer breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, rugged mountains, and unique wildlife, providing an unforgettable experience. Below are some popular options for Patagonia cruises, each with its own unique offerings:
Australis Cruises (Chile and Argentina)
Duration: 7 days
Routes: Patagonia Cruise (Ushuaia to Punta Arenas), Wulaia Bay & Cape Horn Cruise (Punta Arenas to Ushuaia)
Highlights:
Explore Southern Patagonia: This cruise is known for its glacial fjords, wildlife sightings, and the Beagle Channel. The route typically takes you through Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile), or vice versa.
Cape Horn: Sail around the iconic Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America.
Glacier Views: Visit some of Patagonia’s most famous glaciers, like Pía Glacier and Garibaldi Glacier.
Wildlife Sightings: Opportunities to see sea lions, penguins, and whales, especially during certain seasons.
Cultural Stops: Enjoy excursions to Wulaia Bay, where you can learn about the native Yámana people and explore pristine wilderness areas.
Best for:
This cruise would be ideal, if you are looking for a shorter, but comprehensive cruise that explores the wild heart of Patagonia with a mix of scenic views, wildlife, and history.
Skorpios Cruises (Chile)
Duration: 8 days
Routes: Skorpios I & II – Navigate the Chilean fjords and southern Patagonia on different itineraries, ranging from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales or Puerto Aysén.
Highlights:
Majestic Fjords: Experience the untouched beauty of Chile’s Patagonian fjords, including Ainsworth Bay and the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
Glacier Exploration: The cruise visits iconic glaciers like Pia Glacier and Serrano Glacier.
Luxury Comfort: Skorpios vessels offer elegant, comfortable accommodations, with excellent dining and excellent service.
Excursions & Activities: Passengers can enjoy kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching, including penguins and sea lions.
Best for:
If you are seeking an immersive experience in the Chilean fjords with a mix of adventure and comfort, plus luxurious services on board.
Quark Expeditions (Antarctic Peninsula and Patagonia)
Duration: 21 days
Routes: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica: While this itinerary primarily focuses on the Antarctic Peninsula, it includes Patagonia as part of its journey, especially when departing from Ushuaia.
Highlights:
Polar Expeditions: Explore some of the most remote areas of the Southern Hemisphere, including Patagonia, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Expert Guides: Quark Expeditions is known for its expert naturalists and guides, making this a more educational and expedition-style cruise.
Wildlife Watching: See a variety of wildlife, including penguins, whales, seals, and albatrosses.
Zodiac Landings: Quark specializes in Zodiac boat excursions, allowing you to access remote shores and glaciers.
Best for:
If you are an adventure seeker who want to explore Patagonia in a more expeditionary fashion, while also venturing to Antarctica. This is ideal if your are also interested in wildlife and nature on a longer journey.
G Adventures (Patagonia Expedition)
Duration: 15 days
Routes: Patagonia and Chilean Fjords: G Adventures offers small-group, eco-conscious cruises with options to explore Patagonia and the Chilean fjords.
Highlights:
Smaller, More Intimate Experience: G Adventures offers more personalized, intimate cruising with smaller ships, great for wildlife watching and intimate excursions.
Eco-Friendly: Emphasizes sustainability and responsible tourism while providing educational experiences about Patagonia’s natural wonders.
Active Adventures: Includes kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching excursions, ideal for those wanting a more hands-on experience in Patagonia.
Best for:
If you are looking for adventure and sustainability in Patagonia, with a smaller ship experience and eco-friendly focus.
Celebrity Cruises (South America)
Duration: 12 days
Routes: South America Explorer: This longer cruise includes Patagonia, but also extends into other South American destinations like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.
Highlights:
Patagonian Expedition: While not entirely a Patagonia-only cruise, Celebrity’s South American itineraries typically visit both Ushuaia and Punta Arenas while navigating the Beagle Channel and Magellan Strait.
Luxury at Sea: Known for its modern, luxurious ships, Celebrity Cruises offers excellent onboard amenities, fine dining, and spacious staterooms.
Shore Excursions: Stop at various Patagonia ports for hiking, glacier trekking, and whale watching, plus excursions in Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
Best for:
If you are looking for a luxury cruise that blends Patagonia with a more extensive exploration of South America, including cultural stops, fine dining, and upscale amenities, for cruise is deal for you!
Viking Ocean Cruises (South America)
Duration: 10-14 days
Routes: South American Odyssey: Includes ports in Argentina, Chile, and Patagonia.
Highlights:
Patagonia Highlights: A part of Viking’s South American cruises, this voyage explores Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, and the Chilean fjords, offering great views of glaciers and Patagonian wildlife.
Cultural Immersion: Viking is known for its well-rounded itineraries, offering stops in cities like Buenos Aires and Montevideo, along with natural wonders.
All-Inclusive Luxury: Offers an all-inclusive cruise experience with fine dining, cultural talks, and enriching shore excursions.
Best for:
If you want a luxury cruise experience that combines Patagonia with a broader South American cultural exploration. Viking offers excellent onboard activities, entertainment, and culinary experiences.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises (Antarctica and Patagonia)
Duration: 14 days
Routes: Antarctica, South Georgia, and Patagonia Expedition: A focus on the Southern Ocean, with stops in Patagonia and South Georgia, often departing from Ushuaia.
Highlights:
Antarctic & Patagonian Exploration: Like Quark, Hapag-Lloyd offers a mix of Patagonia and Antarctic expeditions, including Ushuaia and Punta Arenas stops.
High-End Luxury: Known for its luxury vessels with top-tier service, fine dining, and expert-led excursions.
Wildlife Viewing: This cruise provides excellent opportunities to see penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, along with breathtaking landscapes of glaciers and mountains.
Best for:
If you are seeking luxury expedition cruises that explore Patagonia while also venturing into Antarctica, offering a balance of adventure and comfort.
Summary of Options
For Luxury and Comfort: Choose Australis Cruises or Skorpios Cruises.
For Expedition and Adventure: Opt for Quark Expeditions or Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
For Luxury with Cultural Exploration: Celebrity Cruises or Viking Ocean Cruises.
For Smaller, Eco-Conscious Adventures: Consider G Adventures.
Each of these cruise options offers a unique experience, whether you’re seeking a luxury cruise, an expeditionary adventure, or a more eco-conscious exploration of Patagonia. Feel free to let us know your preferences, and I can help further refine the best cruise for you!
Extra 2 cruises for you
Coastal Chile and Argentina Cruises
These cruises focus on the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina, including spectacular fjords, Patagonia, and the Beagle Channel.
Popular Routes:
Valparaíso (Chile) to Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile)
Puerto Montt (Chile) to Ushuaia (Argentina)
Highlights:
Patagonia: These cruises often stop at breathtaking Patagonian landscapes, including Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, and Magellan Strait.
Chilean Fjords: Navigate through Chilean fjords, including Wulaia Bay, and Pía Glacier, offering incredible natural beauty and wildlife viewing.
Cultural Immersion: Discover the rich European heritage of Buenos Aires, along with the cosmopolitan vibe of Santiago in Chile.
Cruise Lines:
Holland America Line
Celebrity Cruises
Princess Cruises
Antarctic Cruises (Including Patagonia)
For the adventurous traveler, some international cruises explore the Antarctic Peninsula, which often includes stops in Patagonia, Ushuaia, and other key locations.
Popular Routes:
Ushuaia (Argentina) to the Antarctic Peninsula
Buenos Aires (Argentina) to Ushuaia (Argentina)
Punta Arenas (Chile) to Antarctica
Highlights:
Antarctica: Visit the Antarctic Peninsula, a place of dramatic icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Many cruises also include South Georgia Island, known for its huge populations of wildlife.
Patagonia: Explore the Patagonian coastline, including the Chilean fjords, Ushuaia, and Punta Arenas, before heading south to Antarctica.
Glacier Viewing: Experience spectacular views of glaciers, such as Pía Glacier and Perito Moreno Glacier (in Argentina).
Cruise Lines:
Quark Expeditions
Hurtigruten
Ponant
Celebrity Expeditions
