Patagonia Gay Cruise & Expedition

¡Bienvenidos a Argentina! Touch down in Buenos Aires, a city where European design meets Latin passion. Known for its grand boulevards, café culture, and sultry tango rhythms, this energetic capital sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Wander leafy plazas, sip Malbec at a corner bar, or dive into the city’s dynamic culinary scene. This evening, we’ll get acquainted with a Group Meeting at 6:00 PM, followed by an included Welcome Dinner.

After an early breakfast, we’ll head to the airport for our private charter flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city on Earth. Nestled between snow-capped peaks and the Beagle Channel, this remote outpost is your gateway to Patagonia’s wild frontier. Enjoy some free time to explore its charming streets before boarding the cutting-edge Ultramarine. This afternoon, we set sail through the historic Beagle Channel, tracing the edge of Tierra del Fuego.

Today, we venture toward one of the most sought-after landmarks in maritime history: Cape Horn. Known as the “end of the world,” this windswept headland marks the meeting point of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Weather permitting, we’ll go ashore to hike to the lighthouse and the Stella Maris Chapel, standing in quiet tribute to the sailors who once braved these treacherous waters. With endless ocean views and the roar of the wind, this is Patagonia at its most raw and powerful.

Prepare for incredible scenery as we cruise the legendary Glacier Alley, where colossal rivers of ice tumble from the Darwin Mountains into the sea. Named in honor of the European countries that explored the region, glaciers like Francia, Italia, and Holanda gleam in shades of blue and white. We’ll explore by Zodiac and (conditions permitting) hike to scenic viewpoints near Pia Glacier. Keep watch for soaring Andean condors and playful seals as we retrace the route of Charles Darwin through this pristine, otherworldly landscape.

PLEASE NOTE: Unlike our typical offerings, an expedition cruise is not only more exciting, but also less predictable. The Captain must factor in ever-changing sea, wildlife, and weather conditions in a remote part of the world. Therefore, the itinerary is less specific than usual, and sights visited are subject to change. Still, the days will be full of adventure.

Tucked within a tranquil lagoon in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier offers a striking change of scenery. Flowing over rolling hills rather than jagged peaks, it’s a rare and mesmerizing sight. We’ll aim to go ashore for a gentle hike along the shoreline, taking in sweeping views of glaciers, forests, and mountains in one serene panorama.

Today, we glide through a remote maze of fjords and channels, where snow-dusted peaks rise dramatically from the sea. As we sail deeper into Chilean Patagonia, our Expedition Team will bring the landscape to life with stories of glaciology, wildlife, and early exploration. Up on deck, keep an eye out for seabirds, dolphins, and even whales breaching nearby. It’s a day to reflect, recharge, and relax amidst the raw beauty that surrounds us.

Arriving in Puerto Natales, we step ashore for an unforgettable journey into Torres del Paine National Park. Towering granite spires, turquoise lakes, and sweeping pampas define this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Choose from a range of guided excursions tailored to your activity level, from scenic lookouts to invigorating hikes. We’ll also visit a traditional Patagonian estancia, where you’ll gain insight into local ranching culture and, with luck, spot guanacos and rheas roaming the grasslands. A sampling of barbecued lamb al palo (on a stick) rounds out this experience before returning to the ship.

As we sail the “Channel of the Mountains,” we’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and glaciers that spill dramatically into the sea. This narrow passage is a visual masterpiece, with shimmering ice fields and steep cliffs at every turn. Weather permitting, we’ll explore by Zodiac or even kayak for a closer, more intimate encounter with this breathtaking landscape.

Wildlife takes center stage today at Tucker Islets, home to a lively colony of Magellanic penguins. While we won’t land (to protect their habitat), our Zodiac cruise brings us close enough to watch these charismatic creatures waddle, dive, and play. Keep your binoculars handy: this area is also rich in birdlife, and if we’re lucky, dolphins may make an appearance alongside the boat.

Set within the protected wilderness of Alberto de Agostini National Park, Ainsworth Bay is a haven of sub-Antarctic forest and spectacular beauty. We’ll head ashore for hikes suited to all levels, with rewarding views of Marinelli Glacier and the surrounding fjord. Birdlife is abundant here, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Today’s destination is a true hidden gem, as we enter a glacial amphitheater where waterfalls cascade and icebergs drift in silence. Step ashore for close-up views of North Brookes Glacier, and listen for the thunderous crack of calving ice, a powerful reminder of nature’s force in this remote corner of the world.

As we re-enter the historic Strait of Magellan, we visit the remote San Isidro region. Here, a timeworn lighthouse and small museum offer insight into the lives of early explorers and seafarers who once navigated these waters. Surrounded by rugged coastline and sweeping views, it’s a fitting final chapter to this epic journey.

After one last breakfast onboard, we’ll disembark in Punta Arenas and bid farewell to our amazing Expedition Team. An included flight whisks us to Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, where our journey concludes. Thanks for joining our Patagonia adventure, and safe travels home!

Please do not book your international flights out of Santiago until you have received the trip confirmation email.