Sailing Through the Chilean Fjords and Experiencing the Majestic Wonders of Patagonia

During the 2024-25 season, Antarctica21 is launching a new sea voyage itinerary on Magellan Explorer – a 9-day wilderness experience in Southern Chile and the Patagonia Ice Field. In late March 2023, we embarked on a scouting trip to test the waters. A group of special guests had the chance to visit the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, the western end of the Strait of Magellan, Madre de Dios Island, Puerto Eden, and the San Rafael Glacier.

In this Journal post, Enzo Ragazzone, one of our guests, tells us about his experience on that journey.

Enzo and his wife on the Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Sea Voyage. Photo: Enzo Ragazzone

Q. Tell us a bit about your experience sailing through Patagonia, Enzo.
A: I was born in Chile, and I live in Santiago. I love my country and have been fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout it, including in Patagonia. However, traveling by ship provides an entirely different perspective and travel experience. We attended an educational presentation from Antarctica21’s expert guides on board and were able to immerse ourselves in the different cultures of the places we visited.

The view from the sea is different: limitless horizons and enriching perspectives. There is a feeling of boundless serenity and relaxation. Navigating amidst the canals allows you to enter the landscape and contemplate infinitely more.

Q. What were some highlights of the expedition?
A: One of the highlights of sailing through these beautiful places and practically virgin nature was visiting the Pio XI Glacier in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. I had no idea how massive it is! It is the longest glacier in South America, 66 km in length. It was so impressive, as big as Santiago!

Another highlight was being able to reach all those remote little places among the fjords that are rarely visited. We saw dolphins, whales, cotcots, sea otters, leopard seals, and a surprising number of bird species you don’t see every day when you travel by land. One of the guides mentioned that over 150 species of birds live in these regions! I hoped to see a blue whale, but I was not lucky. Apparently, the Gulf of Corcovado is a major feeding ground for blue whales.

The Pio XI Glacier from the sea. Photo: Enzo Ragazzone

Q: What was your favorite activity?
A: My favorite activity during this expedition was being able to hike in different remote locations. I also enjoyed exploring by Zodiac.

There were various activities to choose from. Having that close contact with nature made me feel at peace – a deep tranquility and joy that made me want to stay there.

Hiking during the Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Sea Voyage. Photo: Enzo Ragazzone

Q: How would you describe your overall experience?
A: The entire experience was excellent, time flew, and we didn’t want the voyage to end. We were all so happy and wanted to participate in all the activities. By the journey’s end, we had established wonderful friendships with the participants. Not to mention, Magellan Explorer and the staff were spectacular.

Magellan Explorer from the shores of the Chilean Patagonia. Photo: Enzo Ragazzone

Q: Who would you recommend this trip to?
A: Without a doubt to nature lovers and history buffs. This voyage is for the adventurous traveler who seeks to explore the remote coast of Southern Chile and go off the beaten path. Although the world knows Patagonia for its impressive natural landscapes, this region has a lot of history and culture, and you get to see all these things on this expedition. Learning about Magellan, Cook, Darwin, de Agostini, and others as we sailed this remote region was very inspiring.

For more information about this expedition, click here.