Skorpios II Chonos Route

Cruises

SUMMARY

6 Days

Chile, Patagonia

Skorpios II Chonos Route is a sailing cruise along the Northern fjords of Chile. The cruise departs from Puerto Montt, located at the southern end of the Northern Patagonian Ice field and travels south towards the main highlight of the region, San Rafael Glacier. This route is a breathtaking journey through Patagonian glaciers and lands of myths and legends. Share in the history of isolated villages and meet the people who inhabit this unforgiving part of the world. A voyage onboard allows you to navigate 800 miles through gulfs, channels and the Llanquihue, Chiloé, Chonos and Aysén archipelagos. You will visit the village of Puerto Aguirre and the mythical city of Castro in Chiloe. Lastly, you will explore the spectacular San Rafael Glacier as well as the Quitralco Fjord.

About the vessel: The M/V Skorpios II has been designed for cruising the icy waters of Chile’s fjords. It has 53 cabins and can take up to 106 passengers. Most cabins are twin beds, although some have queen size beds. However, all have private baths, heating, international phone system, TV, ventilation system, background music. The cabins are distributed in all five decks, and all, except the Athens, have windows. The cruise has an open deck that provide a magnificent view of stunning landscapes. An experienced crew will pamper you during Skorpios II Chonos Route. Whats’more, you will be able to enjoy an excellent gastronomic experience. The chef will prepare an incredible array of regional cuisine based on sea and meat products of the area, complemented with fine Chilean wines.

The Skorpios II Chonos Route departs every Friday starting from September to April.

HIGHLIGHTS

Sail more than 1000km through the northern Chilean fjords
Visit picturesque villages on Chiloe Island
Bathe in the natural hot springs of Quitralco
Observe abundant birdlife, Magellan penguins and maybe even whales as you sail through untamed wilderness
See the spectacular San Rafael Glacier

ITINERARY

Day 1 Puerto Montt/Cruise

Transfer to the Skorpios Terminal for check-in this morning and then board your Skorpios II cruise. At noon depart from the dock in Puerto Montt and begin sailing through the archipelago of Llanquihue with sight on the city of Calbuco. Ancud Gulf. Arrive at Quemchi on the island of Chiloé. Disembark on small boats towards the picturesque village where you can visit a handicraft market, cafes, the museum of the Chilean author Francisco Coloane and stroll around the beautiful streets. This evening the cruise will continuing sailing south along the archipelago of Chiloé, crossing the Gulf of Corcovado at midnight.

Day 2 Puerto Aguirre/Cruise

Today’s expedition will take you to Puerto Aguirre, a village in the middle of the fjord region. Navigation through the channels of Moraleda and Ferronave.Disembark in the fishing village of Puerto Aguirre, enclosed by the Chonos archipelago. Walk along the streets, passing a typical Patagonian rainforest arriving at a nice lookout where you can see the fjords. Walk around town with the locals and learn about their way of life in this remote area. After visiting the village continue sailing through the Ferronave, Pilcomayo and Costa channels. Arrive at Islote Barrientos, where you’ll disembark to smaller boats to approach the rock formations and visit one of the largest bird colonies in Chile, counting Kelp Gulls, Rock shags, Red-legged shags and Imperial shags. South American fur seals accompany these birds. After dinner this evening anchor at Hualas Cove or Punta Leopardas, just 20 nautical miles from the San Rafael Glacier.

Day 3 San Rafael Glacier/Cruise

Early this morning we join the San Rafael Lagoon and Tempanos Channel. Once in the lagoon, the cruise will anchor about 2km away from the famous glacier. Time to get ready for boat excursions that will take you to some stunning icebergs (weather permitting). It is very likely to see Albatross, Cormorants, Sea Lions, Leopard seals and Cahuil Seagulls. Sometimes it is possible to see dolphins in this region. Later this afternoon the Skorpios II will approach the glacier for onboard views, and then set sail for the Quitralco Fjord.

Day 4 Quitralco Fjord/Cruise

This morning the cruise will harbour at Quitralco pier. After breakfast, you will have the option to disembark and bathe at local thermal hot springs. The water temperatures reach 32ºC in covered and outdoor pools. Today’s lunch will be a traditional Patagonic BBQ. Weather permitting, you can take a boat excursions through the inside of the fjord where you might see more marine wildlife. This evening continue sailing towards Chiloe, navigating the Moraleda and Perez Norte channels.

Day 5 Dalcahue/Cruise

This morning we sail back through the Corcovado Gulf. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback and blue whales. Continue sailing the eastern coast of Chiloe Island and arrive at Islote Conejos. Disembark on small boats to visit the island inhabited by Magellan Penguins (Mid October to Mid March) and birds. Continue sailing and arrive at Dalcahue where you can visit the handicraft market, the church and stroll along the promenade. Back on board, there will be a farewell party with Captain’s dinner and dance. Sail through the night towards Puerto Montt.