Antarctica Cruises from Chile
The sunny city of Punta Arena may be the gateway to Antarctica, but it’s also a sprawling metropolis with colorful and varied culture.
Your adventure to Antarctica doesn’t have to start on the open waters of the Southern Ocean, especially when the jumping-off point is the spirited and welcoming city of Punta Arenas. On our Antarctica cruises from Chile, get the chance to explore the city's colorful buildings and eat delicious Chilean food, spot several penguin species from your vantage point on Magdalena Island, wander around replicas of ships used in the trading industry, and most importantly, gear up for your journey to the icy edge of the world.
Antarctica Cruises from Chile highlights
Explore the beautiful city of Punta Arenas
This friendly and animated city can sometimes be overlooked by avid adventurists itching to breathe in the fresh Antarctic air, but Punta Arenas promises to draw you in from the moment you catch sight of its colorful buildings and eat its delicious food. Whether you want to revel at an exuberant festival or take a stroll along the city’s waterfront, you won’t ever want to leave this South American slice of paradise.
Sail through the Strait of Magellan
Before you set your sights on waters that are a bit rougher (we’re looking at you Drake Passage), you first have to make it through the Strait of Magellan. And you’re going to be so glad you did. From sparkling blue glaciers and Seno Eyre Fjord landscapes to watching whales as they jump out of the water and magellanic penguins socializing on land, this famous body of water is an adventure in and of itself.
Spot several Antarctic animal species
There are plenty of captivating animals to watch, marvel at, and take photos of in Punta Arenas but there are even more to spot once you set sail for your final icy destination. Whether you want to scour the water’s surface for a breaching humpback whale or pick out colonies of penguins huddling together on the South Shetland Islands, sit back and enjoy the seventh continent’s impressive wildlife show.
Marvel at uniquely shaped icebergs
Even if you’re prepared to see the twisted form of an iceberg as it stretches out of the water, the shape’s glittering surface will still take your breath away. Whether you want to marvel at their unique silhouettes from aboard the Ocean Endeavour or get a closer look at their subtle blue colors from the edge of a zodiac, the mighty size of these icebergs will keep you transfixed for hours.
Take a trip to the popular Nao Victoria Museum
There are heaps of museums in Punta Arenas you could easily spend hours in but the most popular, and dare we say it, the most interesting to explore is the Nao Victoria Museum. Filled with life-size replicas of sailing vessels used to traverse the wild seas by early Antarctic explorers (including those captained by Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin), this museum is not only deeply informative but also offers an insight into a history most of us can’t even imagine.
Brace yourself during the Drake Passage crossing
Just because you’ve left the shores of Punta Arenas doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing until you reach the icy shelves of Antarctica. One massive hurdle stands in your way – crossing the Drake Passage. This legendary body of water is known as one of the roughest sea passages in the world with a swell of up to 26 feet high (yikes). Take some seasickness medication, breathe in the fresh polar air, and ride those monstrous waves to your epic Antarctic adventure.