The Kaweskar Explorers Route
Puenta Arenas - Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas
Aboard M.V. Skorpios III
Sailing through the channels and fjords, be enthralled by the scenery and majestic contrast of light and shade, where the mountains meet the sea. These channels were traversed by such legendary explorers as Darwin and Fitzroy and their natural beauty is manifested through an immense variety of flora and fauna. Dolphins, cormorants and gigantic ferns amaze all interested in the region's ecology. You'll marvel at the inexorable laziness of the glaciers as they slowly flow towards the Pacific Ocean, transformed and sculptured over centuries. As M.V.Skorpios III sails close to the glaciers, she's able to navigate amongst myriad icebergs of varying sizes, shapes and colours of every hue. In her especially designed motorboats you will participate in many enjoyable excursions ashore. On your last night the captain's gala dinner is a fitting end to this spectacular experience as you return to port in Puerto Natales.
Day 1 - Saturday
Passengers are met at the Puerto Natales airport (effective September 2008 - Prior to this you are met at Punta Arenas airport). Transfer by bus to Puerto Natales Skorpios Terminal. Embarkation. 8.00pm. Welcome drink and dinner on board. 8.30pm. Ship sets sail from Puerto Natales, navigating the Patagonian Channels, Kirke Narrowness, Channel Morla Vicuña, Seno Unión.
Day 2 - Sunday
During the morning, we will continue navigating through the Sarmiento Channel, Pitt Channel and Concepción Channel. 10.00 am. arrival to the Amalia Glacier, the motorvessel gets closer to the Glacier, panoramic view from the ship. 12.00 pm. Skorpios III starts sailing north. 7.00pm. Arrival to the Antrim Fjord, where we will supply with drinking water from a crystal clear river. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Monday
An 8.00am Visit to Pío XI Glacier, navigating in front of the glacier, the biggest of South America, with a surface of 1263 km2, belonging to the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, the biggest national park in Chile.12.30 pm Ship weighs anchor from Seno Eyre and Grappler Channel. 4.30pm arrival to Puerto Edén, disembarkation in boats. Two hours excursion, visiting this village, located in Wellington Island. Its first inhabitants were the kaweskar or alacalufes aborigines. This village doesn't have any streets, only footbridges, were it is possible to take a walk around town and go up to a viewpoint. Ship sets sail at 6.30pm from Puerto Edén, navigating through the Paso del Indio and Paso del Abismo.
Day 4 - Tuesday
We continue navigating through the Calvo Fjord where we will be able to appreciate four glaciers, of different shapes and colors. Excursions on board “Capitan Constantino” (icebreaker motorboat). The icebreaker gets close to the Constantino Glacier, only if the weather and ice conditions allow so. Excursion to the Alipio and Fernando Glacier. During the afternoon, navigation through the Peel Fjord. Early this evening arrive at the Brujo Glacier, excursion to the glacier rocks, disembarkation to land to visit this enormous mass of ice.
Day 5 - Wednesday
Visit to the Montañas Fjord were we will be able to see five little glaciers that hook of from the hills to the sea. Visit to the Bernal Glacier. Ship sets sail from the Montañas Fjord, cross of the Kirke Narrowness, during the night, the ship casts anchor at Seno Ultima Esperanza. Captain's farewell dinner and dance.
Day 6 - Thursday
Navigating Seno Ultima Esperanza, 08.30 am arrival at Skorpios Terminal in Puerto Natales. 10.00 am passengers disembark, transfer by bus to Puerto Natales airport (Prior to September 2008, passengers will be transferred to Punta Arenas).
