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Patagonia Nomads Cruise Skorpios

Patagonia Nomads Cruise Skorpios

Patagonia
8 Days
From USD 2,395

Overview

The Skorpios III Patagonian Nomads is not a regular cruise — it operates only twice a year as the ship repositions between its northern and southern bases, sailing the full 8-day route from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt through sections of Chilean Patagonia that no other scheduled cruise covers: a guided walk on Bernal Glacier's moraine, Zodiac landings at Amalia and El Brujo glaciers, navigation along the 75-kilometer front of Pío XI Glacier — the only advancing glacier in the Southern Hemisphere — a stop at the cypress-walkway village of Caleta Tortel, the Kawéskar indigenous community of Puerto Edén, the geothermal pools of Quitralco Fjord, and Chiloé's Dalcahue before arrival in Puerto Montt. Because this voyage begins and ends in different cities, the land logistics are more complex than any round-trip cruise — Southwind coordinates the full sequence: arrival transfers in Puerto Natales, pre-cruise accommodation, and onward connections from Puerto Montt to the Carretera Austral, Chilean Lake District, or international departure.

  • Linear Route Logistics: Arrival into Puerto Natales (via Punta Arenas or direct flight) and departure from Puerto Montt — two different cities, two different airports, coordinated as a single itinerary without you managing the handoff between them.

  • Pre-Cruise Puerto Natales Extension: Torres del Paine is 2 hours from Puerto Natales — a private Torres del Paine tour of 3 to 4 days before embarkation is the most natural pre-cruise addition, with lodge dates coordinated around the fixed 11:00 departure.

  • Post-Cruise Puerto Montt Extension: Puerto Montt connects naturally to the Carretera Austral south or the Chilean Lake District north — both can be added after disembarkation as part of the same private itinerary.

  • Limited Availability: This positioning voyage operates only twice a year — advance booking is essential and availability cannot be treated as flexible once the sailing dates are confirmed.

Trip Highlights

The signature moments that make this journey unforgettable.

  • Navigate through untouched fjords and channels

  • Visit 4 iconic glaciers: Bernal, Amalia, El Brujo & Pío XI

  • Explore remote villages like Puerto Edén and Caleta Tortel

  • Relax in natural hot springs in Quitralco Fjord

  • All-inclusive expedition with guided landings and excursions

Itinerary

Day 1

Your Patagonia glacier cruise begins in Puerto Natales with departure at 11:00 hrs, sailing through the narrow Kirke Pass and into the spectacular Fjord of the Mountains. Surrounded by untouched wilderness, the journey heads toward Bernal Glacier, where arrival is scheduled at approximately 16:30 hrs. Guests disembark for a guided walk across glacial terrain, exploring moraines and native forest. At 20:00 hrs, the ship continues northbound through remote Patagonian channels.

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About the location:
Bernal Glacier is one of the few glaciers in Patagonia that allows direct access on foot. Its retreating ice front has created a fascinating landscape of lagoons, rocky formations, and exposed glacial features, offering a rare opportunity to experience the transition between ice and land up close.

Day 2

At 08:30 hrs, the ship reaches Amalia Glacier, where guests enjoy panoramic views and a landing to observe its striking ice formations. Departure at 10:30 hrs leads to El Brujo Glacier, arriving at 12:30 hrs for a second excursion, often including a closer approach by boat. At 15:00 hrs, navigation continues through fjords and channels, sailing deeper into the Southern Ice Field.

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About the glaciers and fjords:
Amalia Glacier is known for its intense blue tones and impressive scale, fed by constant snowfall from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. El Brujo Glacier offers a more dramatic and rugged setting, with towering ice walls framed by dark volcanic rock, creating a powerful contrast of colors and textures.

Day 3

Arrive at the majestic Pío XI Glacier at 08:00 hrs, navigating along its massive ice front, the largest in South America. After this unforgettable scenic experience, the ship departs at 11:00 hrs toward Puerto Edén, arriving at 15:30 hrs. Guests disembark to explore this remote settlement before continuing the journey at 17:30 hrs through the intricate Patagonian channels.

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About the glaciers and villages:
Pío XI Glacier stands out not only for its immense size but also because it is one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing. Puerto Edén, located on Wellington Island, is a remote village deeply rooted in the Kawéskar culture, offering a glimpse into one of the last remaining indigenous maritime traditions in Patagonia.

Day 4

At 09:00 hrs, the ship docks at Caleta Tortel, where guests explore its unique network of wooden walkways built along the coastline. After the visit, departure takes place at 12:00 hrs, beginning navigation through the Gulf of Penas and into the open Pacific Ocean, one of the most remote stretches of the journey.

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About the location:
Caleta Tortel is famous for its distinctive architecture, with over 7 kilometers of cypress wood pathways replacing traditional streets. Surrounded by rivers, fjords, and dense forest, it is one of the most picturesque and isolated communities in Chilean Patagonia.

Day 5

By 08:00 hrs, the vessel completes its crossing of the open ocean and re-enters the sheltered channels through Anna Pink Bay. The day is dedicated to scenic navigation through pristine fjords, with arrival at Quitralco Fjord expected around 24:00 hrs, surrounded by dramatic mountains and dense vegetation.

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About the route:
This stretch of the journey reveals Patagonia at its most untouched, where towering peaks, waterfalls, and ancient forests dominate the landscape. The transition from open ocean to narrow channels highlights the region’s unique geography shaped by glacial forces over thousands of years.

Day 6

Wake up at 08:00 hrs docked in Quitralco Fjord, a natural sanctuary where guests can enjoy thermal hot springs, small boat excursions, and nature walks. A traditional Patagonian barbecue lunch is served during the day. At 17:00 hrs, the ship departs toward the Chiloé Archipelago.

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About the location:
Quitralco Fjord is a hidden paradise featuring geothermal hot springs with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 38°C. Surrounded by lush vegetation and snow-capped mountains, this tranquil setting offers one of the most relaxing and exclusive experiences in the Chilean fjords.

Day 7

Arrival in Dalcahue is scheduled for 16:30 hrs, where guests disembark to explore this charming town on Chiloé Island. After visiting local markets and cultural landmarks, the ship departs at 20:00 hrs. At 21:00 hrs, a farewell dinner is held onboard as the journey nears its end.

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About the destination:
Dalcahue is a cultural hub of Chiloé, known for its traditional handicrafts, colorful wooden houses, and historic church, part of the UNESCO-listed Churches of Chiloé. The island’s unique identity blends indigenous heritage with Spanish colonial influences.

Day 8

At 08:00 hrs, the ship arrives in Puerto Montt. After breakfast, guests disembark, marking the end of this unforgettable Patagonia fjords and glaciers cruise.

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About the destination:
Puerto Montt serves as the gateway to Chilean Patagonia and the Lake District. Its strategic location connects travelers with fjords, islands, and national parks, making it the perfect conclusion to an expedition through one of the world’s most remote natural regions.

Southwind Experience

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  • Accommodation onboard Skorpios III

  • Full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Guided excursions and landings (zodiac + walks)

  • Navigation through fjords, channels, and glaciers

  • Access to Quitralco hot springs

  • Onboard entertainment and activities

  • Port taxes / embarkation fees

  • Optional pre-cruise night onboard

  • Optional excursions (e.g., Milodón Cave tour)

  • Transfers (airport ↔ port)

  • Drinks at the bar and personal expenses

  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

  • Tips and gratuities

To start this journey, travelers can choose between two convenient options to reach Patagonia. The most common route is to fly into Punta Arenas Airport (PUQ), located just outside the city, which receives domestic flights and international connections via Santiago de Chile (SCL). From there, a scenic overland transfer (approximately 3 hours) takes you to Puerto Natales, the departure point of the cruise.

Alternatively, travelers can take a direct domestic flight from Santiago de Chile (SCL) to Puerto Natales Airport (PNT), which is the closest airport to the embarkation location and offers a faster and more direct option, depending on availability.

  • Arrival Flight: Fly from your origin city to Santiago de Chile (SCL), then either connect to Punta Arenas (PUQ) followed by a transfer to Puerto Natales, or take a direct flight to Puerto Natales (PNT).

  • Departure Flight: At the end of the itinerary, travelers can return via Puerto Natales (PNT) or Punta Arenas (PUQ), connecting through Santiago de Chile (SCL) for onward international flights.

What our travelers say

S

Simon Phillips

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southwind from the planning stages to delivery of the trip in Patagonia were faultless and I really love the little reminders sent for each separate stage and really appreciated the added bits around passport checking and border crossing paperwork. The whole team was super friendly, and for our trip with Fernando he was great company and knew where to stop for refreshments and a view! We would strongly recommend southwind, they go the extra mile on service and have a permanent smile. Thank you guys you were faultless.

S

Sameer Phanse

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience with Southwind. They organized a tour for us to visit Monte Leon from El Calafate. Fernando & Laura organized the logistics and were very helpful. Martin accompanied us on the tour and doubled up as driver and tour guide, which was beyond our expectations. We saw a lot of wildlife en route, as well as in the park with Martin’s help. I highly recommend Southwind for your Patagonia experience.

F

Franco Peverelli

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The agency proved to be extremely professional. During the long transfer, in an impeccably clean and perfectly maintained vehicle, Mr. Fernando was very attentive to ensure that everything went smoothly. I highly recommend this agency for organizing your trips to South America. Only 5 stars because I can't give more!

J

Joanna Green

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maria and her team looked after us so well. I would recommend them in a flash. It was 20 years since I had been to El Calafate so I didn't know what to expect. It had changed so much! Maria was helpful, honest, well priced and a pleasure to work with. You could not ask for more. We had the best time thanks to Maria and her organisation. Fernando was our driver to a tour and a delight. Punctual, knowledgeable and all round wonderful. Gracias!!

R

Rosa Puech

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous company to travel with: the sequencing of the trip, the guides proposed, the suggestions for the area. We highly recommend this travel agency for Patagonia. Fernando is top+top.

M

Martin Bride

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★

Gerardo drove us on a bespoke 8- day trip from Salta up into the wilderness where the 🦩 come to get pink. We had a great time in this spectacular region.

E

Esteban Riminucci

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exelente asesoramiento de Maria Laura , muy buen servicio y cordialidad de los coordinadores , muy recomendables !!

P

Paulo Fanti

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Muy buena la atención tanto por WhatsApp como en las excursiones. Puntuales en las búsquedas en el hotel... De las excursiones que llevo hechas (todas excelentes) la atención, la coordinación y el conocimiento de los guías es muy bueno. Un excelente servicio, lo recomiendo!

A

Ana Zugarramurdi

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amazing company and experience. We did the Todo Glaciares boat tour in the Premium Lounge and it was beyond expectations! Great staff, great cruise and food! Highly recommended!

How to Customize This Itinerary

  • Add a few nights in Puerto Natales, the departure point of your cruise and a charming town on the shores of Última Esperanza Sound. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and prepare for your glacier expedition.

  • Discover Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most iconic trekking destinations in the world. Marvel at its granite towers, turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, and abundant wildlife including guanacos, foxes, and condors.

  • Explore Punta Arenas, a historic city located on the Strait of Magellan. Discover its European-influenced architecture, museums, and nearby penguin colonies on Magdalena Island.

  • Travel to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, where forests, mountains, and the Beagle Channel create a dramatic end-of-the-world setting.

  • Extend your trip into Argentina with a visit to El Calafate, home to the Perito Moreno Glacier, famous for its massive ice walls and dramatic calving events.

  • Explore El Chaltén, known as the trekking capital of Argentina, and enjoy world-class hikes to the iconic peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre, surrounded by pristine wilderness and breathtaking scenery.

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