This is a truly diverse expedition, with highlights that include spending five days in Antarctica before venturing into the Chilean fjords, discovering the rich wildlife of Patagonia and visiting one of the most scenic national parks in the world. Enjoy spending time ashore, kayaking, hiking and close encounters with penguins, birds and seals. Set foot on the most unique and remote place on Earth. Explore the frozen wilderness on daily landings and activities. Embark on an adventure unlike anything else with the leader in Antarctic expedition cruises.
°SOL17 offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer.
The capital of Chile is exciting and diverse. There is a lot to discover here, from the Andean glaciers at the city borders, tall mountains and skyscrapers to quiet parks, colonial architecture, bohemian quarters and the fast-flowing Mapacho River. Your adventure starts with an overnight hotel stay here.
You fly early in the morning to Punta Arenas where MS Roald Amundsen is ready for this expedition to Antarctica.
We sail through the Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his voyage of discovery – HMS Beagle. Then we continue over the Drake Passage, where two oceans meet, on our way to Antarctica. This sea passage was notorious among the early polar explorers and is a unique voyage which few have the chance to experience. The Drake Passage connects the southern Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Antarctica is isolated from the rest of the world by ocean currents. Ninety per cent of the world´s ice is
here, 4000 metres thick, covering the landmass. In winter it is further cut off by the sea ice forming off
the coast - virtually doubling the size of the continent. In summer, it is a breeding ground for millions of
penguins, whales and seals who, for the rest of the year, simply spend their time at sea. Most wildlife here
thrive on the cornerstone species of krill. The krill population in the Southern Ocean represents the
largest biomass of one species on Earth.
We will attempt to land several places, including
Deception
Island, Half Moon Island, Brown Bluff, Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour. All of these places are serene
and offer untouched nature, penguin colonies, seals, whales in the ocean, glaciers, icebergs in every shape
and colour, old whaling stations and research bases.
This wild and remote area seems almost untouched by humans. The glacial ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the isolated islands and hidden bays that form the unique fjord landscape of Chile. Snow-capped mountains and steep valleys make a striking contrast to a lush coastline that is rich in wildlife. You might be lucky enough to spot sea lions, Andean condors and several bird species that can only be found here.
Puerto Natales is the gateway to the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most attractive nature sanctuaries in the world. Its main feature is the “towers” themselves; impressive rock formations, called “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine). The formations are made up of the Torre Central (9,186 feet high), Torre Sur (9,350 feet) and Torre Norte (7,375 feet). The park features azure lakes, trails that meander through emerald forests, roaring rivers, (which you'll cross on rickety bridges) and one big, radiant blue glacier.
After an unforgettable cruise through Patagonian waters, the unique village of Puerto Edén will enchant you. It is a tiny settlement in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people. Puerto Edén is a great place to experience the traditional indigenous culture of Patagonian tribes.
The expedition continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. As we sail through iconic Andean seascapes, you have plenty of time to gaze out on the magnificent natural expanse.
Located on Isla Grande de Chiloé, Castro is set among windswept hills and green vegetation. The city is known for its colourful “palafitos”, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge. Come ashore and enjoy the local Chilote character and curious energy, mixed with a dash of modern development. The Iglesia San Francisco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As we make our way along the Pacific coast to Valparaiso, we will have a recap of everything we have experienced on this expedition. Make sure you spend some time on deck looking for wildlife.
Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. And this expedition ends in the colourful and poetic city of Valparaíso. Maybe you have some time to explore this scenic town before you fly home.
In 2019, Hurtigruten added a brand new ship to its fleet: the MS Roald Amundsen. The state of the art
vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and
show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.
Named after the first man to
cross
Antarctica and reach the South Pole, MS Roald Amundsen leads the way towards an even more sustainable way of
travelling. The ship is specially constructed for voyages in polar waters. It serves as a comfortable
basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the
most sustainable way.
Enjoy from a wide range of comfortable cabins. They vary in size and location, sometimes within the same grade, and as a general rule, outside accommodation on the higher decks has a picture window while the lower decks have portholes.
Choose from a wide selection of innovative dishes based on high quality, local produce that each have a story to tell. Enjoy everything from ultra-fresh seafood to sustainably cultivated root vegetables and free-range reindeer meat, along with excellent cheeses from selected small-scale producers. We recommend topping off your meal with tempting Scandinavian desserts, inspired by the two extremities of Arctic light - the Midnight Sun and Polar Night.
