Overview
Navigating the Canal de las Montañas is a new experience in Southern Patagonia taking the capacity for wonder to the next level! In a full-day excursion aboard the Fiordos del Sur II catamaran experience the impressive corners of the Kawésqar National Park located 3 hours from Puerto Natales by boat. With an extension of more than 50 kilometers, the channels and fjords of these mountains offer incredible views of the Roca Peninsula and its cliffs, magnificent views of the glaciers that break off from the Sarmiento Mountain Range and its snow-capped peaks. Along this adventure, there is the possibility of observing the imposing Mount Burney in the distance – a passive volcanic stratum covered with ice and with heights that exceed 1,500 meters above sea level. We will learn about the first humans who populated and navigated the Patagonian channels – the first explorations and the beginnings of colonization in the province of Última Esperanza.
Trip Highlights
• Explore the beautiful fjords of Kawésqar National Park
• Jaw-dropping views of the Sarmiento Mountain Range
• View the Zamudio Glacier & Bernal Glacier Landmark
• Learn the history of the first humans who navigated the Patagonian channels
• See various marine and avifauna up-close in their natural habitat
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• PUERTO NATALES
• ÚLTIMA ESPERANZA
• MAGALLANES & ANTARCTIC REGION
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• FULL DAY EXCURSION PACK LIST
Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer to Puerto Natales Pier – Navigation of the Mountain Channels & Fjords in Kawésqar National Park
10 Minute walk to Pier or 5 Minute Transfer to Coast
10 Hour Navigation
(B-L-Snack)
(1.520 masl), an inactive volcano stratum covered in ice located in the Sarmiento Peninsula 90 kilometers from Puerto Natales.
Five glaciers that detached from the Cordillera Sarmiento compose the Montaña Fjord’s principal structure. From South to North are the Zamudio, Bernal, Herman, Alsina and Paredes Glaciers.
These ice giants’ surroundings are mainly characterized by moraines, cliffs, evergreen forests and a variety of snow and ice covered peaks. The contrast is notorious in the front mountain range, where greater verticality, less forest, and cracked walls rise 1,500 meters above sea level in the Roca Peninsula. The first stop is in front of Zamudio Glacier. From the boat, observe the ice colossus, its structure forming a small bay with a rocky bottom, evergreen forest on the south face and rocky slopes on the opposite face.
Next, visit Bernal Glacier Landmark. The access is more exposed and has a lagoon formed by melting ice on its front face, transferring water through small and colorful tributaries with rocks and low-lying vegetation towards the fjord.
We’ll begin today’s exciting adventure early in order to arrive to the pier – located just a few minutes away from the Costaustralis Hotel along the coast of Puerto Natales by 6:30AM for check-in aboard the Fiordos del Sur II catamaran where we are welcomed by the crew. After a welcome introduction and and safety briefing, we will set sail by 7AM in the Almirante Montt Gulf towards the White or Kirke Passes. White Pass will take us through the Santa María Channel in front of Cordillera Riesco’s jutting peaks. We will be served breakfast to enjoy as we set off on our navigation.
After about three hours navigating the still fjord waters, we will observe the mythical Mount Burney jutting 1,520 meters above sea level. Now an inactive volcano stratum covered in ice, it’s located in the Sarmiento Peninsula 90 kilometers from Puerto Natales. Five glaciers that detached from the Cordillera Sarmiento compose the Montaña Fjord’s principal structure. From South to North are the Zamudio, Bernal, Herman, Alsina and Paredes Glaciers. These ice giants’ surroundings are mainly characterized by moraines, cliffs, evergreen forests and a variety of snow and ice covered peaks.
By afternoon, we’ll enjoy lunch aboard our navigation as we quietly take in the views. The contrast is notorious in the front mountain range, where greater verticality, less forest, and cracked walls rise 1,500 meters above sea level in the Roca Peninsula. The first stop is in front of Zamudio Glacier. From the boat, observe the ice colossus, its structure forming a small bay with a rocky bottom, evergreen forest on the south face and rocky slopes on the opposite face. Next, visit Bernal Glacier Landmark. The access is more exposed and has a lagoon formed by melting ice on its front face, transferring water through small and colorful tributaries with rocks and low-lying vegetation towards the fjord.
On board we will enjoy hot beverages and snacks during our navigation as we capture once-in-a-lifetime views of this rarely explored territory.
The duration of this excursion is 11 hours total and we’ll arrive back to Puerto Natales around 6PM.
INCLUDED
- Transfers from/ to hotels in urban/downtown area of Puerto Natales
- Round-trip Navigation of the Canal de las Montañas
- Life Jackets & Port Taxes
- Breakfast, Lunch, Beverages, National Liquors, Cookies, Coffee & Water on Board
- English Speaking Guide During Navigation
NOT INCLUDED
- Insurance of Any Kind
- Dinner
- Personal Items for Excursion
- Gratuities for Driver/Guides
Lodgings
Dates & Prices
PRICES FOR SEASON 2022/2023: (Valid until April 2023)
*Full day excursions can can only be booked if you already have a program reserved with us.
Adults: USD$ 355 per person
Children (Ages 5-12): USD$ 180 per person
DEPARTURES UPON REQUEST
FAQ's
Add-Ons & Upgrades
PRIVATE DEPARTURES AVAILABLE – PLEASE CONTACT A TRIP SPECIALIST TO PLAN YOUR EXCURSION!
