Introduction
Close to Puerto Natales is the magnificent UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Torres del Paine. In addition, to the west of Torres del Paine, there is even more remarkable geographic scenery, especially the land sculptured by rivers and glaciers leaving behind fiords and islands interwoven by a network of inlets and channels.
This is where the Southern Ice Field, an area of permanent snow and ice covering 13,900km2, sits on top of the Andes. In length it measures 350km north to south. The ice cap is also the third most important reserve of freshwater on the planet. From this “small-country size” area of frozen water is the origin of close to 50 glaciers, that slowly move downward carving out new valleys as they do so, before finally meeting their end when they convert back to their former, liquid water state, as they join with the tranquil waters in the fiords.
Apart from the views the Skorpios ship offers an opportunity to experience some nostalgia of being on board a “cruise ship” (which used to be an ice breaker). The Skorpios cabin interiors are finished with wall-covered wood and decorated in a cosy style. In addition, the common areas of the ship emit a “personal vibe”, a place where you can mingle with other guests and enjoy the overall cruise.
The Skorpios III Ship
Please follow this link for more information and pictures of the Skorpios III ship.
The per person cost will depend on the type of cabin you select and the date of departure.
Please follow this link to the Skorpios Kaweskar Itinerary dates and cabin costs.
Click on map for larger image
This cruise will cover a total distance of around 611km., navigating through water channels and fiords that were also once occupied by massive glaciers, enabling a water-borne access into the heart of natural, virgin parts of Patagonia without roads, buildings, and people.
This navigation penetrates the natural wilderness, revealing, among other natural aspects, numerous glaciers. Along the route passengers will be introduced to 15 glaciers, whereupon at some locations there will be an option to disembark and get closer to the ice.
For most people the experience of seeing a large, frozen river of ice at close quarters is a jaw-dropping moment, and rewards those who love to explore, like the pioneers used to, to know pristine places, walk on glacial moraine and pass by floating icebergs.
During the Skorpios navigation there will be numerous, natural geological sights as well as wild fauna to see. However, the following are places of note.
Amalia Glacier
This is a large glacier that comes down from the Andes and then “hugs” Mount Reclus before revealing a glacial face of up to 90m in height and 3km in width.
El Brujo Glacier
There is a rock, named “Gorbo Rock” with an exposed smooth surface to the left of the glacier, and here is a disembarkation point where passengers can stand on land and yet very close to the glacier.
Calvo Fiord
Among the fiords that will be navigated are the Calvo Fiord, where numerous glaciers come down from the mountain summits like long, white-blue fingers creating an effect like an “arena of millennial ice”. In this fiord are the glaciers – Fernando, Capitan Constantine, Alipo, Piloto Marcelo and Mongalve.
Las Montañas Fiord
In the Las Montañas Fiord there are five glaciers. These are the Zamudio, Alsina, Paredes, Bernal and Herman. Here, passengers will be able to walk to the glacial face of Bernal in the morning and visit Glacier Herman in the afternoon.
Apart from the Ice
The forests that will be seen will be ancient, native woodlands that have never been touched by man and among them are rare mosses, lichens and shrubs.
Among the wildlife there are Condors that rule the sky; and on, and in, the water are royal cormorants, black-necked and coscoroba swans; in the water are dolphins and sea lions, and on the land are often ostriches (rhea), foxes, guanacos, pumas and huemuls (deer).
The great advantage to being on the Skorpios is that you will be able to see and get to places where no road vehicle can reach, because there are no roads.
Exploring into the heart of Patagonia by ship opens up stunning, natural scenes.
Skorpios Kaweskar Route 3 Nights
Depart: Puerto Natales / Returns: Puerto Natales
Check-in Information and Departure Days
Check-in at the office located at Muelle Waldemar Hofmann (Kochifas): Between 15:30hrs – 16:00hrs. This jetty is located about 3km along the road leading out north from Puerto Natales village that passes in front of Weskar, Altiplanico and Remota hotels.
TUESDAY Departure / Returns Friday - Sets Sail between 17:30hrs – 18:00hrs
FRIDAY Departure / Returns Monday - Sets Sail 17:30hrs - 18:00hrs
Summary of Itinerary (full itinerary further below)
Day 1
Passenger reception at 16:00hrs on the Tuesday and Friday departures. Set sail between 17:30hrs – 18:00hrs.
Day 2
Arrival to Amalia Glacier at 08:00hrs. Visit other glaciers. Head to Montañas Fiord.
Day 3
Montaña’s Fiord. Evening farewell dinner. Navigation through Almirante Montt Gulf.
Day 4
Arrival to Puerto Natales between 02.00hrs (am) and 07.00hrs, depending on wind conditions. Disembarkation between 08.00hrs and 09.30hrs.
Full Itinerary (information supplied by Skorpios)
Day 1:
16:00hrs Tuesday or Friday. Passenger reception. Safety speech about the vessel, the place will be determined that day.
- Tuesday Departure from Puerto Natales is on the Wednesday morning at 06:00hrs
- Friday Departure from Puerto Natales between 17.30 and 18.00 hrs.
- Sailing through Angostura Kirke, Morla, Vicuña, Unión, Collingwood and Sarmiento channels.
Day 2:
08:00hrs. Arrival at Amalia Glacier. The vessel approaches the Glacier. Panoramic view from the ship. 09:30hrs. Disembarkation on a nearby beach, soft hiking through the beach, flora and rocks, arriving to a viewpoint where we can appreciate this beautiful glacier. 11:30hrs. Sailing for El Brujo Glacier. 14:00hrs. Arrival at El Brujo Glacier. Weather and ice permitting, passengers can disembark and contemplate this glacier from a nearby rock. 15:30hrs. Get sailing to amazing Calvo Fjord. 17:10hrs. Arrival at Calvo Fjord and excursion on the "Capitán Constantino" icebreaker, appropriate to navigate between the ice. Visit to the Fernando, Capitán Constantino and Alipio glaciers, among others. 20:00hrs. Sail towards Montañas Fjord.
Day 3:
09:00hrs. Visit to Montañas Fjord, from where you can see four glaciers, that slide down the Sarmiento Mountains to the sea, two of them are on our route. 09:30hrs. Visit to Alsina Glacier, excursion on our boats, to explore this small bay and its glaciar, enjoying its beauty and enormous mountains surrounding. 10:30hrs. Return to Skorpios III. Continue sailing through Montañas Fjord toward Bernal Glacier. 11:15hrs. Disembarkation on Bernal Glacier. Initiate a soft walking in a small native forest, and then crossing through a stream, which crosses a glacier water lagoon. Continue soft hiking over front and side moraines. Arrival at Glacier. Here, passengers can feel and touch the ice, and appreciate the iceberg melting. 12:45hrs. Passengers return to the ship, which is in the natural water supplying phase. This water, provided from a cascade, is used on board for all ship services. 14:00hrs. Skorpios III continues sailing through Montañas Fjord, we will be able to see Herman and Zamudio glaciers from the ship. 17:45hrs. Arrival at White angostura. Disembarkation. Then, on the excursion boats, sailing among island and rocks, enjoying the native fauna and flora. 19:30hrs. Returning to the ship and preparation for Captain's dinner. 21:00hrs. Farewell Party. Captain's Dinner and dance. Navigation through Almirante Montt gulf.
Day 4:
Arrival to Puerto Natales between 02:00 and 07:00hrs, depending on wind conditions, to reach Skorpios Terminal. 08:00 and 09:30hrs. Passengers leave the ship, those who have hired the service, transfer to the Punta Arenas airport by coach (consult fees). End of our service. Note: The program and schedules may change depending on weather conditions or force majeure. Also, disembarkation will depend on the authorization of the captain of the ship, who will evaluate the safety and ice conditions of each place. Timings of lectures and activities will be informed during the sailing.
Naturally ExperienceChile.Org will be pleased to arrange a pre and / or post itinerary into Torres del Paine and / or pre or post accommodation in Puerto Natales. Please just ask.
