From October to March, the southern hemisphere’s summer brings with it more a temperate climate and seemingly never-ending days when the sun barely sets.
Abundant wildlife on land and in the water will entertain the whole family, while the wild and breath-taking landscapes provide memories that last a lifetime. Taking a naturalist on your voyage can add a whole new dimension to any cruise in Patagonia and Antarctica, especially for children.
Those with a truly adventurous streak can even charter a private submersible with some yachts, to venture into the surprisingly teeming depths of the polar water.
PATAGONIA
Outdoor activities are in abundance in Patagonia. Enjoy thrilling helicopter expeditions, hikes across vast glacial plains or fly fishing in remote rivers. Spend a day with the local gauchos on horseback or marvel at the unique wildlife including pumas, wild cats, penguins, seals and migrating whales.
Ushuaia in Argentina is the southernmost city in the world. Hike on the 1,050-metre Martial Glacier behind the city, ascending by chairlift, or take a private helicopter tour directly to the top of the glacier.
Take a boat trip at the Pia Glacier, on the Chilean side of Tierra del Fuego, to see the light blue ice carve directly into the water.
Cruise through dramatic fjords in the Alacalufes National Park and drop anchor in secluded basins, such at Puerto Profundo. Explore the coastal grasslands, make your way to ethereal waterfalls or jump in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard to tour the bays in utter tranquility.
Take a helicopter trip inland to the isolated Lago Azopardo for a remote fly fishing experience where you are almost guaranteed to catch Patagonian trout.
Visit Parque Marino Francisco Coloane, by Carlos III Island, which is the first and only sea park in Chile created to preserve humpback whales.
ANTARCTICA
KING GEORGE ISLAND
From Punta Arenas, at the southern tip of Chile, take the two-hour flight to King George Island off the Antarctic Penninsula and board your yacht to start a 7-to-10-day adventure in Antarctica.
ICEBERG ALLEY
Venture through the waters of Antarctic Sound and cruise among the gargantuan icebergs floating north from the Weddell Sea, towering over the yacht like skyscrapers. The variety of shapes, colours and sizes is breathtaking and one of the highlights of a voyage for many visitors. Head south from Snow Hill Island for a rare chance to see Emperor penguins on passing ice floes.
DECEPTION ISLAND
Visit the volcanic Deception Island in the South Shetland Islands, one of the safest harbours in Antarctica. Once home to a whaling station, its protection is provided by the C-shaped, cauldron-like lagoon created when the island’s volcano erupted in the 1960s. Hike to the summit of the 570m peaks or take dip in the warm waters heated by the island’s volcanic activity.
GLACIER CARVING
Brown Bluff’s landmass is formed by volcanic eruptions underneath the glacier. Watch the glaciers carve directly into the sea. Take a tour by a kayak or tender among these majestic giants or venture ashore to the snow-covered hillsides.
NEKO HARBOUR
Never one to disappoint, Neko Harbour is a highlight of any trip to Antarctica. Disembark at the far end of the Harbour and ascend the hill past resident penguins to reach a superb viewpoint with vistas of the dramatic mountain peaks and the calm waters below. Whales often frequent the bay, popping up alongside the castle icebergs that have found their way into the confines of the Harbour.
NEUMAYER CHANNEL & PORT LOCKROY
Through the beautiful, cliff-lined Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy offers a look back in time at its designated historical site, part of the British Antarctic Territory.
WHALE SPOTTING
Fans of the majestic sea mammals will not be disappointed by the variety of whales native to the Gerlache Strait. Keep an eye out for circles of bubbles on the water as humpbacks rise to breach the surface. Minke and blue whales as well as orcas also frequent the area.
THE GULLET & MARGUERITE BAY
Conditions permitting, meander through the ice-packed labyrinth of channels in The Gullet as the yacht breaks through the tough crust of surface ice. In favourable weather, some vessels may be able to venture farther south into Marguerite Bay, with its dramatic fjord and elephant seal colony on Jenny Island.
Visit YACHTZOO’s listings of yachts for charter for more charter inspiration.
