Kent Island — Between two worlds
A sheltered anchorage in an inner arm of Kent Island, where the forest reaches the water. Just a few metres away, the landscape changes radically: an open beach faces directly onto the immensity of the Pacific.
About the expedition
Between islands and ice
Our expedition sets sail from Puerto Aguirre towards Kent Island and Italia Island, gradually entering a geography where channels and archipelagos give way to the great glacial landscapes of Patagonia.
From Italia Island we will sail towards Quitralco Fjord, a deep marine corridor surrounded by forests and mountains, where the hot springs offer an opportunity to stop in one of the most distinctive places on this journey. We will continue towards Nalcayec Island and then travel up the Los Patos River, entering the Témpanos River towards a landscape increasingly dominated by ice. The territory transforms: forests and mountains give way to waters laden with glacial sediment, icebergs and immense walls of ice.
More about the expedition+
The expedition will then reach Laguna San Rafael, one of Patagonia's great glacial landscapes, where the Northern Patagonian Ice Field meets the ocean through a landscape of extraordinary scale. In front of San Rafael Glacier, icebergs float across the lagoon with the pulse of the tides and the constant calving of ice. From there we will continue towards Bahía Exploradores, closing a journey that begins among the islands of the Chonos and ends at the heart of one of Patagonia's largest ice reserves.
The expedition
Where the ice begins
A transitional expedition between two worlds: from the island labyrinth to glacial territory, following the channels and rivers that connect the southern forests with the ice.
Arrival at the ice of San Rafael
After several days sailing through the Patagonian channels, one of the great moments of the expedition arrives: reaching the ice of San Rafael and coming face to face with a landscape of ice, mountains and sea that defines the destination of the journey.
Laguna San Rafael and the Ofqui Isthmus
The southern shore of Laguna San Rafael holds the memory of an old Patagonian ambition: to cross the Ofqui Isthmus and open a connection between the northern channels and the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. A remote territory where sailing meets one of Patagonia's great stories of exploration.
Leopard seals at San Rafael
Laguna San Rafael marks one of the southernmost areas where leopard seals may be encountered, resting on drifting ice in front of the glacier. An exceptional wildlife encounter in a landscape dominated by ice, sea and mountains.
Indicative stops
- 1
Puerto Aguirre – Kent Island
Sailing through the Chonos labyrinth, among wooded islands, narrow channels and landscapes of untouched nature.
- 2
Kent Island – Italia Island
Journey towards increasingly remote territories, travelling through sheltered channels among mountains, forests and small islands.
- 3
Italia Island – Quitralco
Sailing deep into Quitralco Fjord, entering a landscape of calm waters, lush forests and natural hot springs.
- 4
Quitralco – Nalcayec
Leaving the inner fjords for increasingly wild Patagonia, sailing among channels, islands and largely untouched mountains.
- 5
Nalcayec – Laguna San Rafael
One of the great days of the expedition, advancing towards the Northern Patagonian Ice Field and spectacular Laguna San Rafael, dominated by glaciers and mountains.
- 6
Laguna San Rafael – Bahía Exploradores
Sailing beneath the great glacial landscapes of Aysén, advancing towards Bahía Exploradores, gateway to one of the most remote territories of Patagonia.
Indicative minimum duration: 7 days, to be determined with the Captain according to the group and conditions.
San Rafael is a transitional expedition between two worlds: from the island labyrinth to glacial territory. The Captain assesses the conditions of floating ice in the lagoon each day.
Vessels
Vessels available for this voyage
Subject to availability and coordination with the Captain.
CatamaranIsla Jechica III
Region
Aysén
YachtSofía Victoria
Region
Los Lagos · Chiloé
CatamaranIsla Jechica II
Region
Aysén
YachtNoctiluca
Region
Aysén
Private charter · Aysén / Chonos Sur
Plan your expedition to Laguna San Rafael
Tell us how many days you have available and what you are looking for — an approach to the glacier, Quitralco hot springs or the complete experience of the southern Chonos sector.
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