Chilean Fjords (Patagonia)

Chilean Fjords and Patagonia are part of the Tierra del Fuego provinces of Chile and Argentina. Chile's southern coast is famous worldwide for the significant number of fjords and fjord-like channels (widely known as "Patagonian channels" ) from the parallels of Cape Horn (55 degree south, Tierra del Fuego's southernmost headland) to the Reloncaví Estuary Fjord (42 degree south, off Reloncaví Sound). Some of the channels and fjords are major navigable channels that provide access to ports like Puerto Chacabuco, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas.

The route is mostly used by ships desiring to avoid bad weather and heavy seas, so frequently experienced on passing into the Pacific from the western end of Strait of Magellan. The huge full-powered mail steamers gain open sea at Cape Pillar (situated at the west entrance of Strait of Magellan), as that time is this way saved to them. However, ships of less engine power, to which avoiding possible danger is of greatest importance, will find that Patagonian Channels is the best route.

The general features of the channels are abrupt, high shores, with innumerable headlands and peaks, remarkably similar in character. Their bold heads give an appearance of such a gloomy grandeur that is rarely seen elsewhere. Generally, the shores are steep-to and for the most part the channels are open and free. The few existing dangers are ordinarily marked by kelp. The tides are not strong and regular, except in English Narrows.

Since it is impossible to reach and see all the region through Chile by road, the transport of cargo and persons must be done by road, airplane or ship according to country's public infrastructure provision.

In an attempt to carry significant quantities of vehicles, cargo and persons directly onto unimproved shore to supply the coastal region and the islands, the ferry service is the best suited ship type. Most of them are a cargo boat with no luxury, cruiser-type accommodation, though they have managed to boost their customer service. 150 major ships are sailing in Chile's southern regions.

Cruise ships operate between the main ports of the area and offer a sailing that is considered an interesting experience, due to the slow way of entering the magnificent landscape of solitary islands and narrow channels.

Chilean Fjords cruise terminal