Puerto Williams (Navarino Island Chile Antarctica)

Puerto Williams is a port town on Isla Navarino (island) facing Beagle Channel. This is the world's southernmost city and capital of Antarctica Chilena province - one of the 4 in the Magellan and Chilean Antarctica Region. Puerto Williams administers Cabo de Hornos and Chilean Antarctic Territory. The town has population around 3,000, which includes both civilians and Chilean Navy personnel.

While most cruise ships to Navarino Island dock at Puerto Williams, some may also anchor in Wulaia Bay. Bahia Wulaia is located on the island's western coast, along Murray Channel. The port is accessible only to smaller-sized vessels.

The town was established in 1953, initially named Puerto Luisa. Later was renamed in honor to John Williams Wilson (aka Juan Guillermos, 1798-1857) - a British-Chilean politician who founded Fuerte Bulnes (Chilean fort in Magellan Strait) located approx 62 km (39 mi) south of Punta Arenas.

Puerto Williams as seaport (locode CLWPU) serves primarily naval vessels (being a Chilean Navy base). The base also operates the Guardiamarina Zanartu Airport, hospital and meteo stations. Since the late 20th century, the number of military personnel has decreased and the civilian population has increased, mainly due to increased international scientific research and tourism activities. The seaport attracts cruise ship tourists traveling to Cape Horn and Antarctica.

In early May 2021, the ultra-premium brand Silversea (owned by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group) announced that for winter 2021-2022 (November 2021 through March 2022) will homeport Silver Explorer in Puerto Williams. The homeporting season (ever-first for Silversea) was based on fly-cruises inclusive of private jet flights between Puerto Williams and Santiago de Chile.

• As part of Silversea's all-inclusive Antarctica fly-cruise package, the program included departures from a private airport terminal in Santiago (Pudahuel Airport) on a charter flight to Puerto Williams. Aircraft perks included extra baggage allowance and legroom, as well as Silversea representative escort and gourmet lunch to enhance the vacation experience.
• Silversea's Antarctica 2021-2022 package included roundtrip Transoceanic flights (economy class or discounted business class airfares) to Santiago, welcome dinner reception, pre-cruise overnight hotel in Santiago, bus transfers and luggage handling (airport-hotel-ship), post-cruise overnight hotel (optional for customers who didn't have to take return flight on the disembarkation day).
• Upon arrival in Puerto Williams, travelers were directly bused to the cruise pier (without the need to clear customs) to board the ship. Following the Antarctica cruise, tourists again boarded a private jet for the return flight to Santiago.

Silversea's program included 10- or 12-day cruisetours and 5-6-9-day long voyages visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island, South Shetland Islands, The Falklands, and Elephant Island. Two unique sailings offered the opportunity to witness the Antarctic solar eclipse on December 4, 2021.

In October 2024, Silversea (via partnership with a Chilean consortium of private investors) started the construction of a 150-room hotel in Puerto Williams. The property was specifically developed for cruisers booking the Antarctica Bridge (Silversea's Antarctica fly-cruise) program. The luxury hotel (named The Cormorant at 55 South) is currently scheduled for completion/inauguration in December 2025.