Sail and Explore Patagonia

A sailing trip to Patagonia and the Magellan Strait offers a thrilling adventure through some of the world's most remote and breathtaking landscapes. The region is home to unique wildlife like guanacos, pumas, and Andean condors. Its remoteness and rugged terrain attract adventurers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking outdoor experiences amidst pristine wilderness. The sailing trip through Patagonia and the Magellan Strait is not only a test of seamanship but also a journey of discovery, offering unforgettable experiences in one of the world's last remaining wilderness frontiers.

Your sailing adventure

The sailing adventure starts in Puerto Natales, a picturesque town located in the southern Chilean region of Patagonia, near the southern tip of South America. It sits on the shores of the Última Esperanza Sound (Last Hope Sound), offering breathtaking views of the fjords and mountains that characterise the region and serves as the gateway to the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, one of Chile's most iconic natural attractions. From here, we will embark on a journey through the Patagonian fjords to the legendary waters of the Magellan Strait.

Exploring Chilean fjords and glaciers

The Chilean fjords, located in the southern region of Chilean Patagonia, are a network of narrow, winding channels that cut through rugged mountains and coastal cliffs. Carved by ancient glaciers during the last Ice Age, these fjords provide a dramatic backdrop for exploration, with towering peaks rising steeply from the sea and lush forests clinging to their slopes. Navigating through the Chilean fjords is an adventure in itself, as sailors weave their way through labyrinthine passages, past hidden coves, and beneath cascading waterfalls. The fjords are home to a rich array of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds, while the surrounding forests are inhabited by elusive creatures such as the South American huemul deer and the Andean fox. One of the highlights of a journey through the Chilean fjords is the opportunity to witness glaciers up close. These massive rivers of ice flow from the mountains into the sea, calving into icebergs with a thunderous roar.

The Wreck of the SS Santa Leonor

One of our stops will be by the wreck of the SS Santa Leonor on Adelaide Rocks in Paso Shoal, Smyth Channel. The wreck has become a renowned maritime landmark, steeped in history and surrounded by tales of adventure and tragedy. The SS Santa Leonor was a steamship that met its fate off the coast of Patagonia in 1968. The wreckage is often adorned with marine life, adding to its allure as an underwater attraction.

Whale watching in the Strait of Magellan

Whale watching in the Strait of Magellan offers a remarkable opportunity to observe some of the most majestic marine creatures on the planet as they navigate the rich waters of Patagonia. The Strait of Magellan serves as a vital migratory route and feeding ground for various whale species, including humpback whales, southern right whales, and orcas. We will see the EcoCamp, situated on the Carlos III island. Inspired by traditional indigenous dwellings known as "yurts" or "domes," the camp consists of geodesic domes that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape.

Sailing to Ushuaia

Exploring the remote coastal areas of Patagonia, we will anchor in secluded bays, and hike ashore to explore pristine wilderness areas. Departing from the historic waters of the Magellan Strait, where Ferdinand Magellan navigated in the 16th century, we set course southward toward the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, Argentina. As we leave the sheltered waters of the strait, we enter the open expanse of the Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his famous voyage of discovery to reach the town known for being the end of the world and a gateway to Antarctica.

The route may be altered depending on weather conditions during our sailing adventure.

Preparing your journey

Our Global Surveyor sailings are suitable for people with no sailing experience, up to those who are experienced sailors. If you have little-to-no experience, please contact Victoria so we can chat through sea life with you. We can also advise you on what you should pack and bring on board and hire waterproof garments typically worn by sailors. We will let you know everything you need to get to and from Puerto Natales and Ushuaia based on our previous experience. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

The adventures are led by either our Chief or Senior Instructors Danny or Ales with combined experience of over 20 expeditions. The passages will be a combination of day and overnight passages to make the most of your time exploring this extreme place. It is an involved passage the crew will be part of the boat preparation and part of the watch system that make it happen. Our skippers are Yachtmaster Instructors so whether you are an experienced sailor or novice they will be able to pass on some tips along the way.

Expedition yacht Global Surveyor

We were delighted to welcome to the fleet Global Surveyor to Go West Sailing in 2020; bluewater sailing yacht designed to withstand collisions with ice, containers and groundings. Global Surveyor was designed and built by Gunter Marine and the original owner Graham Lascelles for round the world sailing. The original build was in 1998 and she has been extensively refitted in 2020. She was intentionally over-specced with many extras that are not an everyday occurrence on a sailing yacht including:

Seven watertight sections and crash bulkheads;
Overbuilt cutter rig;
Fully insulated with 3 independent diesel heaters;
2000 litres of water in 2 tanks and 2000 litres of diesel in 2 tanks;
5 cabins and 2 heads including shower area;
Very large saloon with mahogany wooden trim;
Deck house to protect from elements;
Extensive safety kit including 2 ocean class 12 person life rafts;
Satellite communication;
150 kg main and 63 kg kedge anchor.

Internally, she has been designed with comfort and safety in mind. There is a very large saloon complete with mahogany trim and a dining table to seat 16 comfortably. Each cabin has been fitted with overhead reading lights and USB port to allow for device charging. The yacht has been designed to carry 16 passengers, however we keep this to a maximum of 10 plus 2 crew between 5 spacious cabins. This also ensures a really hands-on experience. You can watch Global Surveyor videos on our YouTube.

2024 dates

3rd December 2024: Ushuaia, Argentina – Puerto Natales, Chile - 10 days: £1795 (SOLD OUT)

13th December 2024: Puerto Natales, Chile – Ushuaia, Argentina - 10 days: £1795

Included in the price

As with all our trips, all on-board expenses are included in the price - no hidden costs or surprises. The price is £1795 per person and includes:

10 nights accommodation on Global Surveyor,
All onboard meals and snacks;
Fuel and gas;
Skipper/guide;
First mate/engineer;
Marina and harbour fees;
Bedding (sheet and pillowcase)

Optional - not included in the price: oil skins hire £3.50 per item per day, final cleaning service at £10 per person, eating in restaurant ashore, visitors fees to museum or attractions, flights, car rental, transfers to starting and end destination.

Book your spot below or phone us if you have any questions +441475 789837, you can also chat to us on WhatsApp.