Dear Passenger, based on our experience, we would like to offer you the following recommendations for your journey with Skorpios Cruises:
- Please remember that this is an exploration cruise; therefore, your clothing should be suitable for excursions. We recommend comfortable footwear, such as low-profile or trekking shoes, as well as quick drying trousers and waterproof outerwear. Fleece jackets, hats, and specialised outerwear are highly recommended for protection against cold and windy conditions. A small backpack will be useful during shore excursions.
- Only on the Chonos Route is it necessary to bring a swimsuit, as the cruise includes a visit to the Quitralco hot springs, where guests can enjoy thermal pools and hot springs.
- Please remember to bring semi-formal attire for the farewell party or the Captain’s Dinner.
- Please remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as UV rays are always present, even in Patagonia.
- A good digital camera or smartphone is essential for capturing and preserving memories of Patagonia’s landscapes. We recommend bringing small binoculars for observing birds and wildlife at a distance.
- We recommend reading about and researching glaciers in advance, as this will make it easier to understand the glaciological terminology used by our guides.
- Please ensure you bring an adequate supply of any regular medication you require, as it will not be possible to purchase medication on board or in the towns visited during the voyage.
If you still don’t have the right clothing for Patagonia, check out the Helly Hansen catalog and get ready to experience your Skorpios trip with top-level protection and comfort.
To reach our ports of departure and call, several options are available depending on the route selected::
CHONOS ROUTE – PATAGONIAN NOMADS ROUTE
Cruise departures and arrivals take place in the city of Puerto Montt, capital of the Los Lagos Region, located approximately 1,000 km south of Santiago and considered the gateway to Patagonia.
- Flights Santiago–Puerto Montt:
Puerto Montt can be reached by air via El Tepual Airport, which is served by three airlines operating more than 15 daily flights. Alternatively, access is also available by land, either by private vehicle—Skorpios offers complimentary secure parking at its port facilities—or by bus, arriving at the Puerto Montt bus terminal.
Another common option is to arrive from Bariloche via Argentina, crossing the border through the Cardenal Samoré Pass or via the Cruce de Los Lagos.
KAWESKAR ROUTE – PATAGONIAN NOMADS ROUTE
Cruises depart from and arrive in the city of Puerto Natales, capital of the Última Esperanza Province.
- Flights Santiago–Puerto Natales:
You can take a direct flight to Puerto Natales Airport, with an approximate flight time of two and a half hours. Currently, there are three to four daily flights from Santiago, as well as from Puerto Montt, arriving at Puerto Natales Airport. Our Skorpios maritime terminal is located just 10 minutes from the airport, and transfer services can be arranged through our reservations office. - Flights Santiago–Punta Arenas:
Punta Arenas can also be reached by air on commercial flights from Santiago, covering approximately 2,500 km with an average flight time of three hours. Two airlines operate more than ten daily flights at various times throughout the day. After landing, passengers must arrange ground transportation to Puerto Natales, located approximately 270 km northwest of Punta Arenas (regular bus services operate between the two cities)
Another option is to cross from El Calafate or from Río Turbio in Argentina, both of which have authorised border crossings into Chile.
Skorpios Cruises offers regular transfer services for its passengers, depending on the route selected.
CHONOS ROUTE
Transfer services are available between El Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt and our Skorpios Terminal, located on the Tenglo Channel along Chinquihue Road. These transfers are provided during the 24 hours prior to embarkation and immediately following disembarkation. The price must be requested at the time of booking. The transfer time from the airport to the Skorpios Terminal is approximately 30 minutes.
KAWESKAR ROUTE
Transfer services are also available from Galvarino Gallardo Airport to the Skorpios Terminal, and vice versa. These transfers operate on a regular basis, according to the date and time of your trip.
Important Notice: Transfer services may be provided either privately or on a shared basis with other passengers traveling on the same voyage.
ROUTES
Skorpios Cruises offers four routes:
- Chonos Route, from Puerto Montt to the San Rafael Glacier, operated by the MV Skorpios II in the Northern Patagonian Ice Field (September-April).
- Kaweskar Route, from Puerto Natales to the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, operated by the MV Skorpios III (October-April).
- Patagonian Nomads Route, from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales (October), and from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt (April).
- Quintupeu Fjord Route, operating exclusively only on weekends from May to September.
POWER
220 volts. 110-Volt transformers are available on board for the use of household appliances..
SHIPYARD & MAINTENANCE
Skorpios posee su propio astillero en la ciudad de Puerto Montt, lo que garantiza eficiencia y seguridad en la mantención para cumplir puntualmente nuestras salidas.
SPECIAL TRIPS & INCENTIVES
Skorpios Cruises offers incentive cruises and special trips for companies across all its routes. Please enquire about your project and request a quotation.
ADDITIONAL NIGHT
- On the Chonos Route, an additional night is available on Friday prior to departure, subject to the applicable tariff.
- On the Kaweskar Route, the additional night is also prior to departure, with the option of a morning tour to Cueva del Milodón, available at no additional cost.
TEMPERATURES
Chonos Route
Spring-Autumn (low season): between 8ºC and 18ºC.
Summer (high season): between 12ºC and 22ºC.
Kaweskar Route:
Spring-Autumn (low season): between 8ºC and 12ºC.
Summer (high season): between 12ºC and 15ºC.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available on board for light garments only.
TALKS
Thematic talks are offered on board and are given by our guides or guest specialists.
LANGUAGE
The official languages spoken on board are Spanish and English.
MEALS
Meals are served at the table in a single seating. A buffet service is available at breakfast and at the final dinner only.
INSURANCE
Accident insurance is included in the cruise fare. Details regarding coverage limits and benefits are printed on your ticket.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Medical assistance is available on board at no additional cost.
SHORE EXPLORATION
Skorpios Cruises approaches glaciers using specially designed exploration boats. Inflatable Zodiac boats are not used in any form. Shore excursions are conducted in rigid vessels, including Zodiac-style boats constructed of hard PCV, as well as boats made of marine-grade steel, allowing guests to experience close proximity to the ice.
PURCHASES
An on-board shop offers a selection of travel essentials, including postcards, batteries, T-shirts, hats, and cold- and rain-weather jackets. Local handicrafts can be purchased during visits to fishing villages.
TELEVISION – SMART TV
The vessels feature a closed-circuit television system offering films in Spanish and English and receive television signals via Internet. In addition, as a way of preserving memories, cruise activities are filmed using professional 4K digital cameras, and a commemorative video of the voyage is produced and offered to passengers at an additional cost.
INTERNET
The vessels of the Skorpios Cruises fleet are equipped with Wi-Fi Internet service via Starlink, available to passengers at no additional cost. Service is available in public areas only.
GASTRONOMY
The culinary style of Skorpios Cruises features a mixed menu based on Patagonian recipes, combining local and international influences, with a focus on meats, fish, and seafood. However, if a passenger wishes to make changes, this can be done at no additional cost. A Patagonian buffet is served at the captain’s farewell party.
BAR
Open bar available during scheduled hours, at no additional cost, offering wines, soft drinks, and national or imported spirits.
