Along Chile's southern coast, in the heart of Patagonia where the Andes Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, lies what has been called the greatest overlooked treasure in Patagonia: The Chilean Fjords. This maze of dramatic narrow waterways and islands was formed by retreating glaciers during the Earth's ice ages.

This natural wonderland is best accessed by small ships that can navigate remote channels. On a Seabourn voyage through the Chilean Fjords, every day can bring a tapestry of blue-tinged glaciers rising from shimmering waters, scenes of primeval nature and breathtaking sights of rugged coastlines. For many, it's a dream come true to witness a glacier up close… view an uninhabited islet teeming with marine wildlife and incredible birds… and gaze at the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains.

Here are five hidden gems of the Chilean Fjords — more than enough reasons to add this destination to your travel bucket list.

Garibaldi Glacier

Alberto de Agostini, the third largest national park in Chile, protects 3.6 million acres and makes up the heart of the Cabo de Hornos Biosphere Reserve. As your ship glides into the fjord within this UNESCO-designated park, you will be left breathless by the sight of the Garibaldi Glacier, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Chile.

The glacier measures half a mile wide at its face and sits back more than 10 miles from where Garibaldi Fjord ends in the Beagle Channel. The distinctive ridge in the middle of the glacier, called a medial moraine, reveals the ancient convergence of two mighty ice streams.

Wildlife encounters here feel up close and personal. Seals and sea lions approach vessels with playful curiosity, while Magellanic penguins cut through the dark waters and orcas make majestic appearances. Above, Andean condors soar on thermals rising from the fjord walls.

Fjord of the Mountains (Estero de las Montañas)

This 40-mile passage through Kawésqar National Park, west of Puerto Natales, represents one of Chile's most dramatic geological showcases. The fjord cuts through twin mountain ranges like a corridor designed by ancient glacial forces, with the imposing Bernal Glacier and countless waterfalls cascading down towering cliff faces into the dark waters below.

Named for the indigenous Kawésqar people who first navigated these waters, the 7-million-acre national park preserves a wilderness where the Southern Patagonian Ice Field meets the sea. On clear days, Mount Burney's ice-crowned peak emerges 50 miles distant — a 5,750-foot composite volcano serves as a beacon across the Patagonian landscape.

The park holds remarkable biodiversity, including the endangered huemul (South Andean) deer, elusive pumas, and over 125 bird species. Spotting a southern giant petrel gliding effortlessly overhead or catching sight of an imperial shag diving for fish provides those unexpected moments that transform a scenic cruise into something far more meaningful — a genuine connection with one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.

Pío XI Glacier (Brüggen Glacier)

The southern hemisphere's largest glacier outside Antarctica, the Pio XI Glacier (also known as the Brüggen Glacier), dominates Eyre Fjord with commanding presence. Stretching nearly three miles across the fjord's head and covering 488 square miles of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the glacier rises 246 feet from the water's edge in a stunning display of sapphire-blue ice carved by deep crevasses and crowned by towering seracs.

Unlike most of the world's retreating glaciers, this frozen giant advanced significantly between 1945 and 1976, adding nearly 23 square miles to its terminus — evidence of the unique climatic forces at work in this remote region. The thunderous crack of calving ice echoes across the fjord with primal power, bringing moments of anticipation as massive chunks of ancient ice crash into the sea.

The glacier lies within Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, one of the last sanctuaries for Chile's diminutive huemul deer. Marine otters play in the icy waters while Andean condors patrol the skies above, completing a scene that few humans ever witness firsthand.

Peel Fjord

Extending eastward from the Sarmiento Channel, Peel Fjord branches into three distinct arms—Amalia, Asia, and Calvo Fjords — each offering unique glacial marvels. Amalia Fjord leads to the magnificent Amalia Glacier, while Asia Fjord houses the mysterious El Brujo Glacier, and Calvo Fjord presents numerous small glaciers that calve into the sea.

This fjord system borders the expansive Torres del Paine National Park, creating a geological wonderland where ancient forces have sculpted granite cliffs and carved deep channels. The complete silence here, broken only by the gentle wake of passing vessels and the distant rumble of glacial ice, creates an atmosphere of profound solitude that epitomizes the Patagonian cruising experience.

Wildlife sightings — from soaring petrels to diving shags — add unexpected moments of awe to each passage through these pristine waters. The interplay of water, ice, and stone creates scenes so peaceful yet powerful they tend to inspire extended contemplation among even the most seasoned travelers.

Castro, Isla Chiloé

Chiloé Island, near the start of the Chilean Fjords system, offers travelers both cultural and wildlife attractions. Castro, the island’s vibrant capital city and one of Chile's most historic settlements, provides a fascinating cultural counterpoint to the surrounding wilderness. The city is largely built from abundant local hardwoods, and Castro's iconic palafitos — colorfully painted wooden houses perched on stilts — create a distinctive waterfront that has become synonymous with the island’s maritime heritage.

UNESCO-recognized wooden churches scattered across the island tell the story of Jesuit influence dating back to the 1600s. Over 150 wooden churches dot the island, with 16 achieving UNESCO World Heritage Site status for their unique blend of European and indigenous craftsmanship.

Beyond Castro, Chiloé Island serves as a wildlife sanctuary where Magellanic penguins nest along remote beaches, miniature deer browse ancient forests, and sturdy island ponies roam coastal meadows. The surrounding waters teem with marine life, from seals to migrating whales.

Exploring the southern coast of Chile on a Seabourn voyage offers travelers an intimate encounter with one of Earth's last pristine frontiers. The extraordinary hidden gems of the Chilean Fjords turn any voyage into a journey of discovery, where each day unveils new wonders. We invite you to join our Expedition Team on inclusive experiences such as nature walks, hikes, Zodiac® cruising, cultural tours, other shore excursions and more to experience this untamed part of the world in true Seabourn style.