We invite you to join our unique expedition on Schooner Elsi to explore unique Chilean Fjords.
We have ambitions to visit most stunning places on the other side of Patagonia. We will not only sail – hike, explore, disembark and visit all the spots where Darwin was exploring 2 centuries ago. In absolute solitude with nature off-the beaten track. This tour is very unique.
The number of people is strictly limited – only 15 photographers for this beautiful part of our expedition. The schedule of the trip constructed for purposes of photography and filming. With rugged mountains, glaciers coming down through the forest, the touch of Patagonia autumn, waterfalls and abundant wildlife. We can encounter as many whales as in Antarctica, birds, seals, orcas, sea lions and even king penguins! Maggelannic penguins, possibly rockhoppers. These places have untouched wildlife, endless possibilities for photography. The expedition will have a good mix of landscape and animal photography as well as hikes and nature study.
The main goal is to shoot beautiful and untouched wild nature world of Chilean fjords the “ecological way”, by yacht – not scaring animals. We’ll work out our everyday timetable taking into account ice situation and weather. Imagine to be face to face with nature in silence, without crowds and queue for zodiac boats focusing mainly on photography and exploration. The spirit of adventure and exploration will be with us all along our way. Most cruise ships take hundreds of photographers. My approach is different: when I visit remote location, I try to get most out of this project. We will spend around 2 weeks time sailing and walking ashore in many beautiful locations of Chilean Fjords.
The yacht is equipped with modern safety systems. The yacht has both rigs and a motor. Moreover, we have a quick and maneuver “Zodiac” which can be launched at any moment to get closer to the animals or to go ashore. Safety measures’ questions are paid special attention: satellite phone, navigational system and ice maps.
Features of Schooner Elsie
The yacht is equipped with:
– triple and twin cabins
– 3 heads (bathrooms);
– 3 showers;
– Refrigeration units;
– A washer and dryer;
– A hot water supply and heating system for all spaces;
– A 3 kW inverter;
– 2 diesel generators at 220 V;
– Satellite communication;
– Navigation and safety equipment.
The yacht is prepared for expeditions in polar regions under any weather conditions. For shore landings, a tender boat is available.
This state-of-the-art vessel is fully equipped to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for guests venturing into the polar regions. With its comprehensive facilities, including modern communication and navigation systems, as well as essential amenities for living comfortably on board, guests are assured a remarkable and secure expedition experience. Whether exploring icy landscapes or capturing the stunning natural beauty, this yacht promises an unparalleled adventure with all the conveniences of home.
I’ve illustrated the announce with photos from my trip with Australis. Unfortunately, this cruise is not suitable for photography purpose, so photos here might not represent the beauty and diversity of places we will visit. It’s expedition style journey – to discover new amazing locations and bring them to the world.
Day 1, 19 April
Meeting together in Ushuaia. Depending on the weather we might start the journey this day or next morning. You can arrive by the flight from Buenos Aires. Please note that the tour finishes in another location – Punta Arenas, gateway to Torres del Paine national park. We start navigating through the Beagle channel further West to visit our first glaciers and fjords.
Days 2-4
These days we continue West along the Beagle Channel through an awesome Glacier Alley. That’s a narrow passage that have stunning tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them bear the name of EU countries: Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France. We stop and disembark at many spots here. Among the most impressive fjords are Pia Fjord and Garibaldi glacier.
We are entering Pia Fjord and disembarking for a shore hike to Pia Glacier. We take a short hike to photograph breathtaking panoramic view of the glacier, which runs from the mountaintops down to the sea. We can literally stay in beautiful Patagonia forest and see the wide glacier through it. The glacier was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, daughter of the Italian king.
After Pia fjord we motor further west along the Beagle Channel, and enter another long fjord with steep mountains around. We drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another ashore hike. Garibaldi is among one of only 3 glaciers in Patagonia gaining ice and advancing rather than decreasing. On-shore we hike through deep Magellanic forest to a waterfall coming down from a glacier. We’ll see it among walls of ferns and moss, and awesome viewpoints overlooking Garibaldi glacier and it’s fjord. There’s also an option to stay onboard and enjoy the sail along pure blue ice at the edge of the glacier.
There are also other certain viewpoints we definitely want to explore on day 2-4 based on out charts study and talks with local guides/captains.
Day 5
We sail further West through Canal Ballenero and Cockburn Channel, Canal Magdalena. Finally we enter Agostini Sound. From here it is possible to see the glaciers descending from the Darwin Mountain Range – most of them reaching water.
We will disembark and hike around a lagoon formed by Águila Glacier. We will stand right in front of that glacier with spectacular views. After this hike we will approach the Condor Glacier by our Zodiac – and let’s hope we will see some of the Andean Condors today! Condor glacier is located very close to Agostini – so it’s possible to visit them within one day.
Days 6-12
Next morning we navigate through spectacular Canal Gabriel. It’s a very narrow passage with steep mountains and waterfalls all around. We reach Tuckers Islets for landing and meeting with about 4,000 Magellan penguins who nest at this island.
Soon we’ll be sailing at Admiralty Sound taking photos of mountains and glaciers in Alberto de Agostini National Park. We hike at Ainsworth Bay enjoying abundant bird life and elephant seals. Soon we aproach Marinelli Glacier and Darwin Mountains.
Leaving Ainsworth Bay, we sail east further inside the fjord to Bahia Parry. After visiting these spectacular places we enter Estrecho de Magallanes.
Days 13-14
We sail towards Island Carlos III and visit Cabo Froward – a place with beautiful lighthouse. It’s also the very southern tip of South America continent. We sail further North to Porvenir and visit small king penguins colony. We finish at Punta Arenas on May 2, 2026 disembarking at noon.
Pricing:
Total price: 16900 USD per person
Deposit
A deposit of 5000 USD is required at time of booking to hold your spot. The first part of balance of 5000 USD is due on November, 2025. The second part of balance is due on January, 2026.
Cancellations
We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time the following are nonrefundable:
180 days or more before departure: 100% of deposit
179 to 121 days before departure: 100 % of deposit + 50% of balance
120 or fewer days before departure: 100% of trip fee
Insurance
We require proof of trip insurance to cover emergency medical care and evacuation for the duration of the expedition, as well as trip cancellation insurance. We are not responsible for air ticket cancellations or equipment loss, so please insure your flights and equipment.
Included in the price:
– Accommodation and transportation by yacht
– All meals (except alcohol)
– Instruction and master classes by professional guide
– Professional crew of arctic sailors
– Zodiac boat services
– Fuel
– Port taxes and fees
– Natural reserve fees
Not included in the price:
– Airfare to and from Puerto Natales
– Visas (if applicable)
– Accommodation & meals on land before and after the expedition – optional
– Airport transfers
What to bring
Gear:
– DSLR camera with tripod and remote shutter release
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200 mm. 300 mm with 1.5 TC or 500 mm, 600 mm are recommended for wildlife and bird photography. Be sure to have additional tripod mount to this lens.
Wear:
– Waterproof and windproof jacket
– Waterproof pants
– Warm jacket and thermal pants
– Wellingtons or fishing boots
The full list will be sent by mail to participants.
Tour leaders
Daniel Kordan
Daniel was born in Moscow area. In his childhood he graduated the art school. After that, he is studied in Moscow institute of Physics and Technology and became an optics physicist. During the study he gain experience not only in physics, but also in mountain climbing and hiking, guiding tourist groups in winter and in summer in Russian mountains. Right after graduation he became a guide of photo-workshops and chief editor of “Continent expedition” magazine. This magazine is about travel and adventures all over the world. He has got several awards in photography: Golden Turtle’ 13 Nature nomination winner, National Geographic Russia contest 2013 and 2014 finalist, Best of Russia’13 and ’14 winner, best photographer’13 finalist and others. He is spending most of his time in Norway, Lofoten islands and in Tuscany at villa Gaia, guiding groups of photographers.
