Skorpios Cruises

Skorpios Cruises is a pioneer of cruise tourism in Chile with more than 40 years of experience offering clients the unforgettable experience of cruising the spectacular coastline of Chilean Patagonia.

The exceptional San Rafael Glacier, in the Northern Ice Field, encapsulates the ultimate expression of the region’s beauty, and is the highlight of the classic programme of Cruises Skorpios, called the Chonos Route. Since 1976, the company has been giving to passengers the opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular and active glaciers in the world, while enjoying a great level of comfort and safety, combined with a standard of personalised care and attention that reaches its high point with the excellent gastronomy offered onboard.

In 2003, capitalising on the experience gained by company founder Mr. Constantino Kochifas in navigating through the channels and fjords that make up the complex geography of Chilean Southern Patagonia, Skorpios Cruises launched the Kaweskar Route to the glaciers of the Southern Ice Field. This new project was full of challenges imposed by one of the most pristine and remote regions of the world, considered by scientists to be the third largest reserve of fresh water on Earth. During its first decade, the Kaweskar Route has established itself in international markets as a fantastic opportunity for visiting these ice giants, the only one operating in this region. The combination of the glaciers’ wild beauty and environmental importance in helping regulate temperature has turned them into a world-class tourist and cultural attraction.

What characterizes and distinguishes Skorpios Cruises from the rest?

– Our specialty is ice. The company designed and built both cruise ships in its own shipyards specifically to cope with the conditions faced in Patagonia (A1 Ice Class Vessels by the American Bureau of Shipping). In addition, during our visits to the face of glaciers, we use strong and well-equipped boats to ensure the comfort and safety of our passengers at all times.

– We work with an All-Inclusive Policy, which includes four meals a day and open bar service, without restrictions or limits on consumption, with no small print or last minute surprises. Additionally, all excursions and visits mentioned in the programmes are included in the price.

– Our exceptional cuisine, based on the preparation of fresh ingredients such as fish, seafood and local meat, is prepared onboard by our chefs and always served with fine wines offered by Chile’s most prestigious vineyards.

– Our navigation always goes through interior channels and fjords of southern Chile, which ensures a comfortable journey even for those who often get sea sick onboard a ship.

– Our official languages are Spanish and English and the educational lectures offered each evening include a modern system of simultaneous translation.

– Onboard our cruise ships there is always a doctor who provides basic medical services to treat minor ailments or accidents, without cost to the passenger.

– Despite our many years in business, Skorpios Cruises continues to provide a warm and friendly service, reflecting the traditional hospitality of the people of Patagonia.

Skorpios Cruises will operate 4 routes during 2023 and 2023-2024 season:

I. New Kaweskar Route: Puerto Natales to the glaciers and fjords of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, aboard the M/V SKIII
– 4 nights cruise, following a predetermined schedule (published in the rates document)
– Season from mid-October to mid-April

II. Chonos Route: Puerto Montt to San Rafael Glacier, aboard the M/V SKII
– 5 nights cruise, from Saturday to Thursday
– Season from October to the end of April

III. Veliche Route: Puerto Montt to the islands of the Chiloé archipelago, aboard the M/V SKII and SKIII
– 2 nights cruise, from Friday to Sunday
– Season from June to September

IV. Nomads of Patagonia Route: Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales (and vice versa) aboard the M/V SKIII
– 7 nights repositioning cruise
– From Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales: Scheduled for October 6, 2023
– From Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt: Exact date still not confirmed (mid-April, 2024)