Must-do tips to plan your ferry trip in Patagonia

Decided that your next adventure in Patagonia will be onboard a ferry? Before you take in the sights of Patagonian nature that only a ferry trip offers, take a look at these recommendations that will help make your trip an unforgettable experience. 

If you're planning to travel around Patagonia by ferry, get ready for a memorable adventure! Our ferry offers you a slow-travel experience that gives you access to views that you can only see from the sea and have a different perspective of the southernmost region in the world. 

So, what do you have to know when planning your ferry trip? Here are 4 must-do tips:

Choose the date and route

What places would you like to see? How many days will you be traveling? Once you answer these questions, you can start planning a route to the places you want to visit and how long you’ll spend in each. Think about the travel time and leave a few days spare in case there are any delays due to bad weather or other factors. 

For example, if you want to visit the Torres del Paine National Park, you can fly to Puerto Montt, spend some time in the area, and eat delicious fish and shellfish in Angelmó market before renting a car or bike and board the Esperanza ferry to cross the Patagonian fjords towards Puerto Natales. This route saves you time and money.

Research alternative ferries and their features 

Once you’ve got your travel dates, check out the ferry options to getting to Puerto Natales, or wherever else you’re headed.

Take into account:

• Type of boat: Do you want a ship that tells you the history of the South of Chile?
• Accommodation: Would you like a private cabin or the option of sharing with other travelers?
• Board: Would you like some daily meals to be included, or will you buy these separately? The Navimag ferry includes 3 daily meals. There are vegan and vegetarian options; you must give prior notice. 
• Is there entertainment onboard? Even if this is not your primary concern, you must know what services the ferry offers, especially if you’re traveling with children. Find out if there are talks on the route and its surroundings if there are onboard films, board games, or classes on specific subjects. 
• Safety: See that the passenger boat and its crew have the safety certificates and standards that guarantee you and peaceful trip without any concerns. 

Pack only the essentials

For the ferry trip and the rest of your Patagonian travel plans you should pack well, bearing in mind:

• Clothing: Dressing in layers with clothing that keeps you warm and dries quickly is what works best in the South. Remember to take hiking shoes; you’ll need them for the principal onshore attractions. 
• Essential items: Personal hygiene, sunscreen, torch, a thermos to keep liquids hot or cold, insect repellent, and a first aid bag, including medication for possible complications you may have during the trip. If you’re worried about potential seasickness, remember that the fjord route is very calm and that Navimag ferries provide sea sickness medication. 
• Don’t forget Nuts and dried fruit, cereal bars or high-calorie dehydrated snacks, printed maps, and those that you download to your phone or laptop. A great book to read in the peace and quiet you’ll have on board the ferry is also a must!

And here are some more ideas on everything that you should pack when you visit Patagonia. 

Book early!

Every year, thousands of people visit the natural monuments, national parks, and reserves in Patagonia, especially between December and February. During the high season, there is a higher demand for transport and accommodation services and tourist attractions.

So, don’t wait until the last minute. Remember that booking campsites in Torres del Paine National Park begin every October, so plan your itinerary in advance and check out which crafts operate during the high season, like Navimag Ferries. This way, you’ll guarantee your entry to the park.

Learn more about other alternative trip experiences you can live in Patagonia besides the ferry!

Get ready to enjoy the end of the world!

If you can already imagine the ferry, you’ve taken significant steps in planning the itinerary of your holidays. 

Make this dream part of your trip to Patagonia! Plan dates and places that you’d like to see, and find out which ferry alternative best suits you.

Get in touch with us, and it will be our pleasure to tell you everything that Navimag has to offer!