Passenger FAQs about the Navimag Ferry

Hiring travel insurance or health and life insurance with coverage in Patagonia is each passenger's decision. It is necessary to point out that, in case of an accident in which our company is responsible, we will oversee all associated damages. Passengers are responsible for protecting their objects, handbags, and luggage since they will always be under their custody.

The onboard voltage is 220 volts and 60 Hz.

Our Esperanza ferry transports passengers and cargo between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales. The Puerto Montt - Puerto Chacabuco route is for cargo only.

Your safety is our priority. The Navimag ferry is certified under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, regarding SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) for protecting human life at sea and accredited under ISO 9001-2000. These certifications allow our company to guarantee the highest standards of quality and safety in all our operations. In addition, our ferry is equipped with rafts and life vests for 730 people (double its maximum capacity) and with 3 rescue boats.

Our Ferry Esperanza offers a cargo and passenger transportation service, on a route that navigates through remote places and uninhabited landscapes, heading to the heart of Patagonia. It is a trip designed for those with an adventurous spirit, who seek to travel at a different pace, with the spectacle of a unique nature as a backdrop. In it, you can enjoy a moment of disconnection, share with different people, rest, and recharge your batteries to start your next adventure.

Please email us at sales@navimag.cl to reschedule your trip or cancel it. According to your passenger contract, there could be fines depending on how early you cancel. Please take a look at the Reservations FAQ for more information.

The ferry could be delayed due to harsh weather conditions or port operational reasons beyond our responsibility. If you'd like to, you can just bring forward your trip date at no cost. Please email us at sales@navimag.cl or visit our offices in Puerto Montt (Avenida Diego Portales 2000, First Floor) or Puerto Natales (Pedro Montt 308).

The experience of traveling on the Esperanza ferry is entertainment in itself due to the natural landmarks along the Patagonian fjords route. Also, passengers can use the gym, yoga room, and other common entertainment spaces such as the Lounge Room.

Each passenger may carry up to 1 suitcase and a hand suitcase. We suggest taking only indispensable baggage because the space inside the cabins is reduced.

No, ours is not a cruise service, but of ferries.

Given Chile’s geography, the far south is disconnected by land from the rest of the country. Therefore, it can be accessed only by sea, air, or land through the Argentinean territory. Therefore, our transportation service was born from the need to connect the Magallanes region with the rest of the country. Our company is a 'highway' that provides continuity and connectivity to different cargos that require transit into extreme regions. The transport of livestock is not exempt from this modality. Livestock transport companies that cater to this important sector are also our clients, using equipment designed and authorized for this purpose, allowing the movement to and sale of livestock from the Magallanes region to the rest of the country. There is no existing commercial link between the livestock producers and our company, but there is a business relationship between our company and the transportation company.

You can book through our website or email us at sales@navimag.cl.

There are different types of cabins on our ferry:

1. Premium Suite: This is private (only for your family group) and sleeps 2 passengers in 1 queen-size bed.

2. Superior Cabin with Window (AA): This is private (only for your family group) and sleeps 4 passengers in 4 single beds.

3. Superior Cabin without Window (A): This is private (only for your family group) and sleeps 4 passengers in 4 single beds.

4. Shared Cabin (C): This is shared and sleeps 8 passengers in 8 single beds.

5. Reduced Mobility Cabin (Dis): This is private (only for your family group) and sleeps 2 passengers in 2 single beds.

All cabins have a private ensuite bathroom, luggage lockers, bed linens, towels, and amenities (shampoo and soap).

No, we have a cafeteria where you can buy different snacks.

Our check-in locations are:

Puerto Montt: Hotel Gran Pacifico, located at 719 Urmeneta.

Puerto Natales: 540 Pedro Montt, at the corner of O'Higgins.

If you are traveling with a vehicle, only the driver should take it directly to the cargo reception yard, companions and luggage should go to the check-in location. Once the vehicle is delivered, we will take the driver to the check-in location or directly to the ferry, depending on the condition of each trip. In Puerto Montt: Oxxean Terminal, Chinquihue Sector km 13.5

In Puerto Natales: EPA cargo yard without number, Av. Pedro Montt in front of the pier.

If you have any questions, please email us at sales@navimag.cl

We do not require passengers to show their mobility passes when checking in and boarding the ferry.

Also, wearing face masks is no longer mandatory but recommended in closed environments.

We also constantly sanitize the ship to ensure you have a safe trip.

Check our Health & Safety protocols for more detail. Please email us at sales@navimag.cl if you need more information.

A ferry is a merchant vessel adapted to carry passengers. The loaded cargo includes vehicles, camping motorcars, motorcycles, bicycles, heavy machinery, animals, and loading trucks.

Bilingual guides are available only during the Patagonia Fjords route in high season (October to March), who will attend and entertain you with different talks, karaoke, and bingo. Our guides are experienced in naturalism and in working for cruise services in Patagonia.

Our P&I insurance policy held by Navimag Ferries S.A. covers all cargo and damages caused by the vessel.

The information associated with this policy and the maximum amount assumed by the company is in the same contract document.

In case you wish to extend the coverage of this policy, the person responsible for the cargo must communicate such an option at the time of paying the reservation and before boarding, having to pay the additional amount that such insurance implies.

Patagonia is a region of extremes, where weather conditions change constantly, so there could be storms or strong winds at any time of the year, which could affect the vessel’s schedules of departure and arrival. In addition, crossing the Patagonian channels is highly regulated by the maritime authorities, so specific tide and light conditions must be met for the vessels to sail.

Also, given our ships transport cargo, any slight change in operation and climatic conditions can influence itineraries. We understand that these modifications could be a drawback for our passengers, therefore we work every day to improve our service.

Following our commitment to the community, in January 2015 we began a program with Chile’s Agricultural Service (SAG) to improve our livestock transport. The state agency issued Decree No. 240 of Law 19,162 that establishes new regulations regarding animal transport, including the resting period, period of rest, water requirements, sanitary conditions, lighting, and ventilation, among others. As a company, we take measures that go beyond regulation, which is why in the second half of 2016 we incorporated into our onboard staff an animal expert, in an aim to ensure compliance with the law and the appropriate animal transportation. In addition, all our officers and captains were trained at Universidad Austral in Animal Care, a course taught by Dr. Carmen Gallo, PhD, from the University of Liverpool and director of Animal Sciences at Universidad Austral de Chile and Researcher in Animal Welfare, Antemortem, etc. These measures have helped to reduce animal mortality, so much that in 2015 our company carried 24,673 head of cattle, recording a mortality rate of 50 animals (0.20%). In 2016 we transported 23,468 heads with a mortality rate of twenty-two animals (0.1%). We understand that there are still pending actions at the government level and among transportation companies and livestock producers. In this regard, our company will always seek to add value to any solution implemented and within our reach.

All our ferries have safety deposit boxes available for passengers. These units are left under the care of the ferry’s captain. Navimag WILL NOT respond for damaged or lost objects of value that were not declared before travel.

In our Patagonian Fjords, you will meet a vast variety of people: travelers of different nationalities, locals, and carriers. Our trip is ideal for all those who want to arrive or return from Patagonia differently from the traditional trips by land or plane; for those who enjoy both being in contact with nature and the comfort of a boat. For those who want to meet and share with people from various parts of the world. For those traveling by car, motorhome, bicycle, or motorcycle. For those looking to disconnect and/or recharge. And, for those who have a flexible itinerary since the weather in Patagonia is unpredictable.

The vessel has a basic nursing unit with a professional paramedic in charge. In addition, the crew has first-aid training in compliance with ISO standards. Officers have advanced first aid training.

At our bar, you can buy drinks, tea, coffee, biscuits, and chocolates.

Only C cabins are shared, in these cabins you can't travel with children under 3 years old.

Yes, we provide free satellite internet on board for phones and tablets. However, we encourage you to take this opportunity to disconnect and engage in conversation with others.

You must send us an email with your request to sales@navimag.cl.

We have a penalty policy in case of cancellation of the Navimag ferry trip.

These penalties range from 10-100% retention of the total reservation value, depending on the fare purchased and whether the cancellation request is made more than 45 days prior to sailing or after the ship's departure.

The following penalties will be applied in case of reservation cancellation as soon as "the company" receives written notification from it:

a) More than 45 days prior to the ship's departure per itinerary, 10% retention.\nb) Between 44 days and 15 days prior to the ship's departure, 30% retention.\nc) Between 14 days and 7 days prior to the ship's departure, 50% retention.\nd) Between 6 days and the ship's departure, 70% retention.\ne) After ship's departure, 100% retention.

Passengers making changes to their reservation must submit a request at least 48 hours prior to departure and pay 10% of the ticket price to make the postponement effective.

If purchased with promotional fares, tickets cannot be returned, only date changes will be allowed.

Purchases on board our ferries may be paid in US dollars or Chilean pesos. We accept the following means of payment:

International Passengers: cash (US dollars) and credit cards\nNational Passengers: cash, credit, and debit card.

Our Ferry Esperanza has the capacity for 244 passengers. It has an extension to transport 1,800 linear meters.

All accommodations include bed linen and a bath towel.

We have an entertainment system to which you may connect with our smartphone or tablet to watch movies. In addition, you can order different board games to share with other travelers. If photography is your thing, you can take the opportunity to shoot birds and whales found in the area. We also recommend you take with you that book that you’ve been wanting to finish for some time now.

No, only at the ports.

Our travel price is all-inclusive, meaning, in addition to transportation, the rate includes accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The fare excludes shopping in the store, cafeteria expenses, and tips.

In the Fall, mainly, at the beginning of April, given grasslands in Patagonia are frozen. Therefore, cattle owners must transport the animals to the north to feed them. Nonetheless, animals could be transported at other times of the year, although there’s a lower probability.

The Esperanza ferry has a cafeteria, dining room, activity room, infirmary, exterior decks with panoramic views, and a cabin for passengers with different capacities.

Smoking is only allowed on the outside decks of the ship, in compliance with Chilean Law 20,105, which states that it is forbidden to smoke inside closed areas.

Traveling by ship across Patagonia is an adventure, yet the vessel’s movement will highly depend on climatic conditions. However, during the Summer the climatic conditions are particularly good, and the sailing through the channels is very gentle. An area where climatic conditions are rough every time of the year is the Gulf of Sorrows. This leg of the trip lasts about half a day, so we recommend taking pills for motion sickness if you’re sensitive to the tide. Nonetheless, our paramedic on board will assist in making you feel as comfortable as possible.

Yes, children over 3 to 12 years old have a 20% discount. Children under 3 years old have an 80% discount and must travel in a private cabin accompanied by at least one adult.

Yes, although the Esperanza ferry has a gym, it can only be used for guided activities such as yoga classes. This space cannot be used by passengers on board.

Yes, our Esperanza ferry has elevator service.

No, we do not.

Esperanza ferry fares start at US$460 per person, including full board, and can go up according to the cabin you select.

Yes, water dispensers are always available, so there is no need for you to bring additional water bottles.

Please inform us of any special dietary needs when making your reservation, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

You may travel with your pet as long as it is in a special crate and remains in the ship's cargo area.

Passengers may check on their pet occasionally with prior authorization from any crew member.

There is an additional charge for traveling with pets.

If you wish to travel with your pet, you must make the request at the time of booking or up to 7 days before travel by emailing sales@navimag.cl.

Yes! We transport bicycles in special areas of the cargo hold. To travel with your bicycle, you must request the service by emailing sales@navimag.cl and pay an additional $60 USD (or 50.000 Chilean pesos) per bicycle.