Discover Chile’s wild side with Scenic Discovery Yachts

British naturalist Charles Darwin had a complex relationship with Chile. During the 15 months he spent traversing its coastline aboard HMS Beagle in the 1830s – the expedition that would later shape his theory of evolution – he described a land both hostile and mesmerising, defined by extraordinary wildlife and geology.

That same tension exists today. From glacier-carved fjords to islands obscured by penguins and even surprising Gold Rush history, Chile is a country of striking contrasts that rewards closer inspection.

Experiencing it on a 6-star Scenic Discovery Yacht – where a Discovery Team of up to 20 experts help unlock the history, culture and natural world around you – only amplifies that sense of wonder. And that’s not the only reason to step on board.

Departing throughout 2026, 2027 and 2028, Scenic’s Chilean Fjord ocean cruises are tailored to exceed expectations, delivering a all-inclusive experience that’s in a true class of its own.

Immersive itineraries, world-class dining, butler service for every guest; the reasons to cruise with Scenic Discovery Yachts practically write themselves, but here are five great ones to get you started.

1. The destination is always front of mind

Whether starting the day with yoga, indulging in your verandah suite, or savouring a dish in one of up to eight bars and 10 culinary experiences, the destination is a constant presence both grounding and uplifting.

Elephant seal sightings are common in the Strait of Magellan, while whales often pass by Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific meet at the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego.

Both will have you reaching for the binoculars in your suite or the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge – and that’s before you even take in the scenery.

Included ‘Scenic Freechoice’ excursions also allow you to customise the journey: browsing for crafts at the lively Feria Fluvial riverside market, horse riding amid temperate rainforest and farmland at Chiloé Island, or rafting down the Petrohue River, to name a few.

A port call at Punta Arenas, gateway to Antarctica and Torres del Paine National Park, rewards those who explore on foot.

Wander Bories Street to the Cerro de la Cruz lookout for sweeping views of the Strait, then make your way to Plaza de Armas and the monument to Ferdinand Magellan – the explorer who first navigated these waters in 1520.

The Discovery Team are a signature ingredient across the whole experience, enhancing your knowledge and understanding of the people, wildlife, and geography that shape each destination through engaging lectures and informal conversation.

2. It’s all-inclusive, from dining to drinks and even tipping

On a regular cruise, there comes a point near the end of the journey where you start wondering how much the overall experience is going to cost. That’s not the case with Scenic, where you know from the outset – because it’s all-inclusive.

That inclusivity spans all-day dining, from casual to degustation dinners inspired by the flavours and ingredients of the destination you’re in, through to premium beverages⁺ all day, every day.

Among the venues ready to thrill your palate are Koko’s Asian Fusion, Italian steak and seafood restaurant Elements (also home to exclusive paired tasting experience Chef’s Table), Lumiere for artfully-plated French cuisine, and more.

On the beverage side, options include Lumiére Champagne Bar, the Scenic Lounge Bar and its 100-strong whisky menu, and the Sky Bar on deck 10, mixing drinks with uninterrupted views.

3. Wellness is a key focus

Cruises by their very nature are perfect for relaxation – your heartbeat slowing with the rhythm of the sea; an ever-changing view inviting moments of quiet thought and reflection.

On a Chilean Fjords cruise on board Scenic Eclipse, passengers are encouraged to focus on their mind and body between Zodiac excursions and exploration, with an expansive 550m² Senses Spa^#, dedicated gym, Pilates and yoga studio.

Within Senses Spa, you’ll find men’s and women’s sanctuaries housing restorative pools, Finnish and infrared saunas, and an aromatherapy steam room, alongside a range of massage, facial and alternate healing treatments at an added cost.

Thermal loungers in the Vitality Lounge are bliss after a day’s sightseeing, relieving tension and relaxing muscles with a heated ergonomic seat, floor-to-ceiling windows and calming soundtracks.

4. You’re not just viewing the world from afar

If any country rewards a closer look, it’s Chile. This is a place where scale can be difficult to grasp from a distance.

Case in point: Pio XI Glacier. At 66km, it’s the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside Antarctica – a vast river of ice whose sheer size is impossible to appreciate until you’re close enough to feel it’s cold.

Take your Scenic Discovery Yacht journey beyond the expected – above the skies and below the surface. In Chile, a land defined by dramatic scale, true appreciation comes from getting closer. Scenic invites you to explore by helicopter^{^}, submersible^{^}, kayak or stand-up paddleboard^~, revealing a side of this extraordinary destination that few will ever see.

On board are two state-of-the-art helicopters^{^} offering an entirely different perspective on the landscapes below, as an added extra. Soaring above jagged peaks, vast ice fields and labyrinthine waterways reveals how immense and untamed this part of the world is.

The sense of discovery continues closer to sea level, where a fleet of Zodiacs allows guests to venture into secluded inlets and navigate narrow channels that larger vessels can’t reach, creating more intimate encounters with the environment.

Venture beneath the waves aboard Scenic Neptune II^{^}, the onboard submersible that descends to depths of 100 metres for a close-up view of the subsea world.

Scenic Eclipse also includes kayaks and stand-up paddleboards^~ allowing for quieter moments of exploration where the soundtrack becomes little more than dipping paddles and distant birdsong.

5. The journey doesn’t have to stop once you reach dry land

South America has a habit of making you want more.

Fortunately, stepping off the your Discovery Yacht doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the experience – Scenic’s land extensions add a new dimension to an already remarkable voyage.

The 10-day Taste of Argentina & Brazil, for example, sees you wandering the vibrant La Boca district of Buenos Aires, uncovering the history behind its colourful streets and creative residents; the next, flying to the thunderous spectacle of Iguazú Falls.

Like the cruise itself, the experience is designed to be seamless, with luxury accommodation, small-group guided touring and carefully considered inclusions woven into every itinerary.

So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to secure your Scenic Discovery Yacht Voyage to uncover the Chilean Fjords.

Visit scenic.cruises to explore the latest offers and learn more.

This article was produced in collaboration with Scenic.

^{^Flights on board two helicopters, helicopter experiences including the Snow Hill excursion and submersible experiences are at an additional cost. #Spa treatments at additional cost. ~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations. For the full set of terms and conditions visit scenic.cruises/terms-conditions}