
Navimag Ferry Terminal Puerto Natales
Journey through remote Patagonian fjords on a cargo ferry, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best wildlife spotting

Navimag Ferry Terminal Puerto Natales
Best Time
Best wildlife spotting

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey through remote Patagonian fjords on a cargo ferry, witnessing breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.
"An amazing 4 days on the cargo/passenger ferry traveling between the Patagonian islands and fjords."

Book Tickets in Advance
Purchase tickets about 5 weeks ahead, but be prepared for potential weather-related delays. :ticket:
Pack for Rough Seas
Expect about 14 hours of rough seas during the open ocean crossing. :ocean:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Patagonian Fjords & Wildlife
Navimag Ferry Route
Witness breathtaking fjords, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife like dolphins, seals, and albatrosses.

Onboard Yoga Classes
Onboard Esperanza Ferry
Participate in rejuvenating yoga sessions with provided mats. Sign up early as classes fill up fast.

Cafeteria-Style Dining
Onboard Esperanza Ferry
Enjoy surprisingly good cafeteria-style meals, with options for vegetarian and celiac diets if pre-arranged.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Flexibility for Weather Delays
Navigate Boarding with Patience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Anyone who would like to share experiences with using the Navimag ferry between Puerto Montt & Puerto Natales (or the other way around)? Thank you in advance for sharing! Pic by Chilean Tourism Board -Sernatur (Chiloé Island)
Book Tickets in Advance
Purchase tickets about 5 weeks ahead, but be prepared for potential weather-related delays. :ticket:
Pack for Rough Seas
Expect about 14 hours of rough seas during the open ocean crossing. :ocean:
Check in location for the navimag ferry in Puerto Montt?
How to: W trek back to puerto Natales ?
Dietary Needs? Inform Ahead
Notify Navimag of dietary preferences (vegetarian, celiac) before boarding. :forkandknife:
Hot Showers, Wet Floors
Showers are great, but bathrooms can get wet. Consider a small squeegee. :shower:
Patagonia Trip Check
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets in Advance
Purchase tickets about 5 weeks ahead, but be prepared for potential weather-related delays. :ticket:
Pack for Rough Seas
Expect about 14 hours of rough seas during the open ocean crossing. :ocean:
Dietary Needs? Inform Ahead
Notify Navimag of dietary preferences (vegetarian, celiac) before boarding. :forkandknife:
Hot Showers, Wet Floors
Showers are great, but bathrooms can get wet. Consider a small squeegee. :shower:
No WiFi or Cell Service
Enjoy a digital detox; there's no service for most of the journey. :iphone:
Vehicle Access Restricted
If you bring a vehicle, you won't have access to it during the journey. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Navimag ferry as an unforgettable experience, highlighting the stunning Patagonian fjords, abundant wildlife, and unique onboard atmosphere. While weather delays are common and the boarding process can be complex, the overall journey is highly recommended for its scenic beauty and immersive nature.
"Helpful information for the Esperanza ferry journey between Puerto Natales and Puerto Montt:
0) We had an excellent experience and highly recommend it. Amazing wildlife and scenery in an extremely remote place.
1) Flexibility 1: We bought our tickets on the Navimag Esperanza about 5 weeks before departure, and our departure ended up delayed by 2 days due to bad weather on prior ferry trips. Ferry trips later in the season are more likely to be delayed. Make sure your travel plans can account for these delays. We had no trouble finding a last minute place to stay in Puerto Natales.
2) Flexibility 2: In general, the processes and communications about getting on and off the ferry are not always clear, and not every person in the process understands the whole process, so take your time and talk to as many people as it takes. We found everyone to be kind and helpful. A large part of the complication is that the process for getting on and off the ship is a bit different for you, your luggage, your car, your motorcycle, your bicycle, etc. Navimag is primarily a cargo transport ferry, so keep in mind that they are juggling trucks, passenger cars, motorcycles, bicycles, luggage, and passengers.
3) Rough seas: there's an approximately 14-hour crossing of open ocean where you can experience larger waves. The rest of our journey through the fjords was extremely smooth.
4) Route changes: Part way through our journey the captain changed our route to skip Puerto Edén, so we passed to the west of Isla Byron instead of to the east of Isla Wager.
4) There were two onboard yoga classes that were both awesome. These fill fast so make sure you sign up onboard. Yoga mats were provided.
5) Food: It's cafeteria style and surprisingly good for a ferry. They can accommodate some dietary preferences like vegetarian and celiac if you tell them before you board.
6) Showers are hot and great, except we couldn't figure out how to shower without getting the bathroom floor very wet. We wished we had a small squeegee to scrape the water off the floor so it would dry faster. We ended up using one of our cabin's towels as a bath mat.
7) If you bring a vehicle, you are not allowed access to it while the ferry is traveling.
8) There is no WiFi or cell service on almost the entire journey because it is through extremely remote territory. However, I am sure the ship could send a message out for you if there is an emergency. I also got LTE cell connection as we passed Caleta Andrade.
If this was helpful, give it a like so more people can find it."
David McNeill
"We were a little bothered with the delayed departure but once I the ferry we understood why. The weather and winds change quickly in the summer. Staff we great, the food was varied and vegetarian options were good. The did serve cut up hotdogs one morning I found strange but that was my only option. We stayed an extra day in a calm bsy as the sea swells were more then 4 mt. We met some great travelers and had an excellent trip. We saw dolphins, seals, wild life but no whales. The yoga was good, and some of the information videos. Have time to spare before and after as delays do happen so don't book things to close. If you have cancelthe do refund."
Barefoot mart
"An amazing 4 days on the cargo/passenger ferry traveling between the Patagonian islands and fjords. Strong chilly wind between wild, rugged & snow-capped mountains. The ferry facilities were very comfortable and the Navimag crew were great. Special memories...❤️🏔️🌫️"
Vincent Oliver
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Navimag ferry terminal is located in Puerto Natales, Chile. While the exact check-in location might vary or be at a hotel like Hotel Versalles for initial procedures, the ferry itself departs from the port facilities. It's always best to confirm the precise boarding point with Navimag closer to your departure date.
Taxis are readily available in Puerto Natales and can take you directly to the ferry terminal. If you're traveling with a vehicle, follow signs for the port. Confirm any specific pick-up points with Navimag when booking.
While buses serve Puerto Natales, they may not go directly to the ferry terminal. It's often more convenient to take a taxi from the bus station to the terminal, especially if you have luggage.
Check-in procedures can sometimes be at a designated hotel before heading to the port, as noted in some traveler experiences. Always refer to your confirmation email for the most accurate check-in location and time. Be prepared for a multi-step process if you have a vehicle.
Yes, Navimag is a cargo ferry and accommodates vehicles like cars and motorcycles. The process for boarding and securing your vehicle is specific, and you will not have access to it during the journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's recommended to book your Navimag ferry tickets about 5 weeks in advance, especially during peak season. However, be aware that departures can be delayed due to weather, so flexibility is crucial.
Departure times can vary and are subject to change due to weather conditions. Always check your booking confirmation and Navimag's official schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there are various accommodation options, including simple bunks in shared halls, which are perfect for sleeping and socializing, to more private cabins. Choose based on your budget and comfort needs.
Navimag generally offers refunds if you need to cancel, especially in cases of significant delays or cancellations. It's advisable to review their specific terms and conditions when booking.
Changes to bookings may be possible, but it's best to contact Navimag directly as soon as possible. Be aware that last-minute changes might incur fees or be subject to availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Travelers often report seeing dolphins, seals, albatrosses, and various seabirds. While whales and orcas are also possible sightings, they are not guaranteed. The journey through the fjords offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
No, there is virtually no WiFi or cell service for the majority of the journey as the ferry travels through extremely remote territories. This offers a great opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the scenery.
The showers are generally hot and good. However, some passengers find that the bathroom floors can get quite wet, so bringing a small squeegee or an extra towel to use as a bath mat can be helpful.
No, if you bring a vehicle, you are not allowed access to it while the ferry is in transit. All personal belongings should be taken with you to your cabin or designated passenger areas.
The ferry offers onboard yoga classes which are popular and fill up quickly. Information videos are also shown. While some find the onboard attractions limited, the primary entertainment is the stunning scenery and wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food is served cafeteria-style and is generally considered surprisingly good for a ferry. Options can include varied dishes, though some unique items like hot dogs for breakfast have been noted.
Yes, Navimag can accommodate dietary preferences such as vegetarian and celiac if you inform them before boarding. It's crucial to communicate these needs in advance.
Meal inclusions can vary depending on the ticket package purchased. It's best to check your booking details to confirm whether meals are included or if they are an additional cost.
While the primary dining is cafeteria-style, there may be options for purchasing snacks or beverages onboard. Confirm availability with Navimag directly.
Meal times are usually aligned with standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner schedules. These are typically announced onboard, but it's good to be aware of the general timings.
📸 📸 Photography
The outer decks offer the most spectacular views for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings as you navigate the fjords.
Absolutely! The journey through the Patagonian fjords is incredibly scenic, with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and dramatic coastlines providing endless photographic opportunities.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture both distant wildlife and expansive landscapes. A wide-angle lens is great for the fjords, and a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
While the ferry is primarily a cargo vessel, passenger access to cargo areas might be restricted for safety reasons. Focus on the natural beauty and wildlife for your photographic endeavors.
Lighting can vary greatly depending on the weather and time of day. Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Be prepared for overcast conditions as well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ferry is a cargo vessel, the cafeteria-style dining can cater to simpler tastes, and informing them of dietary needs is key. The onboard yoga classes might be a novel experience for older children. However, parents should be prepared for the lack of WiFi and the potential for rough seas, which might affect younger travelers. Bringing plenty of entertainment and snacks is advisable.
🎒 Budget Travelers
The cafeteria-style dining, while an additional expense if not included in your package, is generally reasonably priced. The main 'cost' for budget travelers is the time commitment and the need for flexibility due to potential weather delays. However, the immersive experience and the incredible scenery are often considered priceless by those who choose this route.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Wildlife photography is also a major draw, with frequent sightings of dolphins, seals, and various bird species. Having a versatile zoom lens is highly recommended to capture both distant wildlife and expansive vistas. The lack of cell service allows photographers to fully focus on their craft and the surrounding environment without digital distractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Navimag Experience
Be prepared for the unpredictable Patagonian weather, which can cause delays of up to two days. This flexibility is crucial for a smooth trip. The onboard experience includes cafeteria-style dining, which is surprisingly good and can accommodate dietary needs if notified in advance. Showers are available, though some find the bathrooms can get wet. Importantly, there is no WiFi or cell service for most of the journey, making it a true escape.
For those bringing vehicles, remember that access to your car or motorcycle is restricted once onboard. The process of boarding and disembarking can be complex due to the mix of passengers, cars, trucks, and bicycles. Patience and clear communication with the crew are key. Despite the potential for rough seas during the open ocean crossing, the majority of the journey through the fjords is smooth and incredibly scenic.
Wildlife and Scenery: The Patagonian Spectacle
Wildlife encounters are another significant highlight. Keep your eyes peeled for pods of dolphins leaping through the waves, seals basking on rocky outcrops, and a variety of seabirds, including albatrosses, soaring overhead. While sightings of whales and orcas are possible, they are not guaranteed. The sheer remoteness of the region means that any wildlife sighting feels particularly special and rewarding.
Travelers often describe the experience as a chance to witness nature in its rawest form. The lack of cell service further enhances this connection, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the environment. The journey is a photographer's dream, with opportunities to capture both grand landscapes and intimate wildlife moments.
Onboard Amenities and Practicalities
Dining is handled through a cafeteria-style service, which has received positive feedback for its quality and variety. Navimag is accommodating of dietary needs like vegetarian and celiac, provided you communicate these requirements in advance. This thoughtful service ensures most passengers can enjoy their meals without concern.
Practical considerations include the hot showers, which are a welcome amenity. However, passengers often note that the bathroom floors can become quite wet. Bringing a small squeegee or an extra towel to manage moisture can be a helpful tip. The absence of WiFi and cell service is a significant aspect of the onboard experience, encouraging passengers to disconnect and engage with their surroundings and fellow travelers.






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