Travelling from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, we came through the Beagle Channel and Glacier Alley. I do not apologise for using words such as ‘stunning’ and ‘amazing’ to describe the scenery in this area. There were 6 glaciers in this area and we were lucky to see them all, whilst it is the best season to sail Glacier Alley, that doesn’t mean the weather (or sea conditions) are always kind to you. We were the first boat to be able to get close to the Amalia glacier this season and as the weather closed in behind us, I think other boats weren’t so lucky.

Described in detail by Charles Darwin during his five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle, the Amalia is followed in quick succession by another 5 glaciers—which are named Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania and Romanche (the latter located within Chile’s Alberto de Agostini National Park)—are nothing short of spectacular, summoning an aura of grace and quietude as well as reminding one of the majestic force of nature.

The channel was narrow, which meant that any sea life was close to the ship. We were treated to pilot whales who swam close to the boat and breached along with lots of spouting as they hunted for the elephant seals in the area. We had expected to see wildlife on this trip, but this was unexpected (due to the season) but very much welcomed.