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Patagonia Fly Fishing Adventure Cruise

Adventure cruises aboard the MV Atmosphere are the ultimate way to explore Patagonia's coast.

Jason Elkins - Orvis Travel

Jason Elkins
Patagonia Cruise Contact
1-800-547-4322
OrvisTravel@Orvis.com

Jason Elkins did a wonderful job! Absolutely no surprises during the trip; his arrangements were perfect. I cannot envision ever booking through another organization.
- Craig, Friday Harbor, Washington

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This trip combines well with:
Explora Lodge, Chile
Explore the beautiful scenery of Patagonia
in Chile at the luxurious Explora Lodge.



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Patagonia Fly Fishing Adventure Cruise

 
 
 
Overview

South America Cruise : Patagonia adventure vacation package from Orvis International Travel.Sail the Chilean fjords in South America and explore the remote Pacific coast of Patagonia, fishing untouched rivers, hiking the temperate rainforest or relaxing on the deck of your expedition ship taking in magnificent scenery. Your adventure vacation cruise ship is a luxurious 150’ expedition ship designed for fly-fishing and natural history cruises, and it is outfitted with a helicopter, jetboats, Zodiacs, and sea kayaks to give you access to the most remote estuaries and backcountry. There is a crew of expert fly-fishing guides and naturalists for daily excursions, as well as a top chef, sommelier and masseuse to provide food and comfort when you return to the ship at the end of an exhilarating day. It’s a far cry from HMS Beagle in Darwin’s day, but it shares the same spirit of adventure.

For fly fishers, the ability of the ship to go to where the fish are, and seek out the best weather, is a tremendous advantage over fishing from a single lodge. For adventurous travelers, the ships small size and fleet of boats gives you access to places where other ships cannot venture. This is truly a unique experience for sophisticated travelers.

South America Cruise : Patagonia adventure vacation package from Orvis International Travel."I didn't think the Nomads trip could get any better after my first trip in 2007, but returning in March of 2009 I found the fishing, the food, the helicopter rides, and of course the staff better than ever. This is an expensive trip but I can assure you that if you can afford it it will be the trip of a lifetime. As a couple of guests on my last trip stated: "Yes, it's very expensive, but I asked myself 'if not now, when?'" I do not think there is a better combination of adventure, education, food, wine, fishing, wildlife, scenery--and companionship--in the world."

Tom Rosenbauer
Marketing Director, Orvis Rod & Tackle

Orvis International Travel invites you to join us for an extraordinary experience aboard the Nomads of the Seas.

Extras

ForbesLife recently published an article about this trip. Hi-Res (6.5 MB) | Lo-Res (1.16 MB)

Gray's Sporting Journal recently published a photo essay about this trip. Hi-Res (9.4 MB) | Lo-Res (1 MB)

Author and fly-fishing expert Tom Rosenbauer has been with Orvis for 30 years and recently joined Charles Gaines on the M.V. Atmosphere. Click here to check out his trip video.

View a complete color brochure about the MV Atmosphere and this Chilean fjords cruise.

 

Orvis International Travel

How to book this trip


Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
(800) 547-4322/(802) 362-8790 fax: (802) 362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

 
 
Itinerary

Sample Cruise Itinerary
The departure location and times does not change. However, each trip is different and actual locations visited on the journey will change from week to week based on weather, current fishing conditions and passenger interest.

Friday Depart United States
Saturday Puerto Montt, Chile - Embark
  Arrive in Puerto Montt on flights from Santiago before 3:00 PM. You will be met by a representative from Orvis Travel and transferred to a private club house at the marina.
Orientation and boarding begins at 4:30 PM.
Welcome aboard the MV Atmosphere. Settle into your cabin.
Reception and dinner on board.
During the evening the ship sets sail and cruises south through Reloncavi Sound into the Ancud Gulf with the coast of mainland Chile to the east.
Sunday Explore the Chilean fjords
  The coast of Chile is a constantly changing landscape of fjords created by rivers flowing down from the high Andes, and vast number of islands offshore creates a unique wilderness of forests, mountains and rivers that are rarely explored by anyone. Today we enter the waters near the Huqui Peninsula with Comau Fjord on the north and Rinihue Fjord on the south. The Pumalin Preserve dominates this coast line and protects the watershed. (N.B. The exact route will be determined by the guides and captain while we sail, based on weather, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. For example, you may sail further south early in the voyage rather than stay in the Comau Fjord region.) After breakfast and a briefing by the guides, you will head out by Zodiac, jet boat or helicopter to fly fish or hike in the temperate rainforest.
Monday & Tuesday Chonos & Guaitecas Archipelagos
  The east coast of the Corcovado Gulf is dominated by mountains rising 6,000 to 9,000 feet, and numerous rivers flow into it. The Yelcho is the best-know of these, mostly because it’s close to a road, but there are many isolated streams we can reach from the vessel that are untouched. South of Punta Navarro, the coast is roadless as far south as Tic Toc Bay, presenting us with a taste of real wilderness. And from Melimoyu south to the mouth of the Rio Cisnes the protected area of Isla Magdalena National Park present a wonderful opportunity to explore temperate rainforest and fish rivers and lakes inland nearly to the Argentine border. We may also sail west into the Chonos and Guaitecas Archipelagos, a wilderness of dozens of forested islands that would take a lifetime to fully explore.
Wednesday to Friday Elefantes Sound - Laguna San Rafael National Park
  We enter a world of narrow waterways and islands south of Puyuhuapi Channel and there are more glaciers and snowcapped peaks at these lower latitudes. Long bays like the San Francisco or Barros Arana Estuaries present fascinating options for excursions to completely pristine shores and streams. We may venture south through the Elefantes Sound and through a narrow passage into Laguna San Rafael, the southernmost point on our journey. Our excursions will take us in sight of and onto glaciers, weather permitting, and the number of remote rivers and lakes to fish is staggering. We’ll only visit a few, giving you something to return for next time. At some point, the vessel will turn around and head north in this region.
Saturday Puerto Montt - Depart
  Disembark the ship and transfer to airport in time to catch any flight departing Puerto Montt anytime after 10:00 AM. If you have a later flight you can relax in the private club house at the marina until it is time to transfer to the airport. Depart Puerto Montt on homeward flights or book an extension package with Orvis Travel.

 

Orvis International Travel

How to book this trip


Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
(800) 547-4322/(802) 362-8790 fax: (802) 362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

 
 
Activities

The Fishing
Patagonia adventure cruise vacation activities : Fly Fishing and moreUnlike land based operations, the advantage of this program is the ability to move from one area to another with short notice. This provides a different experience for every angler and from one week to the next. No two weeks are identical and therefore impossible to describe accurately. However, you can be assured of a wide variety of freshwater trout fishing for browns, rainbows and brook trout in rivers and lakes. One day you may be streamer fishing with a fast sink tip line and the next you may be stalking rising fish with dry flies. The best experience will be had by anglers that like variety and are willing to try new techniques. The guides are knowledgeable and can show you exactly what you need to do to increase your odds for success in any setting you find yourself in.

The lower stretches of rivers, closer to the sea, tend to be wide with strong currents. This is where you will most likely find the best streamer fishing. This type of fishing can often require longer casts, fast sink tip lines and big heavy flies. If you have a seven weight rod, this is the perfect place for it.

The smaller rivers, streams and lakes typically provide the best opportunity for dry fly and nymph fishing. During the week you should have several opportunities to access these waterways where you can wade fish or cruise the banks in a drift boat looking for trout willing to feed on the surface.

Wind and rain can be a factor in Chile and the wise angler comes prepared for the worst. Taking some time to practice your casting or signing up for a casting lesson prior to your trip can increase your enjoyment if the conditions are less than ideal. The ship crew, helicopter pilots and guides will do their best to get you out of the wind but rain is a little more difficult to avoid. The extreme topography of this region often creates small microclimates. These protected areas may be dead calm, while the surrounding area is experiencing windy conditions.

Fishing Guides
Patagonia Vacation : Fishing GuidesThe fishing guides all speak English and are fly fisherman themselves. They are highly trained in fly fishing techniques as well as safety and boatmanship. Many are very good instructors and all know proper fly selection, lines, knots and where to find fish. The guide manager reviews the day’s activities nightly and makes adjustments to the next days schedule accordingly. Typically, anglers will have the opportunity to fish with a variety of different guides throughout the course of the week.

Boats
Patagonia Vacation : BoatingYou will spend time in Rogue River jet boats for at least part of your trip. These boats accommodate four anglers and two guides. Although the ride can be a bit rough in the bays and estuaries, most of the time will be spent in the smoother water of the rivers that you will be fishing.

You will also likely spend some time in one of the drift boats that the guides use to fish some of the lakes and rivers in the area. These boats are designed for two anglers and a guide.

The guide staff may use a small Zodiac or Cataraft when accessing rivers by helicopter.

There is a 30’ Zodiac with two 250 hp 4-stroke motors that is used for the nature watching excursions. This boat is well suited to the rough seas that are sometimes crossed on whale watching expeditions. The boat is brand new and very well equipped with navigational and safety equipment.

Helicopter
Patagonia Vacation : Helicopter transportation.The highlight of the sophisticated aero-maritime transportation system that makes this adventure unique is a new Bell 407 helicopter. Depending on weather and safety concerns, groups of up to 4 anglers and 2 guides will be taken into the best fishing locations in the expedition area. These excursions have a scheduled drop-off and pick-up time.

Jetboating
Patagonia Cruise Activities : JetboatingJetboating expeditions afford the perfect combination of speed and safety. Aboard one of the six jetboats -specially built for Nomads of the Seas- our guests will experience breathtaking journeys through beautiful riversides and forests.

Jetboating has proved to be one of the most exciting features of the operation. It appeals to the pure, essential love of speed that every adventurer carries deep within their hearts. Our guests will take home lasting memories of the sheer exhilaration of soaring upriver, blending with the wind, water and astonishing beauty.

Kayaking
Patagonia Cruise Activities : Kayaking The rivers and the fiords of Patagonia provide natural navigation routes for a unique kayaking experience. True kayakers know that no other form of navigation offers quite the same vantage point as a good kayak. The paddler virtually immerses in the flow of the current below, almost touching the leaves of the tress lining the banks, a unique perspective to fully admire flora and fauna at short range.

During your trip, kayaking will be available in three different forms: gently paddling down quiet, peaceful rivers, navigating different levels of white waters or cruising the maritime coastline admiring the amazing oceanic wildlife.

Rafting
The highpoint of our rafting program includes a spectacular flight on our Bell 407 helicopter into the Patagonian mountains, to a river specifically chosen by Nomads of the Seas for an unforgettable whitewater adventure. Along the course, rafters get the chance to tackle from mild to Class III rapids.

Trekking
Patagonia Cruise Activities :  Hiking tripsIf our guests want to absorb every inch of this amazing ecosystem step by step, Nomads of the Seas will transport them by jetboat or helicopter to remote inland or coastal locations. In these hidden spots our experienced guides have selected various day routes. Trekkers serpent their way through the astonishing southern cold jungle and its plethora of endemic flowers, centennial trees, leafy bushes and an endless number of species of ferns, fungi, algae and lichens.

Some sites where we make landfall offer the possibility of enjoying the steam and high temperatures of rustic hot springs, or of taking in the sights of majestic glaciers or impressive volcanoes.

Whale watching
Patagonia Cruise Activities :  Whale WatchingA marine biologist and zoologist guides expeditions aboard the ship’s seagoing Zodiac to watch for the blue whales that come to feed in the Boca Del Guafo during the Austral summer. The exact location of blue whales is never a certainty and seasonal weather fluctuations make it impossible to ensure that they will be there during your trip. However, blue whales are often seen by guests. In addition to blue whales, guests may spot pygmy killer whales, Chilean dolphin and a variety of other sea mammals during a single outing.

Other Activities
Patagonia Cruise Activities In addition to the activities outlined above, guests aboard the MV Atmosphere may also have opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities. Although activities vary depending on the course of the ship, time of year and weather, guests can be assured of an adventure filled vacation. Some examples of other activities that may be available during your trip include:

  • Glacier visits
  • Relaxing in natural hot springs
  • Wildlife and nature photography
  • Lectures on cultural and natural history
  • Coastal village excursions
  • Horseback riding

 

Orvis International Travel

How to book this trip


Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
(800) 547-4322/(802) 362-8790 fax: (802) 362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

 
 
Accommodations

The Cruise Ship, M.V. Atmosphere

Patagonia Adventure Cruise : The M.V. AtmosphereThe Atmosphere is a 150’ long luxury expedition yacht. With accommodations for up to 28 passengers and a crew of 32, the ship is large enough to provide a first class experience but small enough to get very close to the coastline guests have come to see. The ship’s maiden voyage was in 2006 and all of the equipment is state of the art and complies with all international safety standards. The ship is captained by a former Chilean Naval officer.

Cabins
Patagonia Adventure Cruise : The M.V. AtmosphereCabins are specially designed to give passengers the privacy and comfort they need. All cabins are exterior with large viewing windows. The premium queen cabins are on the top deck and are the same dimensions and configuration of the deluxe queen cabins.

10 deluxe cabins with twin beds
2 deluxe cabins with queen bed
2 premium cabins with queen bed

The M.V. Atmosphere : South America Cruise Vacation

 

Orvis International Travel

How to book this trip


Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
(800) 547-4322/(802) 362-8790 fax: (802) 362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

 
 
Pricing & Dates
Orvis Week - Fly Fishing in Chile
Join us for a week of fly fishing and cruising the fjords of Chile on the most exciting adventure cruise ship in South America.

Dates
February 26th - March 5th, 2011
Rates
from $9,850 per person

Pricing and Dates
The MV Atmosphere departs Puerto Montt weekly, between late November and early April.

Departure dates (Saturday – Saturday, except where noted)

2010 2011
November 27 January 2*, 8, 15, 22
December 19*, 26* February 5, 12, 19, 26
  March 5, 12, 19, 26
  April 2

* December 19 & 26 are Sunday-Sunday departures
** January 2 is a Sunday-Saturday departure. The rate for this departure is pro-rated. Please inquire with Orvis Travel for details.

RATES NOVEMBER 2010 - APRIL 2011 IN US $

Fly Fishing or Wildlife Adventure Packages      
Occupancy Cabin Beds All Season
Double Deluxe 2 Twins or 1 Queen $9,850 per person
  Premium Queen Bed $12,805 per person
       
Single Deluxe 2 Twins or 1 Queen $12,805 per person
  Premium Queen $16,647 per person

Rates are per person and include 19% VAT. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Private whole ship charters are available. Please contact Orvis Travel for rates and availability.

Orvis Travel charges the same rates but includes the taxes in the prices quoted above. When you book with us you will save time and money, while booking your vacation with someone you trust.

Included:
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers and open bar on the ship; Sauna, Thalasotherapy, lectures, wine tasting; guided fly fishing excursions, 2 anglers per guide; guided ecotourism excursions; ground transfers to/from Puerto Montt airport on scheduled arrival and departure days.

Not Included:
Air to Puerto Montt, Chile; laundry service; massages; extra helicopter excursions; special liquors; satellite phone and internet; fly fishing equipment; tips; and items of a personal nature.

 

Orvis International Travel

How to book this trip


Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
(800) 547-4322/(802) 362-8790 fax: (802) 362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

 
 
Extensions

Explora Lodge, Chile
The Explora Lodge is a luxurious mountain inn set in the heart of the Andes Mountains in Chile. The scenery is stunning and the hotel arranges excellent excursions led by knowledgeable guides – part of the all-inclusive price – so you can enjoy the national park with minimal planning. This adventure vacation package provides easy walks, wildlife viewing with naturalists, and rugged hikes to choose from daily. Food, rooms and service are all excellent.

 

 

Orvis International Travel

How to book this trip


Orvis International Travel 178 Conservation Way Sunderland, Vermont 05250
800-547-4322/802-362-8790 fax: 802-362-8795 e-mail: OrvisTravel@orvis.com

 
 
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