Expedition Overview

Rising from the restless depths of the Drake Sea, the Wollaston Archipelago stands as a rugged sentinel at the edge of the world. Here, where the Americas are born in the collision of ocean and sky, Hornos Island emerges—an age-old challenge for sailors, a myth whispered in the winds, and a testament to those who have braved its storm-lashed shores.

Scattered like fragments of an untamed dream, the archipelago comprises eight principal islands and countless islets, all enshrined within the vast, unyielding embrace of Chile’s Cape Horn National Park, a land so raw and untamed that it has been honored as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

This is a realm sculpted by the elements—harsh, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful. The shifting light, chasing itself across the sky in the race of wind-driven clouds, casts the land in an ever-changing symphony of shadow and brilliance, a spectacle that makes landscape photography here both a challenge and a privilege.

The geography is as diverse as it is dramatic. To the north, Hershel Island lies in quiet contrast, with its gentle, undulating hills rolling toward the sea. At the heart of the archipelago, Wollaston Island stands defiant, its granite peaks clawing at the sky, crowned by Mount Hyde, the highest summit in these remote isles at 670 meters (2,200 feet) above sea level.

But it is to the south that the archipelago’s soul truly resides—on the legendary Hornos Island, home to the famed Cape Horn, a sheer and solemn promontory that has guided, and at times defied, the world’s most daring mariners. This lone, wind-battered monolith rises like a beacon against the southernmost seas, a final outpost before the vast and merciless expanse of the Southern Ocean.

Here, on this isolated frontier, a Chilean Navy lighthouse stands watch. If the fates of wind and water allow, we will set foot on this storied land, trace the steps of explorers past, and sign our names in the guestbook of Cape Horn, leaving behind a whisper of our passage through one of the most fabled corners of the Earth.

Life Aboard the Expedition Vessel – M/V Alakush

Our floating base camp for this adventure is the M/V Alakush, an 18 meters (60 feet) steel-hull vessel equipped with two 240hp engines. The boat features a 270° panoramic lounge,  a lower deck with six double cabins, each fitted with bunk beds shared with fellow explorers, one shared shower for all passengers, there toilets and an expedition zodiac for safe shore landings.

Every night, we will find shelter in a well-protected cove, allowing for comfortable rest. We will disembark every day to explore on foot, immersing ourselves in the landscape. Whether from the deck or on land, the colors, ice formations, and vast panoramas will provide endless inspiration

With an experienced captain, a seasoned guide with deep knowledge of the area, and a crew well-versed in Patagonian navigation, we ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.

And because adventure and comfort should go hand in hand, we will also enjoy delicious meals, both onboard and during our land excursions—including traditional Patagonian cuisine, featuring lamb barbecue, fresh seafood, and fine wines to accompany our journey.

Expedition Itinerary

The journey begins in Puerto Williams, located on Navarino Island, where we will board our vessel.

• Day of Departure: We will navigate westward through the Beagle Channel, then head south via Murray Channel, anchoring at Caleta Wulaia.

• We will continue to Caleta Duck on the Hardy Peninsula of Hoste Island before entering the Wollaston Archipelago.

• Within the archipelago, we will anchor at Puerto Maxwell on Hermite Island and at Caleta Martial on Hershel Island.

This expedition is designed for nature photography enthusiasts seeking to explore remote, extreme environments. While the weather may be calm and peaceful, we must be prepared for challenging navigation conditions. This combination makes the experience both a unique and exceptional opportunity for photography.

Beyond Cape Horn: Exploring Chile’s Natural Wonders

For those wishing to extend their journey in Chile, we offer customized travel experiences to some of the country’s most breathtaking destinations like the Atacama Desert and Torres del Paine.

Let us know if you’d like to add an extension to your trip, and we will craft a personalized package to ensure an unforgettable continuation of your Chilean adventure.