subject: Unique Patagonia Cruise Combines Whale Watching And Fly Fishing [print this page] Fly fishing for trout and viewing gigantic blue whales in a Zodiac dont usually go together but this Patagonia cruise on the MN Atmosphere manages both, and in style. The Andes and sea meet on the southern coast of Chile in a region of Patagonia famous for crystal clear mountain streams and big trout, and where blue whales can be seen in the Golf of Corcovado. The Atmosphere is the only adventure cruise ship designed specifically to cruise the coast of Patagonia.
The 150 foot ships crew includes 9 expert fly fishing guides and a leading whale biologist, Gian Paolo Sanino, and they have two helicopters, a 30 foot rigid inflatible boat (RIB) designed for the Navy Seals in which to explore the most remote mountain streams and the marine coastline. The Atmosphere was built by a young Chilean adventurer with a passion for fly fishing and its perfect for a Patagonia cruise among small remote bays with towering snow covered peaks above. If the shoreline is too rugged for landing, the helicopters whisk passengers beyond the highest peaks, while the RIB can maneuver shallow or deep water. There are also sea kayaks for quiet trips in sheltered coves and up coastal river valleys.
The vessel is a sleek work of art that provides sybaratic shelter. While cruising the coast of Patagonia you can relax in the saltwater hot tubs or sauna, then have a massage. Meals prepared by Chiles top chefs and accompanied by excellent Sauvignon Blancs and Carmineres from the Chiles vineyards. The cabins are relatively small and mostly have two single beds, but this is an expedition style adventure cruise and theyre certainly not spartan. There are three larger cabins with queen-sized beds.
The MN Atmospere sails from Puerto Montt, Chile, every Saturday afternoon from October through April. Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Pacific coast of Patagonia and gateway to the Patagonian Lake District. There are connecting flights from Santiago to Puerto Montt several times a day. The ship returns to Puerto Montt the following Saturday morning in time to make connecting flights north to Santiago or south to Punta Arenas, the gateway to the national parks of the southern Andes.
