Silversea is once again reshaping the luxury expedition landscape, and this time, it’s not with a ship but with a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Launching in January 2026, The Cormorant at 55 South is set to welcome guests in Puerto Williams, Chile, offering an entirely fresh way to begin one’s journey to Antarctica. From its dramatic surroundings in the Fuegian Archipelago to its curated excursions and elevated comfort, The Cormorant is a perfect fusion of immersive discovery and Silversea’s signature style.
While the journey to Antarctica has traditionally involved long connections and a few logistical hurdles, Silversea has redesigned the experience to be more seamless and deeply rewarding. With a full suite of enriching activities and upgraded travel logistics, The Cormorant at 55 South will become a defining feature of pre-expedition travel.
A Rare Gateway to Nature and Culture
This new property by Silversea does more than provide a place to sleep. It’s a purposeful destination, giving guests a front-row seat to the untouched landscapes and rich biodiversity of the subpolar region.
Guided Excursions Through Puerto Williams' Wild Heart
With a location steeped in rugged beauty, the hotel offers tailored experiences suited to a variety of physical activity levels. From walks through Parque Municipal Ukika to panoramic hikes across windswept trails, guests will enjoy meaningful time outdoors, with ample opportunity to connect with the land. Silversea has specifically designed these excursions to be intimate and accessible, allowing deeper connection with the remote region’s culture and ecosystems.
Birdwatching, Marine Life, and Remote Wilderness
A standout feature of The Cormorant’s setting is its rich avian population. The hotel’s name pays tribute to the local cormorant, but that’s just one of many species visitors can expect to see. Keep your eyes peeled for yellow-billed pintails, dolphin gulls, and upland geese, among others. Marine life also thrives in the nearby Beagle Channel, where dolphins, whales, and seals occasionally make appearances. The hotel’s guides bring a deep understanding of the local ecosystems, ensuring every spotting is both memorable and educational.
Paddle Through Explorer-Trodden Waters
For guests seeking an immersive water experience, The Cormorant delivers guided kayaking excursions in the same historic channels once mapped by famous explorers. These outings aren’t just scenic—they connect travellers to the long maritime legacy of the region, offering a tranquil yet profound way to engage with the surrounding landscape.
The Edge of the World, Within Reach
With its setting on Navarino Island, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Dientes de Navarino and Cape Horn in the distance, The Cormorant places guests at the edge of the world. But what truly elevates the experience is how Silversea makes this remote location so easy to reach.
New Charter Flights for Seamless Arrival
Starting with the 2025-2026 Antarctica season, Silversea will offer direct charter flights from Santiago to Puerto Williams, exclusively for its guests. These new services are more than just convenient—they’re luxurious. Expect dedicated check-in, enhanced seating space, and in-flight meal service with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included. This new routing not only reduces travel time but also ensures a smooth start to an otherwise challenging-to-reach destination.
A New Era for Antarctica Fly Cruises
The Cormorant sets the stage for Silversea’s Antarctica Fly Cruise, a six-day expedition that flies over the Drake Passage. This option is ideal for travellers looking to experience the best of the White Continent while skipping the often-dicey seas. Guests will step aboard in comfort and immediately transition to expedition mode, guided by one of the most experienced teams in the industry.
Deeper Exploration Backed by Expedition Experts
Silversea's strength in the expedition cruising market is not new. Since pioneering luxury expeditions to Antarctica in 2008, the brand has continued to lead in guest enrichment and service. This deep heritage is now integrated into every part of the Cormorant at 55 South experience.
Elite Expedition Guides and Thoughtful Programming
Guests can expect immersive walks and insightful discussions hosted by Silversea’s seasoned expedition team. These experts, often numbering up to 28 per sailing, are leaders in their respective fields, offering guests a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from geological formations to wildlife behaviours. Their commentary doesn’t stop on shore either. Back at the hotel or on board ship, their lectures help frame the day’s discoveries in context, fostering deeper appreciation.
Scenic Hikes and Natural Observation
The surrounding landscapes offer something truly rare: unspoiled ecosystems where foxes, guanacos, and Andean condors roam free. Hiking trails within Parque Municipal Ukika and the broader Magellanic subpolar forest allow guests to step into the wild, guided and supported by seasoned professionals who ensure both safety and insight.
Personalised Journeys with Silversea’s Signature Touch
Whether it’s the bespoke pacing of activities, access to lesser-travelled corners of Puerto Williams, or the attentive service at every turn, guests can expect a pre-Antarctic experience that’s as curated as it is unforgettable. As always, Silversea offers small-group formats and flexible itineraries that adapt to guest interests and conditions on the ground.
Make Puerto Williams the Start of Something Bigger
The Cormorant at 55 South is more than just a luxurious stay; it is a meaningful part of the Antarctica Fly Cruise journey. With sustainability, education, and personalised experiences at its core, this new destination invites travellers to appreciate the prelude to Antarctica as much as the expedition itself.
For those planning ahead for the 2025-2026 season and beyond, there’s no better time to explore how this unique property can redefine the way you see and feel the journey to the polar south.
Curious to discover how The Cormorant fits into your expedition goals? Visit our Cruise Finder to explore Antarctica Fly Cruise options that begin in Puerto Williams. You’ll find tailored itineraries and insightful travel tools to help you plan every detail with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned polar explorer or setting off on your first luxury expedition, this new chapter with Silversea offers more reasons than ever to dream big and travel far.
Start Planning Your Antarctic Journey with Confidence
Silversea’s newest offering in Puerto Williams delivers not just a hotel, but a genuine expedition hub where the adventure begins before the ship even departs. Combining eco-luxury with meaningful discovery, The Cormorant at 55 South sets a new benchmark for pre-expedition hospitality.
If you're looking to embark on a journey that offers both rare access and comfort from the start, let us help you tailor your next voyage to Antarctica. Start by reaching out to our expert team, and we’ll guide you through the most seamless and inspiring expedition experience yet.
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