Silversea unveils new experiences at its new Chilean hotel

• The hotel will open in January 2026 for the Antarctica season.
• Guests will be able to do a range of activities, including hiking, kayaking and wildlife spotting.
• The hotel stay will be part of a fly-cruise option for guests not wanting to sail the Drake Passage.

Silversea has unveiled highlights of the land offerings available at its Puerto Williams hotel, The Cormorant at 55 South.

The hotel, scheduled to open in January 2026, will be designed for Silversea Expedition guests sailing in Antarctica.

The Cormorant at 55 South will offer guests an immersive experience in one of the world’s most remote and ecologically rich destinations, allowing them to explore deeper before their journey to Antarctica.

“Our vision for The Cormorant at 55 South has always been to transform a journey that had to be endured into one our guests truly enjoy,” said Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “The Cormorant will be more than just a place to stay – it will become a new point for discovery at the edge of the world while also making the journey to Antarctica more comfortable and enjoyable for our guests. Our teams have created an enriching offering for guests to explore during their stay, allowing them to engage with the natural and historical heritage of Puerto Williams, all while enjoying the elevated comfort and service that is synonymous with Silversea.”

Activities available to Silversea guests

Guests will be able to choose from a variety of guided excursions and activities tailored to different activity levels. These experiences will provide intimate access to the subpolar landscapes, from the Magellanic subpolar forests such as those in Parque Municipal Ukika, to panoramic vistas, and more.

Bird watching and wildlife spotting

The Cormorant at 55 South will be a haven for birdwatching and ecological discovery. The surrounding area is home to a remarkable array of bird species, including the cormorant, which serves as inspiration for the hotel’s name, the dolphin gull, the upland goose, and the yellow-billed pintail. Guests may also admire native horses and guanacos, as well as marine life such as dolphins, whales, and seals in the nearby Beagle Channel.

Kayaking in the Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel, which separates Chile from Argentina, lies just north of The Cormorant at 55 South, along with a scenic inlet that runs parallel. Here, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy guided kayaking during their stay, exploring these unique waterways that were once charted by legendary explorers.

Hiking in Tierra Del Fuego

Puerto Williams is known for its remarkable location in the Fuegian Archipelago, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Dientes de Navarino mountain range and Cape Horn. It is part of the subpolar climate region, characterised by its pristine wilderness, fjords, and unique biodiversity. The Martial Mountains are home to various animals, including guanacos, foxes, and condors, which guests can witness from a distance. Available nearby hikes include various trails along Parque Municipal Ukika that pass through Magellanic subpolar forest. 

Chartered flights

Beginning in the 2025/2026 Antarctica season, guests will experience a new charter flight, reserved exclusively for Silversea guests from Santiago to Puerto Williams – the only direct flight connecting these destinations. Guests will enjoy upgraded aircraft, dedicated check-in services, and, once on board, upgraded amenities including an in-flight meal service featuring alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and increased seating space for a more comfortable flight.

Antarctica Fly Cruise

The six-day Antarctica Fly Cruise Expeditions allow guests to fly over the Drake Passage, providing a shorter option without compromising time spent in the destination.

Silversea Expedition hosts guided walks ashore, identifying wildlife species, unique glacial and geological structures, and other fascinating features only found on an Antarctic expedition. Back on board, the team’s insightful lectures provide an overview of the day’s sightings and experiences.