Port information & tips for Isla Alejandro Selkirk
Alejandro Selkirk Island is a pristine natural paradise in the Chilean Juan Fernández Archipelago and fascinates with its spectacular, rugged coastal landscape. This remote wilderness offers an exclusive expedition experience and impresses with majestic cliffs as well as a unique, endemic flora and fauna. Special highlights include observing the rare Juan Fernández fur seals and a hike through the imposing Quebrada de las Casas gorge, while the Cerro de los Inocentes offers wide views over the Pacific. Since the island does not have a large terminal, ships drop anchor and guests reach the small pier of Rada de la Colonia comfortably by tender boat. This landing point is located directly in the small settlement and allows for an immediate start into the wild island adventure.
Alejandro Selkirk Island in the Chilean Juan Fernández Archipelago is an extremely remote natural paradise without conventional tourist infrastructure. Visitors can only reach this unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve island as part of special expedition cruises, which typically depart from ports on the Chilean mainland, mostly Valparaíso. A traditional cruise port with associated arrival options does not exist on the island itself.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane to Santiago de Chile (SCL), Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is the first step toward this extraordinary cruise. There are no direct flight connections to the Juan Fernández Islands; Alejandro Selkirk Island is not directly served by commercial flights. Due to the long flight duration from Europe, an overnight stay in Santiago de Chile or in the departure port of Valparaíso is recommended on the day before embarkation to ensure a relaxed start to your adventure.
Transfer and Pre-Cruise Hotel
From Santiago Airport (SCL), the distance to the cruise port in Valparaíso is approximately 106 to 126 kilometers. For a comfortable transfer, taxis or private shuttles are available, which will take you directly to Valparaíso in about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Alternatively, bus companies such as TurBus offer connections from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso. For this, you first take an airport bus to the Pajaritos metro station and change there to an intercity bus to Valparaíso, which takes a total of about 2 hours and 17 minutes. A pre-cruise hotel in Valparaíso is advisable to explore the Chilean coastal city at your leisure before embarkation.
Special Considerations for the Island Visit
There is no conventional cruise terminal on Alejandro Selkirk Island. Landings are made by Zodiac, small, robust inflatable boats that transfer you from your expedition ship to protected bays. Shore excursions are rare and strictly regulated, as the island is home to a highly sensitive ecosystem and is specially protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The focus is on Zodiac cruises along the coast to observe the impressive nature and endemic wildlife, such as fur seals and rare seabirds. Your expedition team will inform you comprehensively about all necessary rules of conduct and possible landings.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Alejandro Selkirk Island in the Chilean Juan Fernández Archipelago is an extremely remote natural paradise without conventional tourist infrastructure. Visitors can only reach this unique UNESCO Biosphere Reserve island as part of special expedition cruises, which typically depart from ports on the Chilean mainland, mostly Valparaíso. A traditional cruise port with associated arrival options does not exist on the island itself.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane to Santiago de Chile (SCL), Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, is the first step toward this extraordinary cruise. There are no direct flight connections to the Juan Fernández Islands; Alejandro Selkirk Island is not directly served by commercial flights. Due to the long flight duration from Europe, an overnight stay in Santiago de Chile or in the departure port of Valparaíso is recommended on the day before embarkation to ensure a relaxed start to your adventure.
Transfer and Pre-Cruise Hotel
From Santiago Airport (SCL), the distance to the cruise port in Valparaíso is approximately 106 to 126 kilometers. For a comfortable transfer, taxis or private shuttles are available, which will take you directly to Valparaíso in about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Alternatively, bus companies such as TurBus offer connections from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso. For this, you first take an airport bus to the Pajaritos metro station and change there to an intercity bus to Valparaíso, which takes a total of about 2 hours and 17 minutes. A pre-cruise hotel in Valparaíso is advisable to explore the Chilean coastal city at your leisure before embarkation.
Special Considerations for the Island Visit
There is no conventional cruise terminal on Alejandro Selkirk Island. Landings are made by Zodiac, small, robust inflatable boats that transfer you from your expedition ship to protected bays. Shore excursions are rare and strictly regulated, as the island is home to a highly sensitive ecosystem and is specially protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The focus is on Zodiac cruises along the coast to observe the impressive nature and endemic wildlife, such as fur seals and rare seabirds. Your expedition team will inform you comprehensively about all necessary rules of conduct and possible landings.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Arrival on the pristine Alejandro Selkirk Island takes place directly on the shore of the small settlement thanks to the ship's own tender boats, allowing for quick access to nature.
Tender Boats
The transfer from the cruise ship anchored offshore to the landing pier is conveniently carried out using the ship's own boats or Zodiacs. These bring guests safely to shore while offering an initial panoramic view of the impressive cliffs.
On Foot
Exploration of the island is primarily done on foot via the existing paths and trails. The small settlement and the surrounding hiking trails are directly accessible from the landing point and lead through the unique flora and fauna of this biosphere reserve.
Local Fishing Boats (Pangas)
Local fishing boats are available for excursions along the rugged coastline. These traditional boats allow for a comfortable ride to remote observation points for fur seals and also offer an authentic perspective on the volcanic landscape.
To best experience the untouched wilderness of Alejandro Selkirk Island, we recommend focusing on the dramatic coastal landscape and the unique endemic wildlife directly around the protected landing site.
Bahía Gil
The small lobster fishing settlement serves as an ideal starting point for exploration and offers an authentic insight into the secluded life on this remote island in the middle of the Pacific.
Quebrada de las Vacas
This imposing gorge impresses with its towering rock walls and allows visitors to deeply immerse themselves in the rugged natural landscape, which is also home to numerous rare plant species.
Coastal Paths of the Fur Seals
Along the jagged coastal regions, the protected Juan Fernández fur seals can be observed in their natural habitat, providing an incomparable photo opportunity for nature lovers alongside the spectacular surf.
Los Peluches Settlement
The authentic Los Peluches settlement is located directly at the island's only landing point and offers cruise guests a rare opportunity to discover the traditional lifestyle of local lobster fishermen in a spectacular natural setting. The place impresses with its rugged, untouched atmosphere and is also the ideal starting point for short walks to admire the unique flora and impressive cliffs. Thanks to the hospitality of the residents, you will gain deep cultural insights while enjoying the idyll of the colorful fishing huts. Ideally, start your excursion with the very first tender boat connection in the morning to take advantage of the stable weather conditions and return to the harbor area early so that the transfer back to the ship can take place in calm seas.
The return journey to the landing stage at Rada de la Colonia is simple thanks to the clear path guidance and leads you safely through the island's impressive volcanic landscape. Since your ship anchors in the bay off the coast, the transfer back on board is convenient and reliable with the ship's own tender boats.
Tender Service and Zodiacs
The tender boats and zodiacs commute throughout the entire stay between the stony shore of Rada de la Colonia and your cruise ship. Plan a small time buffer for the way back to the landing stage and use the regular trips to reach your ship punctually and relaxed.
On Foot from Quebrada de las Casas
The marked hiking trails from the Quebrada de las Casas canyon lead you directly back to the central settlement area on the shore. The path is easily recognizable and allows for a smooth walk through the untouched nature of the Juan Fernández Islands directly to the meeting point by the water.
Central Meeting Point at the Pier
At the small settlement of seasonal fishermen, you will find the central meeting point for the return to the ship. The shipping company's expedition team is present on-site and coordinates the boarding of the boats, ensuring you return safely and soundly to your cruise ship thanks to the professional organization.
