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.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
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.
