British travellers planning Antarctic adventures in 2026 will find their journey transformed when Silversea opens The Cormorant at 55 South in Puerto Williams, Chile next January.

This luxury hotel in the remote Fuegian Archipelago promises to turn what was once merely a transit point into a destination worth exploring.

Located at the world's edge, the property will serve as a comfortable base for cruise passengers heading to Antarctica.

Rather than enduring lengthy transfers and basic accommodation, guests can now enjoy Silversea's signature service whilst discovering one of Earth's most isolated regions before their polar voyage begins.

SILVERSEA

Wildlife enthusiasts will discover exceptional birdwatching opportunities, with species like cormorants, dolphin gulls, upland geese and yellow-billed pintails inhabiting the area. The hotel takes its name from these distinctive seabirds that populate the region.

Adventurous guests can paddle through the historic Beagle Channel waters, following routes once navigated by famous explorers. These guided kayaking excursions offer intimate encounters with the waterways dividing Chile and Argentina.

Walking trails through Parque Municipal Ukika's Magellanic forests provide access to dramatic mountain scenery. The surrounding Dientes de Navarino range and Martial Mountains shelter native wildlife including guanacos, foxes and soaring condors, whilst marine mammals like dolphins, whales and seals frequent the nearby channels.

The 2025-2026 Antarctic season brings a game-changer for British cruisers: exclusive charter flights directly from Santiago to Puerto Williams. Previously unavailable, this route eliminates complex connections and reduces travel time significantly.

These dedicated Silversea flights feature spacious seating, meal service with drinks included, and separate check-in facilities. Most importantly, the six-day fly-cruise itineraries allow passengers to soar above the notorious Drake Passage rather than sailing through it.

This aerial shortcut means less time in rough seas and more time exploring Antarctica itself. For those prone to seasickness or with limited holiday time, bypassing the Drake means a major breakthrough in polar travel accessibility.

Silversea's president, Bert Hernandez, said: "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.

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."

Silversea brings unmatched polar expertise, deploying teams of up to 28 specialists on each Antarctic voyage. These experts lead shore excursions, identify wildlife and geological features, and deliver onboard lectures about daily discoveries.

With high Zodiac-to-guest ratios and seasoned kayak instructors, British adventurers receive personalised attention throughout their expedition.