Terminal Tres Puentes Ferry
A vital ferry crossing the Strait of Magellan, connecting Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams with stunning Patagonian views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize daylight for glacier views
Terminal Tres Puentes Ferry
Best Time
Maximize daylight for glacier views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital ferry crossing the Strait of Magellan, connecting Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams with stunning Patagonian views.
"The journey offers breathtaking glacier views and a unique way to experience Patagonia's rugged beauty."
🧳 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Food onboard can be hit or miss. Bring your own snacks and beverages to ensure you have plenty to eat and drink.
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Port side offers best views going to Puerto Williams, starboard for return. 'Camas' seats are ideal but limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Glacier Views
Strait of Magellan
Witness breathtaking glaciers from the deck or your seat. The views are best during daylight hours, especially around sunset.
Reclining 'Camas' Seats
Ferry interior
Opt for the comfortable 'camas' seats for a more relaxed journey, offering full recline for optimal viewing and rest.
Deck Access for Views
Ferry exterior
Step out onto the deck for unobstructed, panoramic views of the surrounding Patagonian landscapes and wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Ferry in Advance
Pack Smart for the Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧳 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Food onboard can be hit or miss. Bring your own snacks and beverages to ensure you have plenty to eat and drink.
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Port side offers best views going to Puerto Williams, starboard for return. 'Camas' seats are ideal but limited.
⏰ Arrive Early for Boarding
Aim to be at the terminal 1-2 hours before departure to navigate ticketing and boarding smoothly.
📸 Deck for Best Photos
Don't stay in your seat! Head to the deck for unobstructed, stunning views and photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧳 Pack Snacks & Drinks
Food onboard can be hit or miss. Bring your own snacks and beverages to ensure you have plenty to eat and drink.
💺 Choose Your Seat Wisely
Port side offers best views going to Puerto Williams, starboard for return. 'Camas' seats are ideal but limited.
⏰ Arrive Early for Boarding
Aim to be at the terminal 1-2 hours before departure to navigate ticketing and boarding smoothly.
📸 Deck for Best Photos
Don't stay in your seat! Head to the deck for unobstructed, stunning views and photo opportunities.
🐧 Penguin Viewing Tips
Be patient and respectful during penguin viewings; staff may rush visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The ferry journey offers spectacular Patagonian scenery and a unique travel experience, with comfortable 'camas' seats being a highlight. However, onboard food quality is inconsistent, and ticket prices for foreigners can be high. Some visitors also noted rushed penguin viewing experiences.
"Puerto Williams Review
Most reviews seem to be for the penguins. If you're thinking of going to, or from, Puerto Williams, this is the review for you (on the Kaweskar).
I'll add pics, but here are the questions I wished could have had answered before I booked the trip (spoiler alert - book the trip!).
1. There are two types of seats. The camas that fully recline are only on the port (left) side of the ship and run the entire length. If you buy the "cheaper" seats (and you must if you're not Chilean, but then you can write and ask as they will sell them to foreigners as well but at 6x the price as the locals. But the cheap seats are, well, $7 for locals and closer to $150 USD for foreigners. So anyway, don't get stuck on this - the camas are a deal for everyone as they're slightly more expense for foreigners and 5x the price for locals but that's only $33.
Where was I? Oh - ya - seats. So the windows are huge and as we've determined the expensive seats run the entire length of the port side and only starboard will have some of the slightly cheaper seats right by the windows. And there are six of them. I meant to write it down but I think it's seats 169 and above. All other seats, other than a few brown SUPER uncomfortable seats you will see in the pictures and can't be booked, are inboard. Not that this is an issue as if you're one column in you can still get a pretty good view and you'll go up on deck for the really good stuff anyway.
The second type of seat is equivalent to business class seats on international flights. Pretty big and recline a lot, but not flat (and probably not by a window - see above). There's about 150 of these and they're totally fine.
2. Which side do you want to sit on? Going to Puerto Williams you should be on port. That means you have to have the full camas seats (see above for limitations). Coming back, you guessed it - you want to be on starboard and so you've got 6 possible seats that will have the best view. Oh, and they didn't appear to clean the windows as well on this side for some reason. Direction wise, if you want to see the glaciers, it turns out it doesn't matter. With a 21:00 departure from Punta Arenas we hit Glacier Avenue around 17:00. Top 2 glacier was at 18:00 with the other top 2 getting closer to 18:45. By 22:00 we were through the glaciers and saw Ushuaia at dusk (2 weeks before solstice). Heading West then North from Williams, the much earlier departure should put you through glacier avenue while the sun is still up.
3. Food. Ok, so this is a miss. They will serve three meals per day while you are on board. Dinner the first night exceeded expectations with baked chicken and rice. Don't get use to this as it won't happen again. Breakfast was white bread with a slice of cheese and a slice of meat. Coffee is freeze dried. Juice is fake. Every meal had "chicken" soup which I assume is called that because there was a chicken somewhere in Patagonia while it was being made. Ok - let's not get hung up on the food. Bring your own snacks. And as far as I could tell you could bring your own alcohol too - they certainly didn't sell any on board.
4. When do I board? Great question. Our ship was scheduled to leave at 21:00. They said to get to the port between 18-19:00 (BTW - they're not real clear about where this is. The ship was at the Tres Puentes terminal in Punta Arenas. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see this written down anywhere (but did see Juan Williams which is miles away in the wrong direction). They check your ticket as you board, not at the counter so you don't even need to talk to them if you bought your ticket on line. Big suitcases will get checked like an airline as you board. No one ever told us to board, but the ticket windows closed at 18:00 and about 15 minutes later someone started walking to the boat. As he wasn't stopped, we all followed like sheep and bordered without any issues.
SHOUT OUT TO ALEJANDRA WHO WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS AND QUICKLY AND ACCURATELY ANSWERED ALL OF MY QUESTIONS.
Out of posting room :-("
William Odom
"Very nice experience I would like to improve the coffee shop better it’s a great trip through the ocean but te coffee store it’s very poor comparison with the high quality of the ferries"
IGNACIA TURISMO CALYPSO TRAVEL
"Hard to enjoy penguins because you are constantly push by the stuff! Please stop this practice and give tourist slightly more time. Such a behavior of stuff is so ooo annoying!!!"
Piotr Korlaga
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tres Puentes terminal is the main departure point for ferries to Puerto Williams. Taxis or local buses can take you to the terminal. It's crucial to confirm the exact terminal name as 'Juan Williams' is in the wrong direction.
Information on parking at the Tres Puentes terminal is limited, but it's advisable to check with the ferry operator or local transport services for the most up-to-date information.
The primary route is from Punta Arenas (Tres Puentes terminal) to Puerto Williams, crossing the Strait of Magellan. This journey offers scenic views of glaciers and the Patagonian landscape.
Yes, the ferry can accommodate motorized vehicles, including cars and potentially trains, though specific vehicle types and booking procedures should be confirmed with the ferry operator.
The ferry journey from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams typically takes around 30-36 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is highly recommended. For foreigners, prices can be significantly higher than for locals.
There are two main types of seats: 'camas' that fully recline (mostly on the port side) and business-class-like seats that recline but not flat. Window seats are limited, especially on the starboard side for the return journey.
Ticket prices vary, with locals paying significantly less than foreigners. Expect prices for foreigners to be considerably higher, potentially around $150 USD for basic seats and more for 'camas'.
It's advised to arrive at the terminal between 18:00-19:00 for a 21:00 departure. Boarding typically begins about 15 minutes after ticket windows close.
Your ticket is checked as you board the ferry, not at the ticket counter. If you've booked online, you may not need to interact with staff at the counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For the journey to Puerto Williams, the port (left) side is recommended for views. For the return trip, the starboard (right) side offers the best vantage points.
Expect stunning views of glaciers, the Strait of Magellan, and the rugged Patagonian coastline. Wildlife sightings are also possible.
The primary 'activity' is enjoying the scenery. There are no organized entertainment programs, but the journey itself is the main attraction.
Yes, you may see penguins, but some reviewers note that viewing can be rushed by staff. It's best to be patient and observant.
Facilities include seating areas, restrooms, and a dining area. The coffee shop is noted as being basic compared to the quality of the ferry itself.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food quality is inconsistent. While the first dinner might be good (e.g., baked chicken), subsequent meals can be basic, like white bread with cheese and meat, and freeze-dried coffee.
Yes, it is highly recommended to bring your own snacks and beverages. You can also bring your own alcohol, as it is not sold onboard.
Information on special dietary options is scarce. It's best to assume limited choices and bring your own food to accommodate any dietary needs.
There is a coffee shop, but it's described as basic and not up to the standard of the ferry's overall quality. No bar is available.
Three meals are typically served per day during the ferry journey.
📸 📸 Photography
The ferry deck offers the best unobstructed views for photography. Window seats can also provide good shots, but the deck is superior.
For glaciers, aim for daytime departures. Evening departures from Punta Arenas can offer beautiful dusk views, with glaciers visible around sunset.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned, but always be mindful of other passengers and crew.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife. A sturdy tripod might be helpful if you plan for low-light photography.
Access to restricted areas is generally not permitted. Focus your photography on the scenic views and public areas of the ferry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking the 'camas' seats if your budget allows, as the ability to fully recline can help children rest more comfortably. Ensure they have access to the deck for fresh air and to break up the monotony, but always supervise them closely in this open area. The novelty of a long ferry ride can be an adventure in itself, but preparation is key to a smooth experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, focus on bringing all your own food and drinks, as onboard dining is costly and not highly rated. Opt for the standard seating rather than the premium 'camas' if the price difference is too steep, and make the most of the deck access for views. Booking in advance is still recommended to secure a spot, even on a budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Prioritize deck access for unobstructed shots. Consider a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife sightings. Be prepared for varying light conditions, from bright daylight to the softer hues of dusk, which can be particularly magical for glacier photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ferry Experience
Boarding can feel a bit chaotic, with advice to arrive early to navigate ticketing and find your way to the correct terminal, which is Tres Puentes in Punta Arenas. Large luggage is handled like airline check-in. While meals are provided, many travelers recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks, as the onboard food quality is often described as basic or inconsistent.
Timing your journey is key for maximizing scenic views. Departures from Punta Arenas in the late afternoon or evening allow you to witness the glaciers in the soft light of dusk. The journey is long, typically around 30-36 hours, so prepare for an extended trip where the scenery is the main event.
Understanding Seat Selection and Views
For the return journey from Puerto Williams, the starboard (right) side becomes the prime location for views, though the number of premium window seats is limited to about six. If you don't secure a window seat, don't despair; being one or two rows back still allows for a good view, and you'll likely spend ample time on the deck anyway.
It's worth noting that window cleanliness can vary, and some reviewers mentioned the starboard side windows not being as clean on the return trip. Ultimately, the best strategy is to book in advance and be prepared to utilize the deck space for the most breathtaking and unobstructed photographic opportunities.
Food and Provisions on Board
Given this, the consensus is clear: bring your own food and drinks. This includes snacks, meals, and beverages to ensure you have a satisfying experience throughout the long journey. Travelers have also noted that you can bring your own alcohol, as it is not sold onboard.
This proactive approach to provisions allows you to focus on the incredible scenery rather than worrying about meal quality. The onboard coffee shop is functional but not a highlight, so don't rely on it for a gourmet experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit