Overview
Puerto Williams is a cruise port in Chile. It lies on the coast at approximately -54.933, -67.617.
About Puerto Williams
Puerto Williams is a city, port and naval base on Navarino Island in Chile. It faces the Beagle Channel. It is the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province, one of four provinces in the Magellan and Chilean Antarctica Region, is the main city inside the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, and administers the communes of Chilean Antarctic Territory and Cabo de Hornos. It has a population of 2,874, including both naval personnel and civilians. Puerto Williams claims the title of world’s southernmost city.
The settlement was founded in 1953, and was first named Puerto Luisa. The town was later named after John Williams Wilson, a British man who founded Fuerte Bulnes, the first settlement in the Strait of Magellan. It has served primarily as a naval base for Chile. The Chilean Navy runs the Guardiamarina Zañartu Airport and hospital, as well as nearby meteorological stations. Since the late 20th century, the number of navy personnel has decreased in Puerto Williams and the civilian population has increased. In that period, tourism and support of scientific research have contributed to an increase in economic activity.
Overview text adapted from Wikipedia, available under the CC BY-SA license.
Planning a cruise visit
A detailed cruise guide for Puerto Williams — how to reach the centre from the cruise terminal, what to see on a port day, shopping and local tips — is being added. In the meantime, use the quick facts and map link above to start planning, and always confirm terminal and transport details with your cruise line and the local port authority before you travel.
