Located on the Strait of Magellan, near the southern tip of Chile, Punta Arenas is a port of call for South American cruises and a departure point for Antarctica expeditions.

In 2026, whether a cruise ship docks at a pier or "tenders" (uses small boats) in Punta Arenas, Chile, depends on the size of the vessel. Historically, Punta Arenas was a "tender-only" port for large ships because the existing piers were too short or shallow. However, following a massive $10 million expansion project completed in late 2025, the Arturo Prat Pier has been extended to allow ships up to 300 meters (984 feet) in length to dock directly alongside. This means that about 20% to 30% of the ships visiting the region—including many mid-sized vessels from lines like Holland America, Princess, and Regent Seven Seas—can now disembark passengers directly onto the pier. However, the world's largest "mega-ships" still exceed this 300-meter limit and must anchor in the Strait of Magellan, ferrying passengers to the shore via tender boats. The new infrastructure has significantly improved the experience for thousands of passengers in 2026, allowing for faster access to the city’s historic square and excursions to the nearby penguin colonies. If you are sailing on a smaller expedition ship heading to Antarctica, you will almost certainly dock directly at the Muelle Mardones or Arturo Prat piers.