In 2026, most cruise ships visiting Punta Arenas, Chile, dock at the Muelle Arturo Prat, which is located just a few blocks from the city's central square, Plaza Muñoz Gamero. This pier is conveniently situated in the heart of the city, allowing passengers to walk directly into the historic district. However, because Punta Arenas is a major gateway to Antarctica and the fjords, larger 2026 mega-ships may sometimes use the Muelle José de los Santos Mardones, located about 6 kilometers north of the city center. If your ship is too large for the Prat pier, or if multiple ships are in port, you may be required to take a tender boat (a smaller shuttle) from the ship to the pier. Once on land in 2026, the city is very walkable, but be prepared for the famous Patagonian winds. Most shore excursions to the nearby Otway Sound or Magdalena Island penguin colonies depart directly from these piers or nearby designated bus staging areas.