Robinson Crusoe Island Tour

Day 1, Arrival

We fly to Robinson Crusoe island, nestled in the Juan Fernandez archipelago 600 km off the Chilean coast, arriving at approximately 11 am. Driving along El Arenal beach we enjoy views of the coast and the South American fur seals. We pass by El Padre bay and continue onwards to Cumberland bay, arriving at our exclusive lodge in time for a gourmet lunch featuring traditional island dishes like lobster and golden crab. The afternoon is free to relax and explore the hotel grounds, with a buffet supper in the dining room in the evening.

Overnight: Robinson Crusoe Island Lodge by NOI - Pangal double

Day 2, Selkirk Viewpoint & San Juan Bautista Village

After our buffet breakfast, we begin our 4km trek to Selkirk viewpoint where Alexander Selkirk (who is said to have inspired Daniel Defoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe) looked out into the distance searching for a ship on the horizon to rescue him. The trek is fairly tough going and lasts about 4.5 hours, but the views make it worthwhile! We also see the remains of a shack he used to protect himself from weather changes during his long walks.

Lunch is served in Mirador de Selkirk hostel - delicious golden crab and lobster empanadas. Mid-afternoon we embark on a 2.5km walk visiting the historical landmarks in the village of San Juan Bautista including the Patriotic Caves, Santa Barbara Fort, the remains of Acorazado Dresden, and the artisan shops on the island selling black coral and fish leather. After an approximate 3.5 hour excursion, we enjoy a buffet supper back at the hotel.

Overnight: Robinson Crusoe Island Lodge by NOI - Pangal double

Day 3, Sailing & Scuba Diving

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel then head off on a sea adventure to observe the island’s traditional marine fauna and lobster fishing along the coast. After lunch back at the hotel, it’s time for scuba diving! There are options for both beginners and experienced scuba divers, all run by qualified PADI instructors. The activity lasts approximately 4 hours, with a maximum depth of 15m below surface level. In the evening we dine on the hotel terrace enjoying traditional island food including lobster and fresh fish.

Overnight: Robinson Crusoe Island Lodge by NOI - Pangal double

Day 4, Horse Riding & Forest Walking

After our buffet breakfast, we head off on horseback to Plazoleta del Yunque along the trail at the foot of the island’s highest peak, in the middle of a native forest. The 2.6km trail is very scenic and lasts approximately 3.5 hours, after which we return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we walk to Centinela hill, walking through an endemic forest lined with luma (Chilean myrtle), cinnamon trees, and Naranjillo (similar to oranges). We return to the lodge for our final dinner.

Overnight: Robinson Crusoe Island Lodge by NOI - Pangal double

Day 5, Departure

We say goodbye to the lodge after breakfast and drive to the island’s aerodrome for our flight back to Santiago, mainland Chile.

Included:

Maritime journeys Bahía del Padre - Bahía Cumberland

4 nights accommodation at NOI's Crusoe Island Lodge, in a Pangal Double Room

American buffet breakfasts

Gourmet lunches and dinners based on island cuisine (fresh crab & lobsters)

Soft drinks and glass of house wine (reserve) with lunch & dinner

Land journeys on Robinson Crusoe island

Excursions with bilingual guide and box lunch, for all activities

Pool, sauna, and hot hubs in hotel

Excluded:

Flight tickets (ticket Santiago – Robinson Crusoe Island - Santiago USD (Aerolíneas Ata)

Insurance (it is mandatory you purchase appropriate insurance for this trip)

Voluntary tipping of guides and staff

Items of a personal nature

Weather

The Juan Fernandez archipelago has a subtropical climate, made cooler by the cold Humbolt current flowing to the islands’ east. Expect more rain in winter (and occasional frosts on Robinson Crusoe) with an average annual rainfall of 1000m. The western side of Robinson Crusoe remains quite dry in winter. Temperatures peak at 34 °C (93 °F) in summer, with an annual temperature average of 15.4 °C (60 °F). Minimum temperatures at night never dip below 3 °C (37 °F).

Physical Demands

This trip is not physically intense although does require a sufficient level of fitness to do a 4.5-hour hike on day 2. Walking around the city is paced according to preference and horse riding on day 4 is not demanding. Scuba diving has levels for both beginners & experts and fitness & general state of health should factor into the decision when choosing your level.

What You Need to Bring

You need to bring appropriate clothes for your 5-day trip, depending on the season in which you are traveling. You should bring suncream and a hat as well as suitable clothes for horse riding (any comfortable trousers will do), for trekking, and for walking around a town. For scuba diving, you will be given a wetsuit.

Itinerary Modifications

We reserve the right to change the order of the days in any itinerary at the discretion of the trip guide and based on operational considerations. The trip guide can modify, change or eliminate part of the itinerary based on safety/weather considerations.

Highlights:

Exclusive accommodation in Crusoe Island Lodge

Traditional Island Seafood

Guided tours of the island’s landmarks

Horse riding through native forest

Scuba diving at Pangal bay

Trekking in the footsteps of the real Robinson Crusoe