australis expedition cruises

Mare Australis Cruise

If ushuaia is your destination, you can sail  the southernmost seas, meeting unsuspected corners and admiring a still virgin nature..

Feel like the first explorers and navigators who took the greatest challenge: to  join the Pacific and Atlantic oceans by crossing straits and fjords.

At Patagonia-argentina.com we have already introduced you to the city of Ushuaia , the mountains and fairy tale forests that surround it. But the true soul of Tierra del Fuego is split in two. One part is the one we have already shown to you, the land. And the other is the Atlantic ocean, islands, channels and a huge amount of possible roads between rocks and glaciers. There is no better option for you to experience all this than the Mare Australis Cruise . Let’s use their own introducing words:

Mare Australis offers two alternative routes from October to April each year:

• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas, in four days and three nights.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia, in five days and four nights.

During the cruise

During the cruise there will be interesting talks and audio-visual exhibition on the wildlife, history and geography  of this legendary region.

You will learn about the geographic environment where the expedition cruise ship sails and each one of the channels, fjords and glaciers, making this route a unique and mysterious place at the end of the earth.

You will enjoy a beautiful audio-visual exhibition of the different species making up the  Magellan forest.  You will discover and remember the  Spanish navigators and the English corsairs who were essential for the discovery and colonization south Tierra del Fuego. You will also know the customs, the way of living and the mythology of the native inhabitants.

Glaciology  will be the subject of other of these talks. Mysteries and theories of the ice giants that were originated over 50.000 years ago, and some of them are still advancing.

The expeditions: On land!

Ainsworth  Bay  : Here you land on the beach to start a 20-minute walk through quiet trails in the native woods towards the beaver dam. You will then head towards a colony of sea elephants.

Tucker Islet  : Visit to a colony of Magellan penguins that nest among the vegetation in burrows made by themselves, accompanied by the assailant skua galls (predator birds) diving around.

D’Agostini Fjord  : A sea route surrounded by icebergs, which passes several glaciers. In a memorable awakening, you can watch the dance of light at dawn in the glaciers ice and the stunning sound of the ice breaking in its interior.

Garibaldi Glacier  : Is one of the most beautiful glaciers of this cruise, a breathtaking mass of blue ice. You will disembark in one of the solitary beaches of the Garibaldi Inlet, from where you will penetrate one of the wildest and thickest forests of Patagonia.

Puerto Williams  : Located at the northern end of Navarino Island, Puerto Williams, with no more than two thousand inhabitants is surrounded by forests, waterfalls, lakes and rivers very apt for fishing. This is the place where the last direct surviving descendants of the Yagan Indians still live .

Wulaia Bay  : An ancient indigenous site with high archaeological value. It offers a beautiful visual spectacle because of its vegetation and its bay views.

Pia Glacier  : It is located on the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel. You will head towards an observation point that offers excellent conditions to view the mountain range where the glacier originates, and its progress until it falls into the sea. Here you will listen to the thunderous noises caused by the large masses of ice cracking and dropping into the bay.

Magdalena Island  : Located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan, it is a natural reserve of Magellan penguins, cormorants, and other birds.

Useful tips

All the pictures in this article belong to Mare Australis Cruise and are copyrighted.

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4 Night Australis Patagonia Fjords Cruise

Experience the majestic glaciers and unique wildlife of southern Patagonia on this all-inclusive four-night cruise through the fjords of Tierra del Fuego

Explore the natural and geographic wonders of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago on this luxury small-ship expedition cruise aboard sister ships Stella Australis and Ventus Australis. Your adventure commences in the southern Chilean port city of Punta Arenas, passing massive blue glaciers, dramatic waterfalls and subpolar forests before reaching the renowned Beagle Channel and Cape Horn. With a range of guided shore excursions on the ship's fleet of Zodiacs, discover breathtaking outlooks, secluded islands and beaches, hidden waterfalls and the region's unique marine and bird life including elephant and leopard seals, Andean condors, cormorants and penguins.

Australis cruises operate between Punta Arenas and Ushuaia sailing in either direction; please enquire for departure dates and embarkation port for your preferred dates

Majestic glaciers

Unique marine and bird life

Shore excursions and guided hikes

All-inclusive luxury small ship expedition cruise

• Four nights' accommodation aboard Ventus Australis, or sister ship Stella Australis
• All onboard meals
• Open bar including wines, drinks and spirits at set times
• Guided shore excursions led by expert guides
• Available onboard activities

Please note cruise pricing varies per departure date and cabin type, and all pricing excludes a boarding fee (estimated to be USD$105-120 pp, direction dependant)

The cruise commences in Punta Arenas, southern Chile and concludes in Ushuaia, Argentina, or travels in the reverse direction. Walk into Luxury will be happy to arrange accommodation, transfers and extension options into Patagonia pre and post cruise.

Boarding commences in the afternoon at the Muelle Arturo Prat in Punta Arenas, in time for embarkation at 6 pm. Once onboard, enjoy a welcome toast introducing the Captain and the crew. Meet new friends over a delicious dinner with wine and rest peacefully in your private ensuite cabin as the ship heads south to begin the journey through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.

Included: D

Note: Please enquire for itinerary details for Australis cruises travelling in the opposite direction from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Beginning in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay, learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted with a guided hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. Later, visit a secluded location in the windswept Tuckers Islets, where you will observe colonies of Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the comfort of your Zodiac. Please note, in September and April, the Tucker Islets excursion is replaced by a hike near a glacier in Brookes Bay.

Included: B - L - D

Today's journey follows the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. Experience the majesty of its namesake, the impressive Pia Glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, the journey continues under the imposing gaze of “Glacier Alley”.

Cape Horn, one of the southernmost points of the world, is surrounded by charm and legends. A striking seven-metre monument marks its history as an important yet perilous shipping route since its discovery in 1616. Cape Horn National Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005, comprising marine areas, islands, fjords, channels, forests and moorland. In the afternoon, disembark at Wulaia Bay, which was once one of the largest settlements of the original canoeing inhabitants of the region, the Yaman. A guided hike takes you through the pristine Magellanic forest in which many endemic species grow, passing spectacular viewpoints so you can appreciate the nature and geography of this special place.

Back on board enjoy a celebratory dinner to mark your final evening.

Welcome to the Port of Ushuaia, Argentina, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. Disembarking in the morning after an early breakfast, it's time to bid the crew and your new friends farewell.

Available late September to April, with regular departures in season

Some excursions are subject to weather and safety considerations and may be changed at the crew's discretion

Combine with

Accommodation

Perched on a hillside above Ushuaia, Arakur is the ideal staging point for your Antarctic cruise or luxury adventure in southern Patagonia

7 Day Luxury Journey

Combine the best of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks with exclusive lodge accommodation and experiences; hike sections of the famous W-Trek, cruise among glaciers near El Calafate and visit an Estancia

Explora Torres Del Paine is a luxury eco-lodge overlooking scenic Lake Pehoé and the Paine Mountain Range in the heart of Chilean Patagonia

Hotel Magnolia in Santiago is a boutique luxury hotel that blends modern style with beautifully restored heritage features in the heart of Chile's capital

10 Day Private Journey

Commencing in Santiago, discover the best of Chilean Patagonia and the Atacama Desert on this all-inclusive 10 day private active journey based at Tierra luxury lodges

Surrounded by rainforest, experience the ultimate Iguazu Falls adventure at all-inclusive luxury lodge Awasi, in northern Argentina

4 Night Guided Walk

Discover the best of the W-Trek on this guided hike returning each day to your luxury lodge base overlooking Torres del Paine National Park

Set within a 10,000-acre private Estancia, EOLO Patagonia, a Relais and Chateau hotel, is a 17-room luxury lodge perfectly positioned between El Calafate and Perito Moreno Glacier

4 Day Private Guided Walk

This four day El Chalten hiking extension covers the best day hikes in Argentina's trekking capital - including Laguna Torre, Fitz Roy and Laguna de Los Tres - with a private guide and luxe glamping accommodation

The Singular Santiago is an elegant boutique hotel centrally located in Santiago's cultural hub, surrounded by great dining and historic sites

4 Day Private Journey

Hike the Andes with a private guide and enjoy the food and wine of Mendoza’s Uco Valley on this four day luxury adventure in Argentina

Awasi Patagonia features just 14 luxury villas on private conservation land overlooking Torres del Paine National Park; a dedicated guide is assigned to each villa to help you explore the remote landscape away from the crowds

Discover the salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, and moon-like landscape of the the world's most arid desert at Explora Atacama in northern Chile

Set on a private estate within a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Estancia Rincon Chico offers guests exclusive nature-based experiences on Argentina's wildlife-rich Valdés Peninsula

Fall asleep under the stars and wake to panoramic views of Mount Fitz Roy from your cosy dome at Camp Chalten, in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park

The ultimate Chilean Lakes adventure, discover Osorno Volcano, Lake Llanquihue and Petrohue Falls with a private host on this four day journey based at modern architectural gem, Hotel AWA

Discover Chile's diverse natural landscape from Patagonia in the south to the Atacama Desert in the north staying in luxury at Explora lodges

2 Day Expedition Cruise with overnight accommodation

Experience the ultimate Patagonia border-crossing journey, sailing four beautiful lakes from Argentina to Chile with an overnight boutique lodge stay at Hotel Puerto Blest

• Amazon River
• Galápagos Islands
• Indonesian Archipelago
• Mekong River
• Irrawaddy River
• India Cruises
• Machu Picchu
• Iguazu Falls

Stella Australis

The Stella Australis Patagonia cruise takes intrepid travelers on an extraordinary expedition far from civilization, amid arguably the most alluring, unspoiled landscapes on the planet. A digital detox in the extreme, escape to another world of glistening glaciers and penguin pageants, surrounded by all the creature comforts and gourmet cuisine of a 100-cabin cruise ship specially designed to navigate this challenging environment.

Life On The Water

The spacious ship offers several social areas spread over five decks to unwind and interact with your fellow explorers in an intimate and casual atmosphere, all the while surrounded by panoramic windows from which to appreciate the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia. Grab a seat in the expansive Darwin Lounge and a bite to eat whilst enjoying a full panoramic view, or journey to the rear Sky or front-facing Yamana lounges for equally vivid vistas and inviting leather couches. For the most unrestricted views though – and the chance to enjoy the very fresh air – you should head to the aptly named Panoramic Deck.

Dining aboard the Stella Australis cruise means non-stop access to premium gastronomy for the entire duration of your trip. Indulge in food made from local Chilean ingredients both during regular meals in the Patagonia Dining Room or at the 24-hour cafeteria. Free-flowing beverages, including wine and liquor, are available during lunch and dinner or at the bar from 10 a.m. to midnight. Feed your mind with daily on-board lectures about the glaciology, flora and fauna, geography, history, and the evolution of the landscapes you’ll be traveling through.

Extreme Excursions

During your Stella Australis itinerary you’ll explore the Patagonian fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego – some of the few uninhabited areas of the planet – and spot all kinds of wildlife, from sea lions and sea birds to penguins, not to mention spectacular glaciers, all in startling close-up. A standout feature of the vessel itself is that it can get through channels other ships can’t, such as the Straits of Magellan’s most remote reaches, but even then, you’ll have access to smaller dinghies that will take you and a few others off the ship to get even greater and more privileged access to the best viewing locations onshore.

Your guides – considered hallmarks of the exceptional Australis cruise experience – are renowned for their warmth, professionalism, and passion, enriching your voyage by creating a friendly and fostering atmosphere with your fellow passengers, and imparting their expert scientific knowledge on fascinating field excursions and through thematic lectures that complement and deepen what you’ll discover and experience along the way.

Destination & Sustainability Pioneers

The allure of this adventure cruise very much depends on the preservation of its unique and fragile route. Guided by international standards and motivated by a deep conviction of respect for the environment in which they are tourism pioneers, the Stella Australis team prioritizes sustainability and safety, and, as such, have implemented a series of measures and exemplary behaviors both on board and on onshore expeditions to ensure respectful, non-invasive and safe exploration.

If you are of an adventurous disposition, love nature, or simply want to escape it all and see a part of the world that is still pristine and uninhabited, then a Stella Australis Patagonia cruise will captivate your mind, body, and spirit on many levels.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

5 Day - Patagonian Explorer USH-PUQ

Embarkation

PM : Check in at the Australis travel center at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 on the day of your cruise departure. Board at 18:00.

After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentine into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Nassau Bay & Cape Horn National Park

AM : By early morning, the ship is cruising across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn. Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

PM : Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

Pia Glacier & Porter Glacier

AM : In the morning we will navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in Pia Fjord. We will take a short hike to a lookout from where we can see Pia Glacier extending from the top of the mountain range all the way down to the sea.

PM : In the afternoon and aboard our Zodiac boats, we will sail between high rocky walls until we reach Porter Glacier. We will stop to observe its colors, listen to its sounds and if we are lucky, even witness some calving. We will stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning on board.

Agostini Sound, Águila Glacier & Cóndor Glacier

AM : Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views.

PM : In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

Disembarkation

AM : After an overnight cruise that takes us back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short sail south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.

5 Day - Fjords of Tierra del Fuego PUQ-USH

PM : Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave. (Arturo Prat Port) between 13:00 and 17:00. Board at 18:00.

After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as we enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets

AM : By dawn the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound, while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. We go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals which can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains. Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, we sail west along the sound to the Tucker Islets.

PM : After lunch, we board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April -- when the penguins live elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley

AM : Overnight we sail around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, Stella Australis tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again. By morning we are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier. After disembarking we take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier. No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory says it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king.

PM : Back onboard the ship, we continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them named after European countries -- Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.

Wulaia Bay & Cape Horn

AM : During the early morning we navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography.

After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station -- which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area -- passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum – letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers – an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

PM : In the afternoon we cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition -- and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland -- Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394 foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

AM : The following morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Australis is scheduled to arrive at 8:30 or 9:30 AM depending on the date of departure.

9 Day - Darwin's Route USH-PUQ-USH

AM - PM: Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 on the day of your cruise departure. Board the Australis at 18:00. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay

AM: By early morning, Stella Australis is cruising across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Australis is the only expedition cruise ship company with permission from Chilean authorities to navigate the Murray Channel to Cape Horn, and because of its concession the only travel company allowed to land passengers at Wulaia Bay.

Weather and sea conditions permitting, we shall go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition - and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland - Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic, and was often referred to as the "End of the Earth." The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

PM: Sailing back across Nassau Bay, we anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored small museum in the old radio station - which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area - passengers have a choice of three hikes (of increasing degrees of difficulty) that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay.

Pía Glacier & Porter Glacier

AM: In the morning we will navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in Pia Fjord. We will take a short hike to a lookout from where we can see Pia Glacier extending from the top of the mountain range all the way down to the sea.

PM: In the afternoon and aboard our Zodiac boats, we will sail between high rocky walls until we reach Porter Glacier. We will stop to observe its colors, listen to its sounds and if we are lucky, even witness some calving. We will stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning on board.

AM: Early in the morning, we will sail through the Cockburn Channel and enter Agostini Sound. From there it is possible to see the glaciers that descend from the middle of the Darwin Mountain Range -- some of them reaching the water. This morning, we will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier. We will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views.

PM: In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.

Magdalena Island & Punta Arenas

AM: After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions.

PM: During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as we enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. *Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island.

9 Day - Darwin's Route PUQ-USH-PUQ

AM: The following morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Disembarkation is scheduled at 8:00. You have almost a full day to explore Ushuaia which was founded in 1884 and was one of the original points of contact between the indigenous Yámana and European cultures. The city's name derives from the Yámana word for ‘penetrating bay.’ With around 65,000 inhabitants, Ushuaia is the second largest city in Tierra del Fuego (after Rio Grande) and is surrounded by the Southernmost Andes peaks. Among its highlights is the Prison at the End of the World, a former penitentiary that is now a maritime museum that features an Antarctic collection and memorial to those once incarcerated there. The city is also good for shopping (especially locally made chocolate) or hanging out in its many cafes.

PM: Passengers are required to be back onboard Ventus Australis at 17:30. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew to new passengers joining the cruise, the ship departs for more adventures in Tierra del Fuego. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel, cross back into Chilean territorial waters, and turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.

AM : After an overnight cruise that takes us back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. Crowned by a distinctive lighthouse, the island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic penguins. At the break of dawn, weather permitting, we go ashore and hike a path that leads through thousands of penguins to a small museum lodged inside the vintage 1902 lighthouse. Many other bird species are also found on the island. In September and April -- when the penguins dwell elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American sea lions. After a short sail south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30.

Accommodations

Social areas.

Suites & Cabins

Magellan deck - standard cabin b.

Stella's three B cabins are outside cabins located in the front area of our vessels on the second deck, depicting a large panoramic window to enjoy the stunning views as we sail. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Magellan Deck - Standard Cabin A

Stella's A cabins are located on the second deck. These cabins can be arranged with two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Land of Fire Deck - Standard Cabin AA

Stella's AA cabins are located on the 3rd deck of the ship. These cabins can be arranged with two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Cape Horn Deck - Standard Cabin AAA

Stella's AAA cabins are located on the 4th deck of the ship. These cabins offer more oversized panoramic windows to enjoy the beautiful landscapes always surrounding us during our voyage with the highest placement on the ship. These cabins can be arranged with two twin beds or one matrimonial bed. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Land of Fire Deck - Superior Cabin AA

Stella's two AA Superior cabins are on the 3rd deck of the ship. These cabins provide a panoramic view with floor-to-ceiling windows and are part of the most spacious cabins allowing passengers more room than the standard cabins. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Cape Horn Deck - Superior Cabin AAA

Stella's two AAA Superior cabins are located on our 4th deck. These cabins are part of our most spacious cabins. Each cabin has a chair, bedside table, desk, twin fixed reading lights, a closet (with lifejackets), a safe and a dressing mirror. Every cabin provides water bottles (which you can keep). There are two plug sockets with three round pins - (note these are not compatible with either U.S. or U.K. plugs and you will need to bring an adaptor). Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and Algotherm cosmetics which are replenished daily.

Technical Information

• Lecture room
• Camera room
• Medical staff
• Souvenir shop
• Hot showers
• All inclusive
• Family Room (Triple or Quadruple)
• Charging areas for electronic equipment
• Satellite phone
• Water canteen/bottle

Related Cruises

Skorpios III

Ventus Australis

• I'd like to be contacted via WhatsApp.
• I'd prefer not to be contacted by phone or SMS.
• All non-charter prices displayed are PER PERSON
• Children under 3 years old cruise for free (sharing a bed with parents). Cribs on availability
• Children 4 - 12 years old receive 50% discount when accompanied by one or two adults in the same cabin
• An extra bed can be added in double cabins (surcharge applies)
• Low season applies (March 20 - April 2 & October 1 - 31)
• Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners International, as well as bank transfers, Paypal (USD) and Transbank (Chilean pesos) are accepted on board
• Prices are referential, please confirm with your travel agent
• Season 2023-2024 is from September of 2023 to April of 2024
• Low season applies (September 25 to October 27, 2024 and March 27 to April 4, 2024)
• Season 2024-2025 is from September of 2024 to April of 2025
• Low season applies (September 21 to October 31, 2024 and March 20th to April 5, 2025)

Stella Australis / Ventus Australis

Ship overview.

Operated by: Australis

Whether you have come to the Patagonian region to explore all of its wild attractions or you prefer to wine and dine on exceptional cuisine, you can find all that you are looking for aboard the purpose-built expedition ships Stella Australis (2010) and the new Ventus Australis (2018). Whichever ship you cruise aboard you will enjoy a spacious cabin with plush bedding, ample storage options, and a lounge area. In addition to the room’s amenities passengers enjoy a view of the crisp ocean waters and the snow white mountainous skylines from large picture windows. Guests will enjoy mingling in the three lounges, the comfortable Sky Lounge makes for the perfect atmosphere to meet guests from all over the world while enjoying the decadent drink specials and meals. The open top deck provides stunning panoramic views of the breathtaking scenery. Experience all of the Patagonian region’s amazing beauty by cruising your way down to sites like Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego.

View expeditions

• Room Grades

AAA Superior

SIZE: 20.50m2 / 220sqft SLEEPS: 2

Located on the Cabo de Hornos Deck next to the Sky Lounge and Bridge, AAA Superior cabins are generously sized at 20.50 sqm. These cabins offer the best views on board, with windows measuring 1.50 metres wide by 1.80 metres feet high, and larger double beds measuring 183cm x 198 centimetres. Other in-room amenities include a private en suite, heating, closet and safe deposit box.

AA Superior

Located on the Tierra del Fuego Deck next to the Yamana Lounge, AA Superior rooms are generously sized at 20.50 sqm. These cabins offer views from large windows measuring 1.50 metres wide by 1.35 metres high and larger double beds measuring 183cm x 198cm. Other in-room amenities include a private en suite, heating, closet and safe deposit box.

Category AAA

SIZE: 16.50m2 / 178sqft SLEEPS: 2

Located on the Cabo de Hornos Deck next to the Sky Lounge and Bridge, AAA cabins are comfortably sized at 16.50 sqm. These cabins offer the best views on board, with windows measuring 1.50 metres wide by 1.80 metres feet high, and standard-sized double or twin beds. Other in-room amenities include a private en suite, heating, closet and safe deposit box.

Category AA

Located on the Tierra del Fuego Deck next to the Yamana Lounge, AA rooms are comfortably sized at 16.50 sqm. These cabins offer views from large windows measuring 1.50 metres wide by 1.35 metres high and standard-sized double or twin beds. Other in-room amenities include a private en suite, heating, closet and safe deposit box. Other in-room amenities include a private en suite, heating, closet and safe deposit box.

Located on the Magallanes Deck by the Reception desk, Category A rooms are comfortably sized at 16.50 sqm. with windows measuring 1.50 metres wide by 1.20 metres feet high, and standard-sized double or twin beds. Other in-room amenities include a private en suite, heating, closet and safe deposit box.

SIZE: 16.50m2 / 177sqft SLEEPS: 2

Category B rooms are comfortably sized at 16.50 sqm. with windows measuring 1.50 metres wide by 1.20 metres feet high, and standard-sized double or twin beds. Other in-room amenities include a private en suite, heating, closet and safe deposit box.

Both Stella Australis and Ventus Australis offers international cuisine with an all-inclusive system, theme lunch buffets and à la carte dinners. The bar, which also operates an all-inclusive system, features an international menu with a number of Chilean dishes, along with a wide selection of Chilean wines and spirits among which the Calafate Sour is a favourite.

Both Stella Australis and the new Ventus Australis feature a spacious open top deck for admiring the spectacular southern scenery, as well as a gift shop, game room, infirmary and small library. The expedition team will be in charge of making sure your trip is pleasant, fun, and interesting. They will organise activities onboard in a friendly and warm atmosphere. You will be able to participate in daily excursions on zodiac boats with expert Patagonian guides.Three lounges are styled with modern audiovisual equipment for the most engaging naturalist lectures. Presentations are given on the different expeditions and are complemented with information of interest on the fauna, geography, glaciology, ethnography and history of the region. During navigation, passengers also have access to a library with extensive literature on the flora, fauna and history of the region, as well as board games and other on-board entertainment. Spanish and English are the official languages onboard.There is an onboard store. A pre-paid satellite telephone is also available. 

Stella Australis / Ventus Australis Expeditions

Darwin's route from ushuaia.

From USD $4236.00 Per Person

DURATION: 9 Days/ 8 Nights REGION: South & Central America SHIP: Stella Australis / Ventus Australis

The edge of the world awaits you on the expedition ships Stella Australis and Ventus Australis on a 9-day journey that retraces much of Darwin's route through the Fuegian Archipelago aboard HMS Beagle.

Fjords of Tierra Del Fuego

From USD $2353.00 Per Person

DURATION: 5 Days/ 4 Nights REGION: South & Central America SHIP: Stella Australis / Ventus Australis

This scenic maritime route through the fjords of the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego highlights the stunning, natural beauty of Patagonia.

A unique and unrepeatable journey

Plan in advance your expedition through patagonia..

Our  brochure gives you a useful tool for learning about our exclusive route.

Our four-night route  between the cities of Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina  does not stop at intermediate ports . Instead, it goes through channels that medium or massive cruise ships cannot navigate. 

What's inside

• Why this Cruise to Patagonia?  

Discover the privilege to sail where only a few can reach and plan in advance your expedition through Patagonia. 

• What will the itinerary cover? 
• Rates & Departures
• How is life onboard Ventus & Stella Australis Cruise? Onboard, you will enjoy the warmth of a premium all-inclusive service.
• Pricing conditions & Special Rates Discover all the different and special rates that Australis Cruises offer.
• Covid-19 related conditions
• Equipment: What will I need to bring?

Download our brochure by filling the form on this page.  

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Fjords of Tierra del Fuego – Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

• Rates & Dates

Accommodations

• Testimonials
• Extend your trip
• Travel Guides

Spend 5 days exploring the most remote corners of Earth on this 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise. Tierra del Fuego, or Land of Fire in Spanish, is an archipelago off the southernmost tip of South America and is divided btween Chile and Argentina. Begin this Patagonia cruise in Punta Arenas, Chile, sail the Straight of Magellan into a labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonia and end in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Gaze at the snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park in Admiralty Sound, as well as the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. At Ainsworth Bay, spot birdlife, elephant seals and beavers before hiking through the pristine sub-polar forest or along the crest of a glacial moraine. At Tuckers Islets, depending on the season, view Magellanic penguins up close from a Zodiac, as well as other bird species that frequent the area like king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. The Pia Glacier is one of the most spectacular glaciers, which extends from the mountaintops to the sea, and Glacier Alley features some of the most impressive tidewater glaciers flowing from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet.

At Cape Horn National Park, which overlooks the Drake Passage and is often called the “End of the Earth,” there is a lighthouse where a lightkeeper and his family live. In Wulaia Bay, the human history is as fascinating as the environment and three different hiking options explore the enchanting Magellan forest that overlooks the bay. Mail a postcard in the wooden mail barrel inside the small museum before returning to the ship to sail to Ushuaia, Argentina, where the journey ends.

The Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise is aboard the 210-guest Stella Australis or Ventus Australis , two modern expedition cruise ships operating with the latest navigation and safety technologies and environmentally conscious systems of separating and depositing waste in port. A professional expedition team leads small groups on nature walks, Zodiac tours and offer onboard lectures that make every moment of this Patagonia small ship cruise a memorable adventure.

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise can be combined with the 5-day Patagonian Explorer cruise to create a round-trip 9-day/8-night itinerary.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Patagonia cruises and Patagonia trips .

Fjords of Tierra del Fuego - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Itinerary

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego – Punta Arenas to Ushuaia cruise operates from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina, visiting inlets and glaciers while traveling as far south as Cape Horn.

Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave in Punta Arenas between 1:00 and 5:00pm on the day of departure. Board the vessel between 6:00 and 7:00pm. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night, cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonia. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as the ship enters the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

Stella Australis, Ventus Australis

By dawn, the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. Venture ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals that can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains.

Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, sail west along the sound to the Tuckers Islets. After lunch, board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tuckers as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April, when the penguins live elsewhere, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Sail overnight around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, cruise eastward and enter the Beagle Channel again. By morning, enter Pia Fjord and board the Zodiacs for a Pia Glacier tour. Take a short hike for a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier that extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer, much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory suggests it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king. Back on board the ship, continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them are named after European countries: Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.

During the early morning, navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on the HMS Beagle. This area is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station, which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area, choose between three hikes of increasing degrees of difficulty that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all tree, stroll through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum–letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers–an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

In the afternoon, cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, venture ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland, Cape Horn is a sheer 1,394-foot high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic and was often referred to as the “End of the Earth.” The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

The following morning, sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. Arrival is scheduled for 8:30am or 9:30am, according to the date of departure. Take advantage of the early departure to visit the city and national parks, or continue your trip through Patagonia.

Accommodation; sea transportation; all meals; beer, wine and liquor, including premium brands; shore excursions and onboard entertainment.

Airfare; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; insurance of any kind; gratuities; optional tours and transportation; port transfers and visa fees; national park fees; and port taxes ($105 USD per person for the 2023-24 season; $120 USD per person for the 2024-25 season), but may be modified by the port authorities of each country).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $300 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure: 119 to 60 days – 100% of deposit 59 to 50 days – 25% of total trip cost 49 to 40 days – 50% of total trip cost 39 to 30 days – 75% of total trip cost 29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations  Terms and Conditions . Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Fjords of Tierra del Fuego Cruise begins in Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ), and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Plan to arrive in time for check in between 1:00 and 5:00pm on day 1. Boarding is between 6:00pm & 7:00pm on Day 1, with departure shortly thereafter. Disembarkation is on Day 5 in Ushuaia, Argentina, at 8:30 or 9:30am, depending on departure date. Verify all arrival and departure details upon booking your sailing. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our  Booking Flights  resource page.

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 150% of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Special single cabin rates may available in cabin categories A or B.

Families & Children

Children are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Infants between 0 and 3 years old receive a 100% discount when sharing the bed with their parents. Kids between 4 and 12 years old receive a 50% discount when sharing a cabin with an adult. An extra bed can be added to double cabins; contact us for rates & availability.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details.  Learn more about travel insurance  or  get a free quote .

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Sighting of birds and other species cannot be guaranteed as their exact location is variable by nature. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Cruise Rates & Dates

In addition to the rates and dates listed below, a longer 9-day Australis Patagonia Expedition Cruise is available by combining this itinerary with the 5-day Patagonian Explorer cruise. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing and more information.

Learn About The Small Ships On Your Itinerary

The deluxe, 210-guest Stella Australis is one of the top vessels sailing around Chile's Cape Horn and Patagonia region. Enjoy her comfortable cabins with large windows, open bar and delicious dining.

The comfortable 210-guest Ventus Australis small ship cruises Chile's pristine Patagonia region and features three lounges, spacious cabins with view windows, an all-inclusive bar and gourmet dining.

Current Deals on This Trip

Save $1,000 ($500 per person) when you book your 2024-2025 expedition cruise and discover the wonders of Patagonia.

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

Ship and staff were great. Everyone very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. All were top notch. Great knowledge, friendly and extremely helpful.

Ship and staff were great. Everyone very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. 

Accommodations Review

Nice clean cabin. Comfy bed. Other facilities in tip top shape. 

Meals Review

Mostly good, some very good. They did a good job feeding 190 people, but some dishes were not the best. Would have been nice to have more fresh veggies. Also, breakfast was the same (runny scrambled eggs) every day. Some more variety, like hard boiled eggs or omelettes would have been nice. Service was terrific.

Crew & Guides Review

All were top notch. Great knowledge, friendly and extremely helpful. We can mention those we met: Juanita, Chris, Monica, and expedition leader Mauricio. All were great. 

Traveler Advice

Be prepared for all kinds of weather and sea conditions. 

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Fjords of Tierra del Fuego - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia
• Stella Australis

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

Inspiration & Education from Our Staff

There is more to Patagonia than Torres del Paine National Park. Learn why a Patagonia cruise offers an entirely unique and efficient way to see this remote region at the bottom of the earth.

Learn how to travel to every continent, from helping to define your timeline to efficiency and money-saving tips. Reach all 7 continents with our advice.

Small ship travel has gained popularity for convenience, adventure and to explore the remote places of the Earth. Learn all the unique possibilities an expedition ship can offer, and why you should get aboard.

Trips You Might Also Like

The trails amongst the famous Torres del Paine craggy mountains are among the world's classic trekking routes. By day, explore nature in its raw form while winding through these exceptional mountains. By night, enjoy the cozy luxury of EcoCamp's unique dome accommodations, or camping.

Embark into the unknown lands and islands of the southern tip of South America and visit places only now accessible to travelers on this Chilean fjords cruise. Take in seldom-seen channels, waterfalls and glaciers while searching for wildlife within this rugged, magnificent land.

Cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, plus enjoy 2 full days exploring Torres del Paine National Park on this Chile cruise aboard 199-guest Ultramarine. Spend 15 days retracing Charles Darwin's epic "voyage to the edge of the world," with a modern twist: an included flightseeing excursion by helicopter, right from the ship.

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Aurora Expeditions reveals Douglas Mawson ship debuting in 2025

Aurora Expeditions’ new ship will take guests on adventures befitting its name.

The Australian-owned company will add a new purpose-built small ship, Douglas Mawson, to its fleet next year, Aurora revealed Tuesday.

“We're thrilled to be launching the newest and final Infinity Class vessel, which we have named in honor of pioneering Australian geologist and explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson,” CEO Michael Heath said in a news release.

Mawson organized the first Australian-led expedition to Antarctica in the early 1900s, which charted large portions of the east Antarctic coastline and gathered new scientific intel in areas including biology, marine science and geology amid brutal conditions. The ship he and his team used, Aurora, also inspired Aurora Expeditions’ name decades later.

When will Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson launch?

The ship is set to debut in December 2025. The ship will carry an average of 154 passengers.

What can guests expect on board?

Details on the ship’s full program – including its inaugural voyage – are still to be announced, but the vessel will offer trips to East Antarctica, marking Aurora’s first time sailing there in 15 years.

Those will include a Mawson’s Antarctica itinerary departing from Hobart in Tasmania. The sailing will take guests to Mawson’s Huts , a group of structures at Cape Denison that were used by his team during the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, as well as New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands.

Like its sister ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle, Douglas Mawson will have the Ulstein X-BOW, which is aimed at increasing fuel efficiency and making ocean crossings smoother and faster (particularly useful in the unpredictable Antarctic weather ). The vessel will also have a changing room and mudroom where passengers can get ready to explore off-ship, Zodiac access points and an onboard science center.

Between outings, they’ll find plenty of ways to relax and recharge. Douglas Mawson will feature two restaurants and three bars; a heated outdoor swimming pool; a gym; a sauna; a library and more. There will be 11 stateroom and suite categories, including Aurora’s first single-berth accommodations “to cater to the growing solo traveler segment,” according to the release.

How much will expeditions on Douglas Mawson cost?

Prices are not yet available, but travelers can pre-register their interest in the ship on Aurora’s website . Those who do so before April 18 will get a $2,000 discount per pair of guests.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

It's not for everyone: 3 things to know about Antarctica expedition cruises

W hen James Rameson stepped on land in Antarctica during an expedition cruise last month, it’s possible it was the first time anyone had ever set foot on that part of the ice-covered continent.

When the Zodiac boat arrived at the rocky shore, the expedition leader told the Santa Barbara, California, 13-year-old and his fellow passengers – of which I was one – that our group on board Aurora Expeditions’ Sylvia Earle ship may have been the first to visit that particular spot.

Rameson, who took the cruise as a birthday gift with his father, Tyler, 49, made the most of his sudden pioneer status. “I walked over to this random spot, and I'm like, ‘Look, dad, no one has ever been here,’ ” he told USA TODAY. “It's like, ‘I’m the first person to set foot right here,’ which I thought was pretty cool.”

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Not every trip can offer that. “One of the most incredible things about visiting Antarctica is the feeling of exploration and being somewhere very few people have been before,” said Kristin Winkaffe, a luxury travel designer and founder of Winkaffe Global Travel.

But the continent has become an increasingly popular destination. More than 71,200 people visited the ice during the 2022-2023 season, up from around 24,000 in 2021-2022 in the wake of COVID-19 and just under 56,000 in 2019-2020, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. There has been a surge in inventory , too, with new ships and itineraries from a range of expedition lines.

Here are three things to know about taking an Antarctica cruise:

I did a polar plunge in Antarctica. It meant more than I expected.

1. You’ll have to cross the Drake Passage – maybe

Most expedition cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and cross the infamous Drake Passage . The waterway is notoriously treacherous, and travelers could experience a rough “Drake Shake” or calm “Drake Lake” during the journey, which takes about two days to complete each way (you may have seen videos of it on TikTok ).

My trip fell somewhere in the middle on the way down with waves as high as about 13 feet. “A lot of people, even if they haven't experienced seasickness before, tend to experience seasickness on the Drake Passage,” Winkaffe said.

Expedition ships tend to be small, but larger cruise ships visit Antarctica as well and guests may feel the impact of the waves less thanks to their size. However, travelers should note that ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not permitted to take them on land , according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. 

Some cruise operators offer flights over the Drake Passage. But Winkaffe warned that those trips are not only “exponentially more expensive” – Antarctica cruises can range from around $5,000 per person to more than $20,000 and those flights could add between $5,000 and $10,000 – but also less reliable since weather in the area can be unpredictable.

“There is the possibility that (ships will) get canceled or delayed due to weather but they're able to cross during worse weather than the flights are,” she said.

Lindblad Expeditions is the latest operator to add the option, allowing guests to skip potentially rough waters and shave time off their trip. CEO and founder Sven-Olof Lindblad said last month at the luxury travel trade show ILTM Cannes that the brand had long held off due to concerns passengers wouldn’t take off and land as scheduled, but that technology has made the flights more predictable, Travel + Leisure reported .

2. You have to be flexible

Given the extreme climate, Antarctica cruises may not always go as planned. 

During my trip with Aurora, the expedition team shared an intended itinerary for the next day each night with guests, with the caveat that it was only a Plan A. After they assessed the conditions upon arrival, we sometimes explored by Zodiac rather than attempting to go on land or relocated altogether.

That may be an adjustment for travelers who have been on other types of cruises with detailed itineraries from start to finish. “Antarctica is a totally different beast in that you basically just have to accept that you’re going on a tour to Antarctica and not get attached to any specific place,” Winkaffe said.

She recommended going into the trip with a “sense of adventure,” and that travelers avoid Googling specific locations ahead of time to minimize disappointment if they don’t make it there. Destinations may also look different from their photos, particularly because the environment changes throughout the year (the Antarctica cruise season runs from October through March , encompassing its summer).

“Everybody has FOMO ( fear of missing out ) and everything, but everybody’s experience is different,” said Jeff Nagel, the assistant expedition leader on my trip.

3. Keep the environment in mind

As harrowing as the Antarctic environment can seem, it’s also vulnerable. Scientists have already warned of dire impacts due to climate change.

That makes visiting with care especially important. On board the expedition with Aurora, we received information on the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators guidelines and followed biosecurity protocols , like cleaning and having our gear inspected to avoid transporting nonnative species and scrubbing our boots after landings (the ship even played songs like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” while we twisted our feet against rubber mats to remove debris).

“We are aware that, of course, in spite of all the work we do to make it as sustainable … as possible, we do have an impact,” said Mario Placidi Spring, the expedition leader on my trip.

What is wave season?: Why you should book your next cruise now

Winkaffe recommended doing research before booking and choosing a cruise operator that is putting effort and money toward operating sustainably.

“I'd like to believe that through our educational programs and (other programming) on board that we are creating ambassadors, and people are going home and maybe thinking about those small changes they can make in their life that will protect these areas and protect the world as a whole,” Nagel added.

Editor’s note: The reporter on this story received access to this expedition from Aurora Expeditions. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: It's not for everyone: 3 things to know about Antarctica expedition cruises