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Aguila Glacier Shore Excursion Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis

Cruising ushuaia to punta arenas aboard via australis.

What better way to finish our Patagonian adventure than with a small ship cruise around the tip of South America. Leaving from Ushuaia cruising through the Beagle Channel, around Cape Horn, exploring some remote glaciers and stopping to see the penguins along the way. The cruise is 5 days, 4 nights, terminating in Punta Arenas. We are traveling with Cruceros Australis on the Via Australis.

This is the grand finale to our travels through Patagonia in South America trip and we can’t wait to share it with you all. The whole experience was just fantastic and honestly I can’t recommend it highly enough.

This was our first real cruise, and I have to say I wasn’t really sure what to expect. We tend to travel independently or in small groups, so while the Via Australis only has a capacity of 135 passengers, it is a much larger group than we are used to for travel.

Departure from Ushuaia Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Day 1: Departure from Ushuaia

Departure is from the cruise dock in Ushuaia in the afternoon. We dropped our luggage off and checked in at the Cruceros Australis office in town in the morning after checking out of our accommodation. When we board we receive a warm greeting, with the crew introducing themselves and we are shown to our cabin. There is a full schedule for the duration of the cruise in the cabin. That’s what we like to see – some organization! And our luggage is there so we are off to a good start.

The first evening we have welcome drinks, meet the captain and crew and our fellow passengers. The atmosphere is very friendly and the captain and crew make an effort to get to know everyone’s names. There is a large group of Italians traveling together on a tour, another smaller tour group with an international mix and independent travelers from all over the world. It is a great mix of interesting people. The ship is not full having only 85 passengers (and 45 crew) so a good ratio.

While eating dinner this evening, we cruise through the Beagle Channel to Puerto Navarino and anchor for the night. There is a presentation before dinner about Cape Horn (tomorrow’s stop).

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Cape Horn Shore Excursion Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Day 2: Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay

It is December, and this time of year the days are very long in Patagonia. Sunrise is at 4:40am and sunset is at 9:58pm! If you are keen, you can arise early to watch the sunrise over Cape Horn. The weather forecast is not good and having been disappointed many times rising early to catch sunrise (and seeing nothing), I took the option of sleeping.

This morning is an early start anyway. Our first shore excursion, to Cape Horn, is at 7 am. Coffee and pastries are available before we disembark and a full breakfast is served after we return to the ship.

So at 7am we all meet to board the zodiacs (rubber inflatable rafts) to land on Cape Horn. The weather is not too good. It is windy, raining and cold. On the previous cruise they were unable to land here due to poor weather. Today we are successful!

Cape Horn is a very remote place. There is a memorial here, a small chapel, and a lighthouse (manned by the Chilean Navy). It is remote, wild and beautiful. Unfortunately the weather is awful and we are glad to return to the warm, dry boat for some breakfast.

After breakfast there is a presentation, “Patagonia: Ice and Fauna” and “Wulaia Bay and Pia Glacier” These are typically well done power point presentations. They provide a lot of information about the area as well as an overview of the land excursions. Our afternoon stop is Wulaia Bay with the opportunity for a hike to explore the area and learn a bit about the fauna and wildlife in Patagonia.

Wulaia Bay Shore Excursion Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Each day has some free time as well. There are several lounges on the boat to relax, read, talk to your fellow passengers or go out on the decks and enjoy the magnificent views.

Wulaia Bay turns out to be an interesting stop. There are remnants of the early European settlers including a museum. The weather has cooperated and is clear and we hike up the hill for a panoramic view of the bay. At the top of the hill there is a massive beaver dam. Some of the early settlers introduced beavers from Canada in an attempt to develop a trade in beaver pelts.

Well it was an absolute failure. It turns out, beavers excrete an oil, that is what makes their pelts soft and usable for fur. They secrete this oil in response to stress. Stress is caused by having natural predators around that can kill them. In Patagonia they have no predators, so no oil was produced, meaning no lovely fur and therefore nothing to trade. However, since they have no predators, the environmental damage they have caused is stunning. Left unchecked, they have destroyed entire forests, blocked creeks, etc. They now have a problem trying to reduce the numbers. Another excellent example of introducing non-native animals and reeking environmental havoc.

Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis shackleton-job-ad

As we return to the beach to board the zodiacs, we are greeted with hot chocolate and whiskey. A lovely warm greeting that is repeated at all of our shore excursions. Very warming in the cold climate.

The evening’s activities include drinks, dinner and a screening of “Shackleton’s Antarctic Adventure.” If you do not know of Shackleton’s adventure I encourage you to find this movie ( or the book ). It is truly one of the most inspiring survival stories of all time. Just amazing! It is also a great leadership story and example. There is even an IMAX version of the story. I am not going to spoil the story, but to entice you, this is the wording of the original job advertisement:

Pia Glacier Shore Excursion Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Day 3: Beagle Channel, Pia Fjord and Glacier and Garibaldi Fjord and Glacier

As the day begins we are in the Beagle Channel, named after Captain Robert Fitz Roy’s (which Mount Fitz Roy near El Chalten is named after) boat, the Beagle.Today is a day of glaciers and sailing through the southern fjords. Today’s disembarkations allow time to walk on the Pia Glacier and in the afternoon Garibaldi Glacier. Both offer an opportunity to learn more about the glaciers and see them up close.

Activities on the boat include the opportunity to learn to tie sailing knots and briefings about the Magellan Strait, Aguila Glacier and Chico Sound.

After dinner there is Bingo in the lounge, complete with prizes. It was a lot of fun.

Late evening and overnight we sail around the southern part of Tierra del Fuego which is where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Here is where we encounter the roughest waters (we were warned well in advance). Luckily it is overnight and not all that noticeable. If you are worried about seasickness see the suggestions later in this post.

Garibaldi Glacier Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Day 4: Agostini Sound, Aguila Glacier & Piloto Glacier

Alacalufe Fjord Excursion Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

The afternoon’s outing does not include a shore landing; it is a zodiac trip through Alacalufe Fjord to the edge of Piloto Glacier. This was spectacular. The zodiac is traveling through waters full of small (and at times larger) ice chunks. It was beautiful (and noisy). The zodiac drivers do a fantastic job of getting us safely ashore and back on the boat each day.

Navigation Chart from Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Activities on the boat include a presentation about Punta Arenas and Patagonian Chile, a tour of the bridge and engine room (fascinating) and briefings about the Magellanic Penguin and Magdalena Island.

It is our last dinner aboard the boat and there are farewell drinks in the bar. The navigational chart from this actual cruise was also auctioned off to the highest bidder. Using our well honed auctioned skills, we made one bid, the last bid and took home the chart. Mark loves maps so this was my Christmas present to him. He had no idea I was going to bid so was quite surprised when next thing you know we are having our picture taken as the proud new owners of the nautical chart. It will look fantastic behind our bar (when we have one someday)!

Tonight sunset, at 10:06 pm is spectacular. The picture doesn’t do it justice (I have not edited this picture!)

Sunset Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Day 5: Magdalena Island and the Magellanic Penguins

Today is the end of our cruise and we are sorry to see it end. However before we dock in Punta Arenas at 11:30 am, we have one shore excursion to go, seeing the penguins on Magdelena Island. This is a popular day trip from Punta Arenas, the big advantage of doing this outing from the boat is we arrive before all of the tour boats. Basically we have the place to ourselves: just us and the penguins.

It is breeding season and there are penguins nestled in their burrows sitting on their eggs. There are penguins everywhere. They are used to people. People stay on the paths and the penguins can go anywhere. There are over 70,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins on this island.

Other bird species, including cormorants, dolphin gulls, upland and kelp goose, and black faced ibis also use this island as a breeding ground.

After the penguins we have breakfast and prepare to disembark in Punta Arenas. Our grand adventure is over.

Magellanic Penguins on Magdalena Island Shore Excursion Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

A few words about the Cruise and Cruceros Australis

The reasons we selected this cruise:

  • Honestly it is the only small ship servicing this route.
  • It is all inclusive.
  • It has two shore excursions each day.
  • It has other activities on the boat so we can learn more about the area.
  • It is shorter duration and a less expensive option than going to Antarctica so it works with our schedule.

Other points:

I am prone to seasickness and was a bit hesitant as to how I would fare for 5 days on a cruise, especially as Patagonia is prone to some rough weather. I purchased seasick bands , which are elastic bands with pressure points you wear on your wrists. These worked beautifully. We had one night of rough weather when we were in open water and even then I was fine. I noticed a few other passengers wearing them as well. If you are prone to motion sickness I really do recommend these. It is so much more effective than taking a pill.

Toward the end of the cruise, as we were having after dinner drinks, a few of us got talking about our opinions of the cruise. When booking most of us thought the cruise was a bit expensive. By the end of the cruise we all thought it was excellent value. The food was good, the bar was good (no limits on your drinks, it includes spirits) and it is fully stocked, the crew was fantastic and the shore excursions were simply spectacular. The crew took the time to learn everyone’s name, where you were from, and you felt welcome. Briefings were conducted in multiple languages to accommodate everyone- Spanish, English and Italian (for the large group) were all available. And we met some fantastic people from all over the world.

Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

Children were allowed on this cruise. Under a certain age they could stay free in the same cabin. (Sorry we don’t have little ones and I don’t remember the age.) There were a few kids on the cruise all of which were so well behaved. As a kid this cruise would be a blast, so if you have kids I would consider it. It is fantastic value to take them along for free.

We booked directly with Cruceros Australis . Current pricing, dates and availability are on their website.

Before and After the Cruise

Ushuaia is a town of about 65,000. Argentina claims it as the most southern city in the world ( and Chile claims Punta Arenas is) . It was founded in 1884 by Anglican missionaries as part of Europe’s attempts to colonize the southern reaches of South America.

You can access Tierra del Fuego from Ushuaia and the town itself is worth a bit of a look. Unfortunately while we were here, it snowed and the wind was incredibly strong limiting the outdoor activities. If you really want to explore the outdoor activities you might want o allow an extra day or two in case of inclement weather.

Punta Arenas is larger than Ushuaia with closer to 125,000 inhabitants. It was settled in 1843 as a Chilean penal colony. It boomed as a shipping port for supplies during the California Gold Rush and later became the center of Chile’s wool production. All of these influences are present in the town today and it is worth spending a day here at the end of the cruise to explore. So overall we would recommend cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis. It was fantastic.

Arriving in Punta Arenas Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

If you are interested in other small ship cruises you can find more of our cruising adventures here . And if you are wondering what to pack for a cruise or an adventure trip that will involve hiking you might find our packing list helpful.

If you are planning a trip to Patagonia, you find all the content from our travels through Patagonia here .

 Cruising Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis www.compassandfork.com

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14 Responses

Kimberly erin @ walkaboot.ca.

This is super cool! Every time I make the jounrney from Ushuaia to Punta I go by slow, boring, take my salami (sorry chile but why) bus rides. I would of loved to go to cape horn, but it was to expensive for me… next time maybe….The penguin island is amazingly (cute) tho eh!

Thanks for your comment Kimberly. Yes the boat is not cheap, but it was magnificent. It’s a great reason to go back to the area!

Isabela Mariano

Wow, penguins! They’re so cute! Your photos are so lovely. 🙂

Isabela, Yes penguins are one of my favorites. I have never seen so many so close in one place! Glad you enjoyed the photos.

James | The Globe Wanderers

Holy Mother! The size of the glacier! Very cool photos. I’ve never fancied a cruise but this scenery would certainly tempt me to change my ways 🙂

Thanks for your comment James. That’s just what we thought! But, you can’t access this area unless you are on a boat. By the way, the Perito Moreno glacier and Grey glacier are even bigger.

Joe Ankenbauer

Such great photos! I love visiting and hiking around Glaciers! I’m not much into cruises, but I would definitely go on this one!

Hi Joe, thanks for your comment. We weren’t really into cruising either but having been to this one I have changed my view. I think being on a smaller boat is and advantage.

Gemma Two Scots Abroad

I’ve never done a cruise but it seems a great way to cover lots of places and gain lots of info. I do love group travel AND bingo so it could be for me in the future!

Yes and you don’t have too continuously pack and unpack. Thanks for your comment.

Doreen Pendgracs

Looks like an amazing cruise! I recall cruising by glaciers like that in Alaska and it was so exhilarating! Thx so much for sharing your fabulous pics!

Thanks Doreen. We loved the cruise as you have probably gathered, so it was a pleasure to write it. It’s just a stunning place.

wow great photos! i would absolutely lovee if we had such long days here. 4am – that’s crazy! soon it will get dark by 4pm in NYC 🙁

Sher http://www.shershegoes.com

Hi Sher, thanks for your comment. Long days do make for making the most out of your day for a tourist, no doubt. Patagonia – probably the most photogenic place you could go to.

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Home » Tours » Patagonia Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Patagonia Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Stella Australis - Exterior View

5 Days/4 Nights

From $2,353 per person

(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)

Daily Departures from October to March

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This Patagonia cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina and continues via the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas, Chile. You will disembark in Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the continent, and Wulaia Bay, and important indigenous site, and sail along the Darwin Cordillera to view glaciers flowing into the sea. The last part of the tour takes you to Magdalena Island to walk among an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins.

Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 4 nights on the Stella or Ventus Australis, and 11 meals (4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners).

Best Time to Go: October-March.

Destinations: South America , Argentina , Chile , and  Patagonia .

Interests: Adventure , Expedition Cruising , and Wildlife Viewing .

Places Visited: Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego and Punta Arenas .

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: ushuaia-australis cruise..

Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia from 10:00am to 5:00pm.  Board at 6:00pm.  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.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (D)

Day 2: Australis Cruise-Cape Horn-Wulaia Bay.

Around the break of dawn, the ship crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises 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 (currently awaiting repair after being damaged by fierce winds).

Sailing back across Nassau Bay, you 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 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 wooded mountain behind the bay.  On all of these you stroll through an enchanted Magellanic forest of lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns to reach panoramic viewpoints overlooking the bay.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Day 3: Australis Cruise-Pia Glacier-Garibaldi Glacier.

Overnight you continue your Patagonia glacier tour 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, the Australis cruise tacks eastward and enters the Beagle Channel again.  By morning you are entering Pia Fjord and boarding the Zodiacs for a shore excursion to Pia Glacier.  After disembarking you 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.

Making way further west along the Beagle Channel, you enter another long fjord and drop anchor near Garibaldi Glacier for another shore excursion.  Garibaldi is one of only three glaciers in Patagonia gaining mass rather than staying the same or slowly shrinking.  This time you hike through virgin Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall, a towering wall of ferns and moss, and spectacular viewpoints looking down on the glacier and fjord.  The walk is demanding — very steep, negligible trail, rough footing — and not for everyone.  For those who choose to stay onboard, the captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Day 4: Australis Cruise-Agostini Sound-Águila Glacier-Cóndor Glacier.

Early in the morning, you 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 Cordillera — some of them reaching the water.  This morning, you will disembark and go for an easy walk around a lagoon, which was formed by the melting of the Águila Glacier.  You will reach a spot right in front of that glacier with stunning views.  In the afternoon, you will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac — and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Day 5: Australis Cruise-Magdalena Island-Punta Arenas.

After an overnight cruise through Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, you 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, you 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 cruise south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.  (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Itinerary Map

Patagonia Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Prices & Dates

Price per person – low season, price per person – high season.

  • The above prices are valid for cruise departures through March 31, 2024.
  • Triple cabins feature a rollaway bed intended for guests 15 years of age and younger. The rollaway bed is 6.23 feet (1.90 m) long, 2.62 feet (80 cm) wide, and 5.9 inches (15 cm) tall.

Departure Dates

Promotional Departures: Sep 29, 2023; April 8, 2024. Cruise Low Season: Oct 7, 15, 23, 27, and 31, 2023; Mar 27 and 31, 2024. Cruise High Season: Nov 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28; Dec 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, and 30, 2023; Jan 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, and 31; Feb 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28; Mar 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, and 23, 2024.

What's Included

Price includes.

  • South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
  • Accommodations on board the M/V Stella Australis or M/V Ventus Australis.
  • All meals scheduled on board including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Shore excursions.
  • On-board entertainment.
  • Local, English-speaking tour guides.

Price Does Not Include

  • International airfare.
  • Domestic airfare.
  • Transfer from the airport to the Cruceros Australis office in Punta Arenas, Chile, and then to the pier at the beginning of the cruise, and from the pier in Ushuaia, Argentina to the airport at the end of the cruise.
  • Hotel nights before/after the cruise.
  • Port tax in Punta Arenas, Chile ($95).
  • Gratuities to ship crew and guides (suggested $15/passenger/day).
  • Gifts and personal items.
  • Travel insurance.

We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare, hotels, land services, and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.

Accommodations

Ventus Australis, Patagonia Cruise Ship

Ventus Australis

Additional details.

Group/Private: All services included in this tour are operated on a group basis.

Elevations: N/a.

Passport/Visa: For Chile , U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens (except Greece) require a valid passport (for the duration of your visit) and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Greek citizens can stay for up to 60 days. Australian, and Canadian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity fee (considered a multiple entry visa) of $95 and $132 respectively upon arrival (subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations or other reasons). Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Chilean embassy in their country before traveling. For Argentina , U.S., Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens require a valid passport (for the duration of their stay), sufficient funds, and a return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months of valid term beyond your departure date. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Argentina embassy in their country before traveling.

Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.

To Book This Trip: We require a non-refundable deposit of $800 per person plus the cost of the airfare (if we make the arrangements for you).

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4 Night Australis Patagonia Fjords Cruise

via australis cruise ushuaia punta arenas

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

Ventus Australis Cabin AAA Superior

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.

WIL MAP SOUTH AMERICA Southern Patagonia

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

Ventus Australis Cabin AAA Superior

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

Australis Experience Ainsworth Bay

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”.

Australis Experience Pia Glacier

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.

Australis Experience Wulaia Bay ship

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.

Australis Experience Ushuaia

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

Arakur Hotel Pool out

Accommodation

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

Tierra Patagonia 1

7 Day Luxury Journey

Combine the best of Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks with exclusive lodge accommodation and experiences such as hiking the famous W-Trek, cruising among glaciers near El Calafate and visiting an Estancia

Explora Torres del Paine Exterior 7

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 Magnolia Signature Suite bed and bath

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

Tierra Atacama HERO 3

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

Awasi Iguazu HERO 5

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

Tierra Patagonia pool

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

EOLO Estancia HERO 1

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

Laguna Torre Hike El Chalten

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 King room

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

Cajon de Arenales river Destino Montana

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 Private Villa and Hot Tub Lake Sarmiento

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

EXPLORA ATACAMA HERO 2

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

Estancia Rincon Chico Lodge choiques

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

Chalten Camp Dome Bed

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

AWA Hotel HERO 2

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

Explora hotel exterior pat 02

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

Puerto Blest 2023

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

Scenic Eclipse Antarctica Hero

Expedition Cruise & Land Journey

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife of the world's southernmost continent and Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park

Frequently asked questions

Best luxury cruises in patagonia and antarctica.

Our essential guide to Patagonia and Antarctica's best cruises, discover the best luxury small ships and expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula and Patagonia's fiords and glaciers.

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Start planning your luxury patagonia cruise with walk into luxury.

To find out more about this journey or discuss a personalised trip, please get in touch

Let us plan an exceptional journey tailored just for you

Begin your journey today, discover australia, nz and beyond on a private journey or walk.

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Fjords and Channels of Patagonia

Tierra del fuego cruise, punta arenas to ushuaia.

Argentina, Chile

From $1,665

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Explore Patagonia on an adventurous five-day journey from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia through some of the planet's most remote, untamed wilderness. From aboard an expedition ship that brings an extraordinary level of comfort and service to the uttermost edge of the world, witness fabled spots like Cape Horn, Wulaia Bay, and Beagle Channel. Sail through a maze of islands and visit icy blue glaciers—frozen giants that guard the southern flank of the Fuegian Archipelago, enter the legendary Strait of Magellan, and explore Isla Magdalena to view its impressive penguin colony. Whether from Zodiac or on foot, shore excursions will get you up close to witness the incredible range of wildlife that lives along these magnificent waterways.

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Arrive: Punta Arenas, Chile

Depart: Ushuaia, Argentina

  • Explore several impressive tidewater glaciers on foot and by Zodiac
  • Choose from easy or more challenging walks through magical forests to waterfalls and viewpoints
  • Witness a wide array of wildlife from Magellanic penguins to South American sea lions
  • Go ashore on legendary Cape Horn, weather and conditions permitting

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Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.

Dates & Pricing

Payment & cancel schedule.

At time of reservation: $300 70 days prior to departure: Balance Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 120 days prior to departure: No charge! 60-119 days prior to departure: $300 per person 50-59 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 40-49 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 30-39 days prior to departure: 75% of trip cost 29 days or less: 100% of trip cost

Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

  • All accommodations
  • All meals on board the ship
  • Open bar when on duty (wine, beer, liquor)
  • All shore excursions
  • Onboard entertainment

Not Included

  • Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the boat
  • Optional land tours before/after the cruise
  • Port taxes and national park fees
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
  • Lunch in Punta Arenas
  • Optional travel insurance

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

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Stella Australis

Tierra del Fuego, Chile

Days 1-4 (4 nights)

Alternate Accomodation: Ventus Australis

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1+, Easy , and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Zodiac landing crafts are used to explore the coastline and transport passengers ashore for walks to wildlife sanctuaries, glaciers, and local points of interest. There are several options for more challenging hikes. Some agility is required for getting in and out of the Zodiac landing crafts.

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Book your trip today

Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Submit the form below to download itinerary

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

  • Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
  • Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

  • Ultimate Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

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  • +56 2 2570 8620
  • Contact us!

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Ventus Australis Cruise / Ushuaia - Punta Arenas

  • Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
  • Excursions: Shared
  • Departure: According coordinate departure (October to April)
  • Official language : Spanish / English
  • Start: Ushuaia

Ventus Australis Cruise / Ushuaia - Punta Arenas

Description

Accommodations.

  • Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island
  • Trekking shoes are a must for the passengers

Departure 2023 - 2024 M/N VENTUS AUSTRALIS (4 NOCHES)

  • September 2023: 29
  • October 2023: 7 - 15 - 23 - 31
  • November 2023: 8 - 16 - 24
  • December 2023: 2 - 10 - 18 - 26
  • January 2024: 3  - 11  - 19 - 27
  • February 2024: 4 - 12 - 20 - 28
  • March 2024: 7 - 15 - 23 - 31
  • April 2024: 8

Departures 2023 - 2024 M/N STELLA AUSTRALIS (4 NIGHTS)

  • October 2023: 27
  • November 2023: 4 - 12 - 20 - 28
  • December 2023: 6 - 14 - 22 - 30
  • January 2024: 7 - 15 - 23 - 31
  • February 2024: 8 - 16 - 24
  • March 2024: 3 - 11 - 19 - 27

Day 01: Ushuaia Check-In  Between 10:00 PM and 5:00 PM, we will check-in at Avenida San Martín 409, next to the pier, to embark at 6:00 PM. After boarding, we will make a welcome toast and introduce the Captain and his crew. The ship will sail to the far south immediately after. Through the mythical Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan, we will travel through Patagonia and the channels of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 02: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay  We will sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay, arriving at Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark, if weather conditions permit, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends.

In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists. We will reach a viewpoint, walking through the Magellanic forest in. which lengas, coigües, canelos, and ferns grow, among other species.

Day 03: Pía Glacier – Porter Glacier  In the morning, we will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will make a trip to the viewpoint from where you will see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. During the afternoon, in our Zodiac boats, we will navigate between high rocky walls until reaching the Porter Glacier. 

Day 04: Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier  In the morning, we will navigate the Cockburn Channel to enter the Agostini Sound, where you can appreciate the glaciers that descend from the center of the Darwin Mountain Range, some of them reaching the sea. During the morning, we will disembark in Zodiac boats for a walk around a lagoon formed by the melting of the Aguila Glacier. In the afternoon, we will navigate in Zodiac boats to approach the Condor Glacier. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian channels.   Day 05: Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas  We will disembark at Magdalena Island first thing in the morning if weather conditions are suitable. On the island, we will be able to see a huge colony of Magellanic penguins. This excursion is replaced by a landing on Marta Island in September and April, where South American sea lions can be sighted from Zodiac boats.

Then, we will arrive in Punta Arenas, disembarking at approximately 12:30 hrs.

End of the services.

Ventus Australis Ushuaia - Punta Arenas or similar category, depending on availability.

Important note: In the event that one of the hotels does not have availability, it will be exchanged for a hotel with similar characteristics.

Map de Ventus Australis Cruise / Ushuaia - Punta Arenas

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Why book with us?

Best price without complications, best quality guaranteed, passenger service available 24/7, tours and experiences selected by experts, industry leader, 18 years of experience, places you will meet, cabo de hornos and beagle channel, cabo de hornos national park, magellan strait, magellan strait and punta arenas, punta arenas, other cruises of australis cruises....

Stella Australis Cruise / Punta Arenas - Ushauia

Discover Patagonia: Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

  • Get inspired by the possibilities.
  • Build your ideal trip.
  • Discover the splendor & beauty of Patagonia’s unique wildlife & landscapes
  • Learn about explorers Magellan, Sir Francis Drake, Captain Fitzroy & Darwin
  • View whales, dolphins, penguins, condors, and elephant seals
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • South America
  • Andes Mountains
  • Magdalena Island
  • Punta Arenas
  • Aguila Glacier
  • Port of Ushuaia
  • Tierra del Fuego

Full Itinerary

Day 1: embark in ushuaia, day 2: cape horn | wulaia bay.

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: De Agostini Sound | Águila Glacier

Day 4: magdalena island | disembark in punta arenas.

  • 1 Breakfast

MV Stella Australis

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

  • Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

  • M/V Stella Australis - Terms and Conditions - Kallpa Tours

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

  • 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Open bar when the bartender is on duty on Australis cruise
  • Shore excursions during the Australis cruise
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • All National Park and Conservation Area Entrance Fees
  • Port transfers

We Love to Talk Travel

Patagonia travel guide.

  • All Patagonia Trips
  • Torres del Paine
  • Luxury Patagonia Cruises & Tours
  • Patagonia- The Last Refuge of Nature
  • Trekking & Hiking in Patagonia
  • Patagonia Lodges
  • History and Geography of Patagonia
  • Patagonia FAQs
  • Perito Moreno Glacier
  • Tierra del Fuego Culture
  • Patagonia Lowdown: Low Elevation South America Treks
  • Best Time of Year to Visit Patagonia

Favorite Patagonia All Trips

  • Classic W Trek
  • Patagonia Hiking Express
  • Highlights of Southern Argentina
  • Fitz Roy & Glaciers Trekking
  • Tierra del Fuego Explorer
  • Ultimate Patagonia Trekking

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Fjords of Tierra del Fuego – Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

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  • 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.

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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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Patagonia cruise – Stella Australis

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The sky changes from violet to black, as it swallows the Martial mountain range. At the start of our Patagonia cruise, Ushuaia’s lights are dots in the distance, as our ship, Stella Australis , cruises over Ushuaia Bay.

As we power towards the Beagle Channel, up on deck, I shiver but I’m not sure if it’s from the cool breeze or whether it’s because I’m excited about the adventure before us.

I know that we will encounter a white wonderland of mountains and glaciers and already there’s a nip in the air.

A Patagonia cruise takes us through two of the best countries in South America and I’m looking forward to seeing snow-covered peaks, glaciers, frozen lakes and icebergs on my cruise aboard Stella Australis .

A cruise also takes us to difficult-to-reach places where we get to see some of the most incredible Chilean landmarks and equally stunning landmarks in Argentina too.

Day 1 – MV Stella Australia zodiac excursions 

Navarino island, day 3 – alberto de agostini national park.

Patagonia cruise

Patagonia Cruise

full moon and mountains on our Patagonia cruise

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Patagonia straddles both Argentina and Chile and is one of three places to visit in Chile that you will be impressed with.

It is a region that has breathtaking scenery and has been a popular destination for keen hikers for many years.

Fortunately, these days, Patagonia’s frozen beauty is much more accessible to the average traveller.

You can still camp out under the stars if you wish but there’s another way to access these remote areas.

For most people, the comfortable way to discover Patagonia is on a luxury small ship cruise such as aboard Stella Australis.

The ship – MV Stella Australis

The expedition-style ships journeys between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas Chile.

You can watch the scenery drift past aboard the 100-cabin ship.

It’s a luxurious way for adventurous travellers to see Chile’s southern attractions.

Cabins have large windows – some have floor-to-ceiling glass panels – that allow you to lie back in bed and drink in the landscape.

our cabin on Stella Australis

The ship has three lounges, a gym and a dining room.

The service is warm and friendly but somewhat disorganised.

There’s a buffet breakfast and lunch while dinner is a three-course meal.

Chilean and Argentinean wine is included in the price of the luxury cruise.

Spanish is the main language on board but the guides and service staff speak enough English well enough.

The only complaint I have is the reception desk staff are a touch aloof for a cruise of this quality.

Twice a day, passengers are transferred ashore in Zodiacs.

These excursions are led by knowledgeable and friendly expedition guides who tell us about the region’s flora, fauna and history.

Patagonia cruise excursion

At 7.30am on the first morning, I’m bundled up in a waterproof jacket and pants, thermals, hats, gloves and rubber boots.

The sky is grey as we board zodiacs and zip across to Hornos Island, where Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) is a highlight of this luxury cruise.

In fact, a quick survey of fellow passengers tells me it’s the reason many on board have chosen this cruise.

luxury cruises stella

Day 2 – Cape Horn and Navarino Island

Cape Horn was an important navigation point for ships before the Panama Canal was built.

Many consider it a badge of honour to sail around the cape as the sea is treacherous.

There are over 800 shipwrecks in the waters around the cape.

Patagonia cruise to cape horn

The weather can be so moody that rounding the cape or even being able to step ashore is not guaranteed. as it depends on the weather, which can be treacherous.

We’re very lucky on this occasion as it’s only drizzling. We’re transferred ashore and we climb 160 steps to the plateau.

Cape Horn is a soaring rocky promontory that is part of Cape Horn National Park, a World Biosphere Reserve.

There’s not much there except for a lighthouse, a small chapel and the Cape Horn monument.

The monument is a steel albatross memorial.

We spend some time chatting to the island’s only inhabitants, the lighthouse keeper and his family.

And by 8.30 am, we’re back on board the ship for breakfast.

In the afternoon, there’s a choice of activities between a hill hike or a coastal walk.

Navarino Island’s Wulaia Bay is the place where Charles Darwin landed while on his voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle in 1833.

Stunning snowcapped mountains in Patagonia

There’s a jetty outside a 1930’s naval radio station, where we disembark and begin our hike.

The old building was converted into an information centre.

We walk through the Magellanic forest, marvelling at the autumn colours of the nothofagus trees.

Some areas are muddy and slippery and there’s a steep section where there are ropes tied between trees that you can use as handrails.

hiking through the fields

Our walk is a chance to stretch our legs and brush up on the flora.

We learn about the parasite fungi and the Calafate plant.

The latter is a shrub with tiny yellow flowers and dark fruit.

There are both abandoned beaver dams and active ones.

Beavers were imported from Canada over a century ago for the fur trade and have caused a huge amount of destruction in the forest.

But the climate was not ideal for beavers and the quality of fur was not good enough for the luxury market.

The beaver hunters lost interest and the beavers were allowed to multiply uncontrolled.

On the third day, the sun is shining and storybook vistas of the Darwin Range fills the ship’s windows.

As we cruise, a knot-tying class with the boatswain is in full swing.

This activity is followed by a Chilean wine appreciation lesson with the ship’s sommelier.

I’m quite content to sip pisco sours while feasting my eyes on the scenery.

The snow-capped mountains and glaciers are soothing to the soul.

Agostini Sound is home to the Aguila Glacier, which stretches down towards a forest of olive-green treetops.

It’s a patch of paradise within Alberto de Agostini National Park where there are no roads and the only access is by ship.

a passenger discovers an iceberg washed ashore

It’s a big blue sky day and cotton candy clouds brush the tips of the sugar-sprinkled mountains.

We walk along the lagoon, wide-eyed with wonder at the scenery.

Every so often, we come across a large chunk of ice that has washed aground.

From every angle, the enormity and beauty of the landscape fill me with awe.

Our final excursion while cruising aboard Stella Australis is a visit to Magdalena Island to see the imperial and rock shags and a colony of Magellanic penguins.

penguins in magdelena island

The pockmarked landscape is filled with burrows that the penguins return to between October and April.

When we arrive, the season is almost over and there are only a few hundred penguins left waddling across the moonscape.

The others have long gone on their annual migration to the north.

taking photos of the penguins on magdelena island

Stella Australis leaves from Ushuaia in Argentina and cruises to Chilean waters and around Cape Horn.

After disembarking at Punta Arenas, we travelled to Puerto Bories and stayed in a really cool boutique hotel that used to be a sheep processing factory.

Find out more about Singular Hotel Patagonia .

Stella Australia has four routes to explore Patagonia. Find out more about them here .

Patagonia cruise – Stella Australis

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Australis Cruises

The Australis Cruises company is dedicated to provide short cruise expeditions, traveling the southernmost waters in Chile and Argentina in 3, 4 and 7 night all inclusive programs.

The vessels will navigate the Patagonian channels and fjords in different routes between Punta Arenas - Chile and Ushuaia - Argentina with the chance in some of them of reaching and even disembarking at the very famous and iconic Cape Horn.

Along the navigations the passengers will admire amazing landscapes and wildlife including mountains, forests, glaciers, sea birds, seals, sea lions, penguins, whales and a lot more.

There are two ships running these programs, the Via Australis and the Stella Australis, they carry Zodiac boats as well which are used for land and water excursions during the several stops of each journey.

via australis cruise ushuaia punta arenas

Stella Australis

Passengers capacity: 210 Number of cabins: 100 Cabin size STD: 177 sq.ft / 16.5 sq.m Cabin size SUP: 220 sq.ft / 20.5 sq.m

Rates for 2016 / 2017

The Australis cruises rates are in U.S. dollars per person considering double occupancy. For one person per cabin (single occupancy), please multiply the given rate x 1.5 (single rates apply in all categories).

For seven night trips (Stella Australis only) it is necessary to add the 4 night rate + the 3 night rate and then to apply a 10% discount to the resulting total.

There are extra fees to consider: migration fee, port tax and park entrance fee. The total for these extra fees are $50 for the 3 and 4 night trips and $60 for the 7 night cruise.

3 night cruise rates

4 night cruise rates, 7 night cruise rates, australis cruises routes.

There are two different one way itineraries for 2016/2017 both onboard the Stella Australis that will allow the passengers to see and perhaps disembark at Cape Horn, which is the southernmost piece of land of South America. Click on maps for larger images

4 NT - Punta Arenas / Ushuaia

via australis cruise ushuaia punta arenas

3 NT - Ushuaia / Punta Arenas

via australis cruise ushuaia punta arenas

Have a great experience in the southern Patagonia onboard one of these great cruises and you'll no regret! Service is great, with a very professional and very friendly staff, food and drinks are at the highest level, the cabins are very nice and the exterior views are awesome!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to know more on Australis Cruises.

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  1. Crucero Australis: Ushuaia

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  2. 4 Night Patagonia Cruise

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  3. Crucero Ushuaia

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  4. Crucero Australis, Mare Australis, Navegacion Punta Arenas Ushuaia

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  5. Acercar Viajes Argentina

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  6. Crucero Australis de Ushuaia a Punta Arenas Explorando La Patagonia

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  1. Journey at the end of the world

  2. 9 Month World Cruise: Ushuaia Part 1/2 Town

  3. Navegación Porvenir

  4. World Cruise: Ushuaia Safari Part 2/2

  5. My trip to Paul McCartney concerts in South America 2023

  6. Crucero Via Australis

COMMENTS

  1. Patagonia cruise. Australis, Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn and more

    Sail on board an all-inclusive expedition Patagonia cruise and explore the pristine corners of Tierra del Fuego. Australis Cruises. Sailing through. FORESTS, GLACIERS, AND PENGUINS. is what awaits you on an Australis journey ... From Punta Arenas (Chile) To Ushuaia (Argentina) MORE INFORMATION . PATAGONIAN EXPLORER . From Ushuaia (Argentina)

  2. Australis

    Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure. Board the Australis Cruise at 18:00 (6 PM). 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 ...

  3. Cape Horn and more. Explore Patagonia from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

    Ushuaia -Check In. Between 10:00 PM and 5:00 PM, we will check-in at the office of Tolkeyen Patagonia Turismo, at Av. San Martín 409, Ushuaia - Argentina, to embark at 6:00 PM. After boarding, we will make a welcome toast and introduce the Captain and his crew. The ship will sail to the far south immediately after.

  4. Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Via Australis

    Leaving from Ushuaia cruising through the Beagle Channel, around Cape Horn, exploring some remote glaciers and stopping to see the penguins along the way. The cruise is 5 days, 4 nights, terminating in Punta Arenas. We are traveling with Cruceros Australis on the Via Australis. This is the grand finale to our travels through Patagonia in South ...

  5. Patagonian Explorer

    The 5-day Patagonian Explorer - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas cruise operates from Ushuaia, Argentina to Punta Arenas, Chile, moving south to Cape Horn and then north past glaciers and the Strait of Magellan. Check in at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia, Argentina, between 10:00am and 5:00pm on the day of departure. Board the ship at 6:00pm.

  6. Patagonia Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

    Overview. This Patagonia cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina and continues via the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas, Chile. You will disembark in Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the continent, and Wulaia Bay, and important indigenous site, and sail along the Darwin Cordillera to view glaciers flowing into the sea.

  7. Australis Cruises

    Day 1 Depart Ushuaia for the Strait of Magellan. Check in between 10:00 and 16:00 at 409 San Martín Street. Board the M/V Via Australis cruise ship at 17:30. After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the M/V Via Australis will depart for one of the most remote parts of the planet.

  8. Via Australis Cruise

    The Ships > M/V Ventus Australis > Home > Decks > Cabins > Navigation > Routes & Itineraries: Call Center: Home: Punta Arenas - Ushuaia (4 Nights) Toll Free 1-800-811-3077: Rates & Departures: Ushuaia - Punta Arenas (3 Nights) Local USA 1-904-619-8278: Articles: Ushuaia - Punta Arenas (4 Nights) ... Ventus Australis : Stella Australis ...

  9. 4 Night Ventus Australis Patagonia Cruise, Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

    Note:Please enquire for itinerary details for Australis cruises travelling in the opposite direction from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. Day 2. 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. ...

  10. Tierra del Fuego Cruise, Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

    Tierra del Fuego Cruise, Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. Argentina, Chile. 5 Days. From $1,665. Level 1+. This cruise is the perfect extension to our Ultimate Patagonia itinerary. Limited Time Offer. 10% off all cabin categories on all 2024-2025 departures. Offer Expires Feb 28, 2024.

  11. Cruise Australis

    Explore Punta Arenas - Ushuaia route where you will enjoy the stunning, natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. You will experience a great adventure to the "uttermost End of the Earth", with accommodations aboard an amazingly comfortable ship accompanied by expert crew and guides.

  12. Ventus Australis Cruise, Punta Arenas and Ushuaia

    Description. Embark on this five-day, four-night expedition from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile). Discover the wild beauty of Patagonia on a voyage that will show you the region's pristine landscapes, varied wildlife and fascinating human history aboard an expedition ship that brings extraordinary levels of comfort and service to ...

  13. Via Australis

    The Via Australis is no longer operating in Patagonia. However, its sister ship, the Stella Australis, still has regular voyages sailing between the southern ports of Punta Arenas near Torres del Paine & Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. These cruises are a great way to travel between destinations and see the best of Patagonia's wildlife & glaciers.

  14. Patagonia

    The Via Australis cruise has four different routes traveling the southern Patagonian channels with some of them reaching the iconic Cape Horn. Two 3 night round trips from Ushuaia and Punta Arenas and two 4 night expeditions onboar the Via Australis cruise in Patagonia. The travel solution for Patagonia. Home + 54 299 4331366.

  15. Discover Patagonia: Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

    Call 1.406.541.2677. Start Planning My Trip. The expedition cruise ship M/V Stella Australis takes you on an amazing 4-day journey to the "uttermost end of the earth.". Sail between Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile) and discover the splendor and beauty of Patagonia's unique wildlife and landscapes.

  16. Fjords of Tierra del Fuego

    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 ...

  17. Australis

    Punta Arenas - Ushuaia 4 nights in all inclusive. US$ 1638.00* More information ... Discover the wild beauty of Patagonia on an Australis cruise that showcases the region's pristine landscapes, rich wildlife and fascinating human history aboard an expedition ship that brings an extraordinary level of comfort and service to the uttermost edge ...

  18. MV Stella Australis Cruise Review and Itinerary

    For most people, the comfortable way to discover Patagonia is on a luxury small ship cruise such as aboard Stella Australis. The ship - MV Stella Australis. The expedition-style ships journeys between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas Chile. You can watch the scenery drift past aboard the 100-cabin ship.

  19. What Can You Expect to See on a Cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas?

    A cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas is a unique opportunity to explore an incredible network of forest-lined channels, national parks and historic landmarks. As many of these places are only accessible by exploration cruise ship, this really is the only way to travel in the region.. If you're thinking about your options for cruises between southern Patagonia's main cities, Ushuaia and ...

  20. Australis Cruises between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas

    The Australis Cruises company is dedicated to provide short cruise expeditions, traveling the southernmost waters in Chile and Argentina in 3, 4 and 7 night all inclusive programs. The vessels will navigate the Patagonian channels and fjords in different routes between Punta Arenas - Chile and Ushuaia - Argentina with the chance in some of them ...

  21. Australis

    Punta Arenas. Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave. (Arturo Prat Port) in Punta Arenas between 13:00 and 17:00 (1-5 PM) on the day of your Australis cruise departure. Board the vessel at 6 PM. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth.

  22. Australis Cruises,Chile Cruises Cape Horn and Patagonia

    WELCOME TO CHILE CRUISES - SEASON 2018 / 2019: Australis Cruises navigates between the Argentine city of Ushuaia (the southernmost in the world) and the Chilean city of Punta Arenas, including the Strait of Magellan, and the Beagle Channel in the extreme south of the American continent. Impressive glaciers, native forests, penguin and elephant seal colonies can be seen on the journey towards ...