Australis: Boat trip to the end of the world

Through the Patagonian canals to the glaciers of Tierra del Fuego

Explore the largely untouched canals and fjords of Patagonia by the ships of Australis. The expeditions lead to the most famous natural attractions of Tierra del Fuego: along numerous glaciers through the Straits of Magellan, the Beagle Canal up to Cape Horn. The modern ships Stella Australis and Ventus Australis open up one of the most beautiful and wild areas in the world.

On excursions by shore leave and dinghy, you have the opportunity to explore glaciers and national parks. All expeditions are guided by professional tour guides who have excellent knowledge of the geography, glaciology, flora and fauna of the area. Both routes include a shore leave at America's southernmost spot, the legendary Cape Horn. Cape Horn was discovered by Dutch sailors in 1616 and has been an important shipping route between the Pacific and Atlantic for centuries.

The comfortable Australis ships, big enough to carry 200 passengers, have been specifically designed for Tierra del Fuego cruises and offer a lot of comfort: spacious lounges, relaxed atmosphere, spacious cabins and spectacular views from all indoor and outdoor areas, such as the open upper deck.

The Australis tours are all-inclusive, including first-class international cuisine with themed lunch buffets and a la carte dinner; the bar is also fully included. A library with board games and a great selection of literature on the flora, fauna and history of the area is also available on board. In the evening, the guides explain the main highlights and the schedule of excursions planned for the next day. The languages used on board are Spanish and English.

PUNTA ARENAS - USHUAIA

4 nights

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Check-in between 1pm and 5pm at Punta Arenas.

Embark at 6pm.

Day 2: Ainsworth Bay - Tucker Islets

We pass the Almirantazgo Fjord and reach the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay. The view from here is excellent to observe how life returns after the retreat of the ice masses. We continue our journey to the Tucker Islets, where we hop on rubber dinghies and observe Magellan penguins and cormorants colonies. In September and April we change our plans and go for a hike near a glacier in Brookes Bay instead.

Day 3: Pía Glacier - Avenue of the Glaciers

On a hike, we reach an observation point from where we can perfectly watch the Pía glacier. Then we continue our journey along the majestic "Glacier Avenue".

Day 4: Cape Horn - Bahía Wulaia

We drive through the Murray Canal and Nassau Bay to go ashore on the Isla Cabo de Hornos - depending on weather conditions - and visit the legendary Cape Horn, the southern peak of the continent: 425 m high, almost vertical cliffs. In the afternoon we reach Wulaia Bay, one of the largest settlements of the Yámana Indians who travelled along the coast by canoes. Hike through the Magellanic forest to an observation point.

Day 5: Ushuaia

Arrival in Ushuaia, the most significant Argentinian city on Tierra del Fuego and the world's southernmost city. Disembark at 8.30 am.

Departure: every 4 days, exact dates upon request

Price: approx. 2630 to 7110 USD per person, depending on the season and cabin class.

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USHUAIA - PUNTA ARENAS

4 nights

Day 1: Ushuaia

Check-in bewteen 10am and 5pm in Ushuaia.

Embark at 6pm.

Day 2: Cape Horn - Bahía Wulaia

We drive through the Murray Canal and Nassau Bay to go ashore on the Isla Cabo de Hornos - depending on weather conditions - and visit the legendary Cape Horn, the southern peak of the continent: 425 m high, almost vertical cliffs. In the afternoon we reach Wulaia Bay, one of the largest settlements of the Yámana Indians who travelled along the coast by canoes. Hike through the Magellanic forest to an observation point.

Day 3: Pía Glacier - Garibaldi Glacier

We cruise along the major northeast distributory of the Beagle Canal and enter Pia Bay, where we go ashore. A short hike leads us to an observation point overlooking the glacier. In the afternoon we head to the Garibaldi Fjord, where we explore the cold rainforest of Patagonia and walk to the bottom of a waterfall.

Day 4: Agostini Fjord - Águila Glacier - Cóndor Glacier

In the morning we pass through the Cockburn Canal into the Agostini Fjord, where we can spot the glaciers that flow down from the centre of the Darwin Cordillera into the sea. In the morning, we disembark for an easy walk around the lagoon of the Águila glacier, facing the glacier. In the afternoon we get closer to the Cóndor Glacier by Zodiac boats.

Day 5: Isla Magdalena - Punta Arenas

Early in the morning we go ashore on the Magdalena island - if weather conditions allow. At a walk to a lighthouse on Magdalena island we can observe a huge Magellanic penguins colony. In September and April we instead visit a colony of South American sea lions at Isla Marta. The trip ends in Punta Arenas, where we disembark at 11.30 am.

Departure: every 4 days, exact dates upon request

Price: approx. 2630 to 7110 USD per person, depending on the season and cabin class.

Interested? Please use the quick inquiry on the right to contact us!