STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise
Trip Code: CLTSSPE
DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)
Start: Ushuaia, Argentina
Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile
SHIP: Stella Australis
Chile, Patagonia, Argentina
26/12/2024, 3/01/2025, 11/01/2025, 19/01/2025, 27/01/2025, 04/02/2025, 12/02/2025, 20/02/2025, 28/02/2025, 08/03/2025, 16/03/2025, 24/03/2025, 24/10/2025, 01/11/2025, 09/11/2025, 17/11/2025, 25/11/2025, 03/12/2025, 11/12/2025, 19/12/2025, 27/12/2025, 04/01/2026, 12/01/2026, 20/01/2026, 28/01/2026, 05/02/2026, 13/02/2026, 21/02/2026, 01/03/2026, 09/03/2026, 17/03/2026, 25/03/2026
All meals while onboard the ship and an open bar while the bartender is on duty. Whisky and Hot Chocolate are including during excursions
Transfers to/from the port are excluded. Please contact your booking agent if you wish to add these.
Cabin on board ship
Excursions and Zodiac Cruising in and around Patagonia, Lectures and Activities onboard the Ship
Discover breathtaking scenery of the fjords and Patagonia and discover the extraordinary nature with this luxurious 5-day Patagonian cruise.
Enjoy the spectacular fjords and stunning natural beauty of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, as you cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard the Stella Australis. Go offshore in Cape Horn and explore the national park which has been declared a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Continue your journey to the Pía fjords. Step in one of the zodiacs, to the most remote areas that are too hard to reach on foot, and be amazed by the beauty of the Pía Glacier. Hike to the Garibaldi Glacier and enjoy the spectacular viewpoint of this region. On the last day, you will hike the paths of Magdalena Island while being surrounded by thousands of adorable penguins.
During this entire trip you will be accompanied by an expert crew and guides, this adventure takes you to the 'End of the World'.
*** Please note, this itinerary also operates in reverse, from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia ***
On this all-encompassing cruise, you will be provided with travel logistics for your travel party for the duration of your journey, plus expert guides for all the major sightseeing as per itinerary. Your all-inclusive cruise in will take place on in the upmarket comfort of the Stella Australis
Check in and luggage drop off is at the Cruceros Australis office, between 10:00hrs and 17:00hrs (10am-5pm) at 409 San Martin Street, in downtown Ushuaia. Boarding commences at 18:00hrs (6pm) with departure scheduled at 20:00hrs (8pm). All passengers must be on board the vessel at least one hour before departure. Please note your luggage will be taken to your cabin.
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.
Around the break of dawn, Stella Australis 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, 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 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 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, Ventus 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.
Making our way further west along the Beagle Channel, we 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 we 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, our captain will point the bow towards the beautiful sky blue Garibaldi Glacier so everyone can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.
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. In the afternoon, we will approach the Condor Glacier via Zodiac -- and hopefully see some of the abundant Andean Condors in the area.
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. After a short cruise south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.
*Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island
You will experience the wonders of Patagonia, a landscape of incredible dramatic scenery, the likes of which is not found anywhere else in the world.
This itinerary is perfectly combined with other land based tours of South America, allowing you to combine incredible natural landscapes with unique and dynamic cultural experiences,
Starting in Ushuaia is the perfect launching pad for undertaking the incredible journey to the 'Frozen White Continent', Antarctica. Allowing you to experience two of the most diverse and indescribable continents in the world in one unique journey.
Sailing through the Patagonian fjords is a perfect way to combine luxury and elegance with the dramatic beauty and indescribable landscapes of the region.
Each night you will stay in superior accommodation ensuring your journey is comfortable
The Stella Australis is a awe-inspiring cruise ship. The ship, which was constructed in 2010, consists of 100 total cabins and can hold up to 210 passengers. You won’t even miss working out on your Patagonia vacation as the ship contains a gym for passengers. The Stella Australis offers tourists a relaxed stay, while providing breathtaking sights from the decks.For the best in Chile travel choose Australis to reach all of Patagonia’s fabulous venues, attractions, and expeditions. Indulge in first class Chile Travel onboard the Stella Australis. When you travel with us you have to opportunity to relax on a spacious cruise ship, with a beautiful atmosphere, and fine dining. Before you embark on your Patagonia adventure enjoy the comfort of cabins that provide you with incredible ocean views and lavish decor. Wine and dine, mix and mingle, and enjoy our fabulous entertainment on your Patagonia vacation. Use Australis when you visit Patagonia for amazing customer service, excitement, beautiful scenery, and exceptional cuisine.
Ice Class:
Length:
Breadth: Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 6.8 / 5.7 knots
Electricity: Passenger
Capacity:210
View Ship Details
We believe that appropriate accommodation should add to the authentic travel experience, as well as providing utmost enjoyment. For that reason our accommodation is scrutinised by our staff on the ground frequently, ensuring the properties adhere to our high standards. This key will help you understand the levels of accommodation available on this tour.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.
Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.
Patagonian Explorer | Stella Australis from USD 3,431 | ||
Departing | Ending | Duration |
---|---|---|
26 Dec 2024 | 30 Dec 2024 | 5 |
03 Jan 2025 | 07 Jan 2025 | 5 |
11 Jan 2025 | 15 Jan 2025 | 5 |
19 Jan 2025 | 23 Jan 2025 | 5 |
27 Jan 2025 | 31 Jan 2025 | 5 |
04 Feb 2025 | 08 Feb 2025 | 5 |
12 Feb 2025 | 16 Feb 2025 | 5 |
20 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 5 |
28 Feb 2025 | 04 Mar 2025 | 5 |
08 Mar 2025 | 12 Mar 2025 | 5 |
16 Mar 2025 | 20 Mar 2025 | 5 |
24 Mar 2025 | 28 Mar 2025 | 5 |
24 Oct 2025 | 28 Oct 2025 | 5 |
01 Nov 2025 | 05 Nov 2025 | 5 |
09 Nov 2025 | 13 Nov 2025 | 5 |
17 Nov 2025 | 21 Nov 2025 | 5 |
25 Nov 2025 | 29 Nov 2025 | 5 |
03 Dec 2025 | 07 Dec 2025 | 5 |
11 Dec 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 | 5 |
19 Dec 2025 | 23 Dec 2025 | 5 |
27 Dec 2025 | 31 Dec 2025 | 5 |
04 Jan 2026 | 08 Jan 2026 | 5 |
12 Jan 2026 | 16 Jan 2026 | 5 |
20 Jan 2026 | 24 Jan 2026 | 5 |
28 Jan 2026 | 01 Feb 2026 | 5 |
05 Feb 2026 | 09 Feb 2026 | 5 |
13 Feb 2026 | 17 Feb 2026 | 5 |
21 Feb 2026 | 25 Feb 2026 | 5 |
01 Mar 2026 | 05 Mar 2026 | 5 |
09 Mar 2026 | 13 Mar 2026 | 5 |
17 Mar 2026 | 21 Mar 2026 | 5 |
01 Jan 1970 | 05 Jan 1970 | 5 |
Was USD 10,749
NOW From USD 8,599
Was USD 6,063
NOW From USD 5,457
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctic Circle
Was USD 18,949
NOW From USD 17,054
Was USD 18,995
NOW From USD 15,339
Transfers to/from the port in both cities are not included and can be added by your Booking agent
Prices per person are based on twin share unless otherwise specified
Inclusions
Cabin accommodation on board Stella Australis
All meals whilst on board
Port taxes (subject to change*)
All scheduled landings and excursions (subject to weather conditions)
Open bar (when bartender on duty)
All on board entertainment & lectures
Exclusions
Airfares to/from embarkation and disembarkation city
Visa fees (if applicable)
Any additional activities not mentioned in itinerary
Gratuities for staff/crew
*Transfers to/from pier
A single supplement applies. Please contact us for more information and pricing.
Departure date, season and availability.