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Patagonian Explorer | Stella Australis

Save US$500 per person or US$1000 per cabin         
Discount based on Double Occupancy, Valid on new bookings till 30 Apr 2024.       
Only applies to category A, AA, AAA and Superior cabins (category B cabins excluded).         
Port taxes not included; Promotion cannot be combined, see details below

5 Days
From USD 3,295

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise 

Trip Code: CLTSSPE

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Stella Australis

DestinationDestination

Chile, Patagonia, Argentina

DestinationDeparture Date

23/10/2024, 31/10/2024, 8/11/2024, 16/11/2024, 24/11/2024, 02/12/2024, 10/12,2024, 18/12/2024, 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 

MealsMeals

All meals while onboard the ship and an open bar while the bartender is on duty. Whisky and Hot Chocolate are including during excursions 

TransportTransport

Transfers to/from the port are excluded. Please contact your booking agent if you wish to add these.

TransportAccommodation

Cabin on board ship



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Included SightseeingIncluded Sightseeing

Excursions and Zodiac Cruising in and around Patagonia, Lectures and Activities onboard the Ship

OVERVIEW

EARLY PENGUIN PROMOTION - SAVE USD$500*

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

PLEASE NOTE: Pricing is subject to change and availability at the time of booking. Contact us for more information.

 

*Early Penguin Promotion is available for sale on new bookings until 30 April 2024 unless withdrawn or sold out prior. Save US$500 per person or US$1000 per cabin - based on double occupancy cabins in the 24/25 season only. Only applies to category A, AA, AAA and Superior cabins (category B cabins excluded). Port taxes not included. Promotion cannot be combined with other discounts. Further terms and conditions apply, please contact us for details and availability. 

ITINERARY

Ushuaia

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.

Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

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.

Pía Glacier – Garibaldi Glacier

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.

Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier

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.

Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas

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

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

WHY CHOOSE THIS CRUISE?

  • 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

Stella Australis

Stella Australis

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

Accommodation

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.

Standard

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Superior

Comfortable properties with dependable facilities and service.

Deluxe

Luxurious properties with impeccable facilities and service.

Pricing per person & date

Patagonian Explorer | Stella Australis from USD 3,295
Departing Ending Duration
23 Oct 2024 27 Oct 2024 5
31 Oct 2024 04 Nov 2024 5
08 Nov 2024 12 Nov 2024 5
16 Nov 2024 20 Nov 2024 5
24 Nov 2024 28 Nov 2024 5
02 Dec 2024 06 Dec 2024 5
01 Jan 1970 05 Jan 1970 5
28 Mar 2024 01 Apr 2024 5
18 Dec 2024 22 Dec 2024 5
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
01 Jan 1970 05 Jan 1970 5

Important Information

  • 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 

  • 2 (light adventure)
  • A single supplement applies. Please contact us for more information and pricing. 

  • 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 

  • Departure date, season and availability. 

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