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Patagonian Explorer | Ventus Australis

5 Days
From USD 3,431

STYLE: Small Ship Expedition Cruise

Trip Code: CLTSVPE

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (light adventure)

Start: Ushuaia, Argentina

Finish: Punta Arenas, Chile

SHIP: Ventus Australis

DestinationDestination

Argentina, Patagonia, Chile

DestinationDeparture Date

30/12/2024, 7/01/2025, 15/01/2025, 23/01/2025, 31/01/2025, 08/02/2025, 16/02,2025, 24/02/2025, 04/03/2025, 12/03/2025, 20/03/2025, 28/03/2025, 05/04/2025, 26/09/2025, 4/10/2025, 12/10/2025, 20/10/2025, 28/10/2025, 05/11/2025, 13/11/2025, 21/11/2025, 29/11/2025, 07/12/2025, 15/12/2025, 23/12/2025, 31/12/2025, 08/01/2026, 16/01/2026, 24/01/2026, 01/02/2026, 09/02/2026, 17/02/2026, 25/02/2026, 05/03/2026, 13/03/2026, 21/03/2026, 29/03/2026, 09/04/2026

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

This extraordinary 5-day cruise cruise will guide you to world’s most beautiful and exclusive places while indulging in luxury onboard of the Ventus Australis.

Embark on an adventurous journey between Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile) aboard the Ventus Australis, through some of planet’s most remote places and incredible scenery. Discover the wild beauty of Patagonia on a voyage 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 of the world. Leaving the twinkling lights of Ushuaia behind, the vessel calls on fabled spots like Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay before cruising down the Beagle Channel. Continuing through the maze of islands, we’ll visit a number of glaciers, frozen giants that guard the southern flank of the Fuegian Archipelago, before entering the legendary Strait of Magellan. Last stop is the Isla Magdalena and its boisterous penguin colony before docking at Punta Arenas.

*** Please note, this itinerary also operates in reverse, from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas ***

 

In 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 Ventus Australis.  

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?

  • Experience the wonders of the Patagonian fjords, a visual spectacle where dramatic landscapes and beautiful vistas reign superior. 

  • Starting in Ushuaia is a perfect launching pad for undertaking the incredible journey to the Frozen White continent, Antarctica. Allowing you to experience the amazing offerings of two of the worlds most unique and indescribably beautiful continents.

  • This itinerary is perfectly combined with other land based tours in South America, allowing you the opportunity to blend incredible landscapes with indescribable cultural encounters. 

  • 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

Ventus Australis

Ventus Australis

The Ventus Australis is a awe-inspiring cruise ship, launched in January 2018. Tailor-made for exploring the remote southern tip of South America, all aspects of the 210 passenger ship including size, length, draft and engine power are designed to give Ventus Australis the extreme maneuverability necessary to navigate narrow fjords and channels where no other cruise ship can venture.  Ventus Australis will feature the latest regulations regarding safety at sea and protecting the marine environment, as all of Australis Patagonia fleet does.  With 110 spacious cabins featuring cozy beds, full bathrooms and panoramic views of the Patagonian nature unfolding outside.  The pampering continues in the dining room with buffet breakfasts and lunches and four-course dinners that blend continental and Chilean cuisine.  The galley also caters to special dietary requests.  The all-inclusive bar features a wide selection of liquors, excellent Chilean wines and local craft beers, as well our the trademark Calafate Sour.  Passengers have access to a library with extensive literature on Patagonian flora, fauna and history, as well as board games and other onboard entertainment activities.  Shore excursions are carried out in zodiac boats that can easily navigate remote bays and shallow water.  During the journey, English speaking guides and guest lectures deliver presentations and slide shows on various aspects of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.  Please note this vessel does not have elevators nor WiFi or internet.  Currency accepted onboard is US dollars, Euros, Chilean Pesos and Argentinean pesos.  Credit Cards accept onboard are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners. 

Ice Class: Length:
Breadth: Max
Draft: Cruising
Speed: 6.8 / 5.7 knots
Electricity: 220 volts and 110 volts 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 | Ventus Australis from USD 3,431
Departing Ending Duration
30 Dec 202403 Jan 20255
07 Jan 202511 Jan 20255
15 Jan 202519 Jan 20255
23 Jan 202527 Jan 20255
31 Jan 202504 Feb 20255
08 Feb 202512 Feb 20255
01 Jan 197005 Jan 19705
11 Dec 202415 Dec 20245
24 Feb 202528 Feb 20255
04 Mar 202508 Mar 20255
12 Mar 202516 Mar 20255
20 Mar 202524 Mar 20255
28 Mar 202501 Apr 20255
05 Apr 202509 Apr 20255
26 Sep 202530 Sep 20255
04 Oct 202508 Oct 20255
12 Oct 202516 Oct 20255
20 Oct 202524 Oct 20255
28 Oct 202501 Nov 20255
05 Nov 202509 Nov 20255
13 Nov 202517 Nov 20255
21 Nov 202525 Nov 20255
29 Nov 202503 Dec 20255
07 Dec 202511 Dec 20255
15 Dec 202519 Dec 20255
23 Dec 202527 Dec 20255
31 Dec 202504 Jan 20265
08 Jan 202612 Jan 20265
16 Jan 202620 Jan 20265
24 Jan 202628 Jan 20265
01 Feb 202605 Feb 20265
09 Feb 202613 Feb 20265
17 Feb 202621 Feb 20265
25 Feb 202601 Mar 20265
05 Mar 202609 Mar 20265
13 Mar 202617 Mar 20265
21 Mar 202625 Mar 20265
29 Mar 202602 Apr 20265
09 Apr 202613 Apr 20265

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Important Information

  • *Transfers to/from the port in both cities are not included and can be booked with your Destination Specialist 

  • Inclusions 

    Cabin accommodation on board Ventus 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. 

  • Departure date, season and availability.