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Explore the southernmost and wildest region of the world, following legendary maritime routes discovered and explored in the 16th century. Sail comfortably through the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel and visit mythical Cape Horn. Cruise along channels, bays and fjords, passing glaciers, snow-capped peaks, islands and unexplored forests of incomparable beauty to experience nature and wildlife like never before. Discover Wulaia Bay and observe Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island. At the same time you will have an outstanding time onboard an expedition ship designed with your comfort in mind. This route from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas showcases the amazing beauty that the Patagonian region offers. Journey through the southernmost fjords of South America combining both Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia for an exhilarating adventure of a lifetime.
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Day 1
Join in Ushuaia
Check in at the Australis travel center at 409 San Martín Ave. in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of departure. Board at 18:00 (6:00PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction to the 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 Argentine into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as we turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
During the morning we cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes 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. In the afternoon we 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 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 wooden mountain behind the bay. On all of these you will be strolling 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.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Pia Glacier - Glacier Alley
We will navigate along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel before disembarking at Pia Fjord. From there, we’ll take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint from where we can enjoy spectacular views of the awe-inspiring Pia Glacier whose main tongue extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. After this memorable experience, we will continue our voyage along the Beagle Channel through the majestic Glacier Alley.
Day 4
Agostini Sound - Águila 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.
Day 5
Magdalena Island* & Punta Arenas, trip concludes
After an overnight cruise that takes us 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 sail south along the strait, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for around 11:30 AM.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding zodiacs and navigating the ship may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. You might find yourself kayaking past icebergs, snowshoeing across pristine landscapes, or walking amongst millions of penguins. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
Indulge in first class Chilean travel onboard the Stella Australis or Ventus Australis. Both boats offer a relaxed stay, while providing breathtaking sights from the decks. You have the opportunity to relax on a spacious cruise ship to Patagonia, with a beautiful atmosphere, and fine dining. Before you embark on your Patagonian adventure enjoy the comfort of cabins that provide you with incredible ocean views and lavish decor. Wine and dine, mix and mingle, and enjoy the fabulous entertainment on your Patagonian vacation. Tailor made for exploring the remote southern tip of South America, all aspects of the 210 passenger ships including size, length, draft and engine power are designed to give Ventus and Stella Australis the extreme manoeuvrability necessary to navigate narrow fjords and channels where few other cruise ships can venture. Both boats feature the latest regulations regarding safety at sea and protecting the marine environment. Australis and its employees obey the applicable regulations concerning the prevention of pollution or environmental damage to the land, ocean, and air where its activities are carried out. Their policy aims at responsible environmental protection and the objective is to prevent any type of contamination in the operations, as well as producing minimum impact in the places that are visited during the cruise. One of the main concerns is not to affect the ecosystem of the flora that is endemic to the region nor alter any reproduction processes of local fauna. Use Australis when you visit Patagonia for amazing customer service, excitement, beautiful scenery, exceptional cuisine and responsible travel practices.
Stella Australis
Category B
Located on Magallanes Deck 2 near reception and closest to the bow of the ship, Category B cabins are 16.5m² in size and curve slightly as they take on the shape of the bow. They feature a picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.2m (high) as well as a table, chair, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category B cabins have Twin beds only.
Category AAA Superior
Located on Cabo de Hornos Deck 4 near the Sky Lounge and Bridge, and with easy access to the Darwin Lounge, Category AAA Superior cabins are more spacious at 20.5m² in size. They feature a floor-to-ceiling picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by over 1.8m (high) as well as a table, sitting area, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category AAA Superior cabins feature large King-sized beds only.
Category A
Located on Magallanes Deck 2 near reception, Category A cabins are 16.5m² in size. They feature a picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.2m (high) as well as a table, chair, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category A cabins can have Queen or Twin beds.
Category AA
Located on Tierra del Fuego Deck 3 near the Yamana Lounge, Category AA cabins are 16.5m² in size. They feature a large picture window measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.4m (high) as well as a table, chair, wardrobe with safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category AA cabins can have Queen or Twin
Category AA Superior
20.5m²
Located on Tierra del Fuego Deck 3 near the Yamana Lounge, Category AA Superior
cabins are more spacious at 20.5m² in size. They feature a large picture window
measuring 1.5m (wide) by 1.4m (high) as well as a table, sitting area, wardrobe with
safety-deposit box and lifejackets, bed-side tables with reading lamps, telephone (for
internal calls) and cabin radio. Cabins have their own private bathroom with separate
shower as well as hairdryer and amenities which are replenished daily. Category AA
Superior cabins feature large King-sized
Category AAA
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.