Hop on board Australis Cruises' Darwin's Original Route for an amazing adventure through Patagonia's breathtaking scenery. You'll explore the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and see incredible glaciers, plus meet some friendly penguins and sea lions along the way!
Check-in at Muelle Prat (EPA), Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398, Punta Arenas, Chile, is from 13:00 to 17:00 hrs. We will board at 18:00 hrs. Once aboard, join us on the fifth deck for a welcome toast and to meet the Captain and crew. Then, we'll set sail south through the legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, exploring Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.
We will explore the area near Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay to see how life returns after the ice melts, and we'll hike through the beautiful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. We'll also visit Tuckers Islets to view Magellanic penguins and cormorants from our Zodiacs. In September and April, when the penguins migrate, we'll take a short walk to a glacier at the stunning Brookes Bay instead.
We will sail through the Northwest arm of the Beagle Channel and stop at Pía Fjord. Here, you'll enjoy a tour to a viewpoint where you can see the glacier, which stretches from the mountains to the sea. After this amazing experience, we'll continue our journey along the stunning "Avenue of the Glaciers."
We will reach Cape Horn National Park and, if the weather is favorable, step ashore to explore one of the world's southernmost points, rich in charm and legends. Later, we'll visit Wulaia Bay, a historic site once home to the Yámana canoe people. We'll walk through the Magellanic forest to a viewpoint, surrounded by trees like lengas, coigües, canelos, and ferns.
Welcome to Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. We will disembark at 8:30 AM to explore the city, enjoying its restaurants, shops, and museums. Reboarding is at 6:00 PM. The Captain and crew will welcome you back on board with a toast alongside fellow travelers. Then, we'll set sail towards the End of the World to continue our adventure in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.
We will journey through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park. If the weather is favorable, we might go ashore using Zodiac boats. In the afternoon, we'll explore Wulaia Bay, offering a variety of excursions for a truly unique experience.
In the morning, we'll sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel and stop at Pia Fjord. From a viewpoint, you'll see the glacier stretching from the mountain top to the sea. In the afternoon, we'll take a Zodiac boat ride without getting off. We'll navigate between towering rocky walls to reach the impressive Porter Glacier and admire it up close.
In the morning, we'll sail through Cockburn Channel into Agostini Sound to admire glaciers from the Darwin Mountain Range, some of which reach the sea. After breakfast, we'll take Zodiac boats to explore a lagoon created by the melting Aguila Glacier. In the afternoon, we'll stay in the Zodiac boats to get a close view of the Condor Glacier. We'll also learn about how glaciers form and shape the rugged landscape of the Fuegian channels.
We will start our day by visiting Magdalena Island, weather permitting, to see a colony of Magellanic penguins. In September and April, this trip is replaced with a visit to Marta Island, where you can spot South American sea lions from Zodiac boats. We will then reach Punta Arenas and disembark around 12:30 PM.
The Stella Australis is designed for exploring Patagonia's fjords. Each of its 100 cabins is simply yet comfortably decorated. Enjoy the spacious lounges and observation decks that highlight the breathtaking views.
The Ventus Australis, sister ship to the Stella Australis, is designed to navigate even the narrowest channels. This means you can enjoy comfort and elegance while exploring parts of Patagonia that other ships can't reach.
Departures are available from September 2025 to April 2026.
You can review the 2025-2026 departures clicking here.
For other dates, please inquire with our Travel Experience Designers.
This trip starts in Punta Arenas and ends in Punta Arenas.
This trip suits those not prone to seasickness and are able to walk gently over flat terrain. It is not physically demanding.
Both the Ventus Australis and Stella Australis ships can accommodate 210 passengers each.
For additional inquiries about your journey or to access more detailed information regarding the ship and its itinerary, please consult the following link.
Transport outside the ship will be in 4 seat vehicles or vans (if hired or included).
The weather in the Patagonian fjords is typically cool and variable, influenced by the region's maritime climate. Expect temperatures to range from about five to fifteen degrees Celsius (forty-one to fifty-nine degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months (December to February) and can drop significantly in winter. Rain is common throughout the year, with frequent showers and overcast skies, especially in the fall and winter. Winds can be strong, adding to the chill, so it's advisable to dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
In the cruise months, the temperature fluctuates between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius (equivalent to 41 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit). It is important to note that weather conditions are very unpredictable and could change constantly during the day.
* Image courtesy of Australis Cruises.
Updated October 4th, 2022
Dear Traveler,
We are very happy to announce that there are currently no travel restrictions in Chile.
Together with the above mentioned, it is mandatory to comply with the following requirements:
In case you have any questions, we will be happy to help you!
Best,
The Team at Cascada Expediciones & EcoCamp Patagonia
