The Patagonian region of South America is one of the last frontiers: an endless remote landscape of mountains, glaciers and fiords, and one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Australis Cruise is a luxury expedition cruise operating between Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina and it is the best and most luxurious way to explore this region, visit Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America, see untouched islands and lost glaciers and explore one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
We are a specialist for South America so booking this cruise with us means great prices but the added benefits we provide to all our customers - 100% financial protection and ATOL-protection, expert knowledge, and a 100% tailor-made approach with the ability to tailor your holiday to suit your cruise. Whether you want to book the cruise by itself or include the cruise within your holiday to South America, your journey to discover these epic lands begins here...
MAKE AN AUSTRALIS CRUISE ENQUIRY
Australis Cruise: Punta Arenas (Chile) to Ushuaia (Argentina)
The Australis cruise from Chile to Argentina (known as "Itinerary A") starts in the delightful Chilean city of Punta Arenas and finishes its epic journey in Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world at the tip of Argentina. Along the way you will enjoy excursions and visits to Tuckers Islets to spot penguins, the stunning Pia Glacier and "Glacier Alley", the historic Wulaia Bay (visited by Charles Darwin), and Cape Horn at the end of the world.
Departures: From late September to early April
Day 1 - Depart: Check-in for your cruise at Punta Arenas port and be welcomed on board around 6pm with a toast and the opportunity to meet the captain and crew. As your vessel departs you will enjoy a fine evening meal on board as you begin your journey through Patagonia's fiords towards the end of the world.
Day 2 - Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets: Arise this morning to the incredible scenery of the Admiralty Sound. Morning excursion to Ainsworth Bay with the choice of two walks (an easy coastal walk or a more energetic hike) both of which are through beaver territory and provide stunning views and the chance to spot wildlife. In the afternoon journey by zodiac boat to Tuckers Islets to spot Magellan Penguins and other birdlife including cormorants and gulls. The penguins inhabit these islands seasonally (from October to March) so if the penguins are not present an alternative excursion to a glacier is arranged instead.
Day 3 - Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley: This morning begins with a spectacular approach up the Pia Fiord complete with majestic views of the Pia Glacier. You will journey by zodiac boat to the base of the glacier to choose from two walks (easy walk near the base of the glacier, harder walk higher up the valley) to enjoy an incredible panoramic views of Pia Glacier. In the afternoon back on board the ship you will journey along "Glacier Alley" in the Beagle Channel, where you can admire a number of glaciers on either side of the channel.
Day 4 - Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay: A highlight of the cruise is a visit to Cape Horn, at the very tip of South America, and if the weather conditions are suitable you will journey to Cape Horn to visit this barren isolated island and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After Cape Horn your ship will navigate north to Wulaia Bay, visited by Charles Darwin and one of the most historic locations in this region. Here you will learn about the Yamana, the original settlers in this region, as well as the choice a three walks (easy, medium and hard) for spectacular views and to discover the endemic vegetation.
Day 5 - Arrive in Ushuaia: This morning you will enjoy your final breakfast on board your Australis Cruise before bidding farewell to your cruise as the ship arrives into the port at Ushuaia. Arrival time is approximately 9.00am.
Price - from £1,999pp
Prices start from around £1,999pp. Prices vary greatly depending on your choice of cabin standard (choose from B, A, AA or AAA) and cruise departure date.
The Australis Cruise is a seasonal cruise operating from late September to early April each year. Prices are lower for the "shoulder season" departures in September and April, and become higher for the peak months of December and January. If you are flexible with your dates October or March can therefore be good options.
In order to provide you with a more precise quote please complete our enquiry form or contact us to discuss the best options for you.
Make an Enquiry
If you are interested in enquiring about availability or pricing or want to book the Australis Cruise then please just get in touch with us and let us know:
- Preferred date(s) of departure
- Cruise itinerary of interest (Ushuaia - Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas - Ushuaia)
- Preferred cabin standard (B, A, AA or AAA).
Australis Cruise: Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile)
The Australis Cruise from Argentina to Chile (also known as "Itinerary B") starts in Ushuaia in Argentina, a beautiful coastal city famous for being the most southern city in the world, and concludes the journey in the city of Punta Arenas in Chile. During the cruise you will enjoy visits and excursions including a visit to Cape Horn at the end of the world, the historic Wulaia Bay, and the epic Pia Glacier, Garibaldi Glacier, Aguila Glacier and Condor Glacier in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Departures: From late September to early April
Day 1 - Ushuaia: Check-in for your cruise at Ushuaia port. You are warmly welcomed on board by the captain and crew and will enjoy a welcome toast. As your vessel departs you will enjoy a fine evening meal on board as you begin your journey through Patagonia's fiords towards the end of the world.
Day 2 - Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay: Through the night on your Australis cruise you will cruise south towards Cape Horn, arriving around dawn. This morning ff the weather conditions are suitable you will disembark from your ship to journey by zodiac boat to visit the island of Cape Horn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the island and visit the small chapel and monument. In the afternoon you will visit Wulaia Bay, a historic location visited by Charles Darwin. Here you will visit a local museum to learn about the Yamana, the original settlers in this region, and can choose from three walks (easy, medium and hard) for stunning views of this beautiful bay.
Day 3 - Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers: Today begins with a beautiful approach up the Pia Fiord towards the Pia Glacier where you will disembark to travel to the base of the glacier by zodiac boat and will choose from two walks (easy or hard) to explore the area and enjoy fabulous views of the glacier. In the afternoon you will visit the equally stunning Garibaldi Glacier where you can choose to remain on your Australis cruise to enjoy the view or can choose a shore excursion to enjoy a difficult hike through Magellanic forest to a glacial waterfall.
Day 4 - Aguila & Condor Glaciers: The Aguila Glacier is another beautiful natural marvel in Patagonia and this morning enjoy a land-based excursion around a lagoon formed from the melt-waters of the glacier. The walk not only provides the opportunity to learn more about glaciers but equally provides stunning panoramic views of the Aguila Glacier. Later visit Condor Glacier by zodiac boat, this glacier gets its name from the giant condor birds which can often be seen soaring overhead.
Day 5 - Magdalena Island & Arrive in Punta Arenas: This morning the cruise ship will lower anchor at Madgalena Island where, weather permitting, you will journey ashore by zodiac to enjoy a beautiful walk through the colony of Magellanic penguins to the lighthouse which houses a small museum. The penguins inhabit these islands seasonally (from October to March) so if the penguins are not present an alternative excursion to spot sea lions on Marta Island is provided. Following this mornings excursion you will arrive at your final destination of Punta Arenas at around 11.30am.
Price - from £1,799pp
Prices start from around £1,799pp. Prices vary greatly depending on your choice of cabin standard (choose from B, A, AA or AAA) and cruise departure date.
The Australis Cruise is a seasonal cruise operating from late September to early April each year. Prices are lower for the "shoulder season" departures in September and April, and become higher for the peak months of December and January. If you are flexible with your dates October or March can therefore be good options.
In order to provide you with a more precise quote please complete our enquiry form or contact us to discuss the best options for you.
Make an Enquiry
If you are interested in enquiring about availability or pricing or want to book the Australis Cruise then please just get in touch with us and let us know:
- Preferred date(s) of departure
- Cruise itinerary of interest (Ushuaia - Punta Arenas or Punta Arenas - Ushuaia)
- Preferred cabin standard (B, A, AA or AAA).
Stella Australis
The Stella Australis cruise ship was constructed in 2010 as a purpose-built vessel to offer fabulous cruises through the Patagonian fiords and onward to Cape Horn. The five decks offer all the amenities and comfort you would expect from such an incredible luxury cruise experience with a choice of cabin standards (100 en suite cabins in total, to cater for up to 210 guests), a large dining area, a panoramic bar, a number of lounges and relaxation areas, a reception area and a small shop. All cabins have large windows to enjoy the stunning views of the Patagonia scenery, and the ship also provides evening lectures and videos to enhance your enjoyment. This is one of the finest cruise journeys on Earth and the Stella Australis cruise ship is an exemplary choice to explore the end of the world.
The Stella Australis operates both routes, from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia and from Ushaia to Punta Arenas.
Deck Plan
AAA Cabins
AA Cabins
A Cabins
Ventus Australis
The Ventus Australis is the new sister ship to the Stella Australis. This beautiful luxury vessel was built in 2016 and launched in January 2018, purpose-built to cruise the narrow shallow channels of the Patagonian fiords. The ship caters for a maximum of 210 passengers and has 100 cabins, all en suite and with large panoramic windows to enjoy the stunning views of the Patagonian wildnerness during the cruise. The Ventus Australis cruise ship also features a large dining area, bar with panoramic windows, lounge areas for reading and relaxation, a reception area and small shop. The Patagonian fiords between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas are home to some incredible scenery, and the Ventus Australis is a luxurious way to experience this wonderful cruise route.
The Ventus Australis operates both routes, from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia.
Deck Plan
AAA Cabins
AA Cabins
A Cabins
Stella Australis
This majestic purpose-built cruise ship has been sailing through the fjords of Patagonia since 2010.
Ventus Australis
The Ventus Australis was launched in 2018 and is the sister ship of the Stella Australis operating the same expedition cruise itineraries between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas.
Experiences and Excursions
The Australis cruise is an expedition cruise, and you will enjoy a wide variety of experiences and excursions on the cruise visiting different glaciers, islands and hidden bays to ensure you experience the best of this region of Patagonia.
Wildlife
The Australis cruise offers fabulous opportunities to spot a variety of the wildlife that lives in the southern regions of Patagonia including Elephant seals, condors, cormorants, dolphins, penguins, beavers and much more. The cruise is a wonderful choice for people who admire scenery and wildlife.
Cape Horn
One of the many highlights of the Australis Cruise is the visit to Cape Horn at the very tip of South America. If the weather permits then it is possible to make an overland excursion to visit the island, the lighthouse and nearby memorial. Cape Horn is included on both cruise options (Argentina to Chile and Chile to Argentina), weather permitting.
Pia Glacier
The Pia Glacier is one of the most awe-inspiring glaciers in Patagonia and, unlike some of the more famous glaciers in the region, is very little-visited due to its remote location meaning excursions to visit the glacier on board the Australis Cruise are just that little bit more special. The glacier is a highlight of the cruise and is visited on both cruise routes, from Ushuaia in Argentina to Punta Arenas in Chile and from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia.
Ainsworth Bay
Ainsworth Bay is visited on the cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia. The bay was visited by Charles Darwin and is located in an absolutely stunning scenic setting. Excursions to the bay include walks through the bosque forest that inhabits this region of the world.
Tuckers Islands
Tuckers Islands, also known as Tuckers Islets, are tiny islands that are the seasonal home to Magellan Penguins from October to March. The islands are visited on a zodiac excursion on the cruise from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia, and offer a unique and enticing opportunity to spot these beautiful birds up close and in their natural habitat.
Aguilar Glacier
The stunning Aguilar Clacier is visited on a walking excursions on the cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.
Magdalena Island
Magdalena Island is visited on the final day of the cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas. The island is home to a colony of Magellanic penguins from October to March and makes a fantastic end to a wonderful cruise with the chance to see these iconic birds up close.
Photos courtesy of Australis.
