As we travel through the fjords of Patagonia, you will be amazed by dramatic mountains formations, spectacular glaciers, deep blue lakes, ancient forests and its most varied wildlife which make this one of the most beautiful, imposing and un-spoilt regions of South America.
Our expedition cruisers navigate through famous water ways such as the Beagle Channel and the Straights of Magellan and all the way to Cape Horn, the ‘End of the Earth’, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. Everyday you will have an opportunity to take an excursion on land accompanied by expert guides and learn about the flora, fauna and geography of the region.
The duration of a trip through the undiscovered regions of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, can be 3 or 4 nights and all our cruises offer an excellent level of accommodation and services.
Description of the Ship
Our ship, M/V Mare Australis features 63 comfortable cabins, all with panoramic windows, private baths, individual climate controls, and safety box. All cabins are 161 sq ft and feature either 1 large double bed or 2 lower twin beds. Two comfortable lounges accommodate naturalist talks and gatherings, while the spacious open air terrace on the uppermost deck presents the spectacular Patagonian scenery in all its splendour. A panoramic dining room offers exquisite regional and international cuisine accompanied by the finest Argentinean and Chilean wines. The vessel also accommodates an infirmary, gift shop, game room and library.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Punta Arenas
Check in at Punta Arenas, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cruise ship boarding at 6:00 p.m. The Captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board. Immediately afterward, the ship departs for “the uttermost part of the earth”. Our excursion will take us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. We have just embarked on a Great Adventure!
Day 2 - Ainsworth Bay – Tucker Islet
At dawn, we continue navigating through Almirantazgo Sound until finally arriving near Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay, where we enjoy a walk to discover a beaver dam in the midst of a marvelous Magellanic forest. On the beach we observe a colony of elephant seals. Later we visit Tucker Islet, where we view colonies of Magellanic Penguins and Cormorants from the Zodiac boats. The islet’s penguins migrate in April; as a replacement we visit Brookes Bay, for a short walk to see a glacier.
Day 3 - Pia Glacier - Glacier Alley
We navigate through the main part of Beagle Channel to reach Pia Bay, where we disembark near Pia Glacier. We take a short hike to a lookout point with a spectacular view of the entire glacier tongue, stretching from high in the mountains all the way to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we sail again along the northwest arm of Beagle Channel through majestic “Glacier Alley”.
Day 4 - Cape Horn Wulaia Bay
We sail through Beagle and Murray channels to reach and disembark in Cape Horn National Park (weather permitting), on Hornos Island. This mythical place is known as the “End of the Earth”; a visit is a singular privilege. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest aboriginal settlements. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to reach a lookout point.
Day 5 - Ushuaia
Arrival to Ushuaia, Argentina’s most important city on Tierra de Fuego, and the southernmost city in the world. We disembark at 8:00 a.m., enabling you to get an early start on visiting the city and national parks, and on continuing your trip through Patagonia.
