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Darwin’s Route from Punta Arenas – Patagonia Small Ship Cruise

Darwin’s Route from Punta Arenas – Patagonia Small Ship Cruise

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Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the remote and captivating landscapes of Patagonia on the seven-night Punta Arenas-Ushuaia-Punta Arenas cruise. Departing from Punta Arenas, the voyage commences with a scenic sail through the Strait of Magellan, offering views of snowcapped peaks and pristine fjords. Highlights include excursions to Ainsworth Bay to witness abundant wildlife and stunning glaciers, and visits to Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay, steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Passengers will have the opportunity to explore Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, before returning to Punta Arenas via Magdalena Island, home to a thriving colony of Magellanic penguins. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking wonders of Patagonia, where each day promises new adventures amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of the End of the Earth.

Trip Name
Darwin's Route from Punta Arenas - Patagonia Small Ship Cruise
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Passenger Capacity: 200 Our EXPEDITION CRUISES Ventus Australis and Stella Australis were specially designed to access the most remote corners of the Strait of Magellan, where larger vessels cannot navigate. SMALL ON THE OUTSIDE, SPACIOUS ON THE INSIDE. Only ONE HUNDRED cabins, for a maximum of 200 passengers, allow us to navigate through unique landscapes in an INTIMATE and EXCLUSIVE way. All our lounges and cabins have exterior windows, ample space and a delicate decoration. PREMIUM GASTRONOMY Various breakfast, lunch and dinner options, along with a 24/7 cafeteria service, combining the best local ingredients in an international gastronomic proposal that prioritizes variety, quality and excellence. SPACES THAT ARE WELCOMING The spectacular landscapes of Patagonia that can be appreciated through panoramic windows are complemented in harmony with careful decoration and ample and cozy spaces. Everything comes together in an intimate and casual atmosphere, so that our guests can share their experiences, read a book from our library, have their favorite appetizer or simply enjoy the view. ALL-INCLUSIVE Once onboard, you will only need your wallet if you want to get yourself a souvenir from the onboard store. At Australis when we say all-inclusive, we mean ALL-INCLUSIVE. Enjoy our unlimited wine, liquor and beverage menu during lunch and dinner or at our bar, open from 10 am to midnight. HUMAN TEAM The passion of our Expedition Guides and the warmth and friendliness of our crew, give the voyage a unique atmosphere that stands out as one of the great hallmarks of the Australis Experience. Our passengers often say goodbye, heartfeltly thanking the professionalism of all our team on board, who made them feel at home. ONBOARD LECTURES Our guides will pass on their knowledge of glaciology, flora and fauna, geography, history, and the evolution of the landscapes we travel through. Daily, they will share this knowledge with our passengers on board through thematic lectures that complement and deepen what is discovered and experienced during the expeditions. ENJOY THE OFF-LINE MODE Deep in Patagonia, between fjords and glaciers, connectivity disappears and the Digital Detox begins. Far from civilization, the most unspoiled landscapes of the planet invite you to take your eyes off your phones, replace screens with windows, and discover the colors and contrasts of nature without a filter. SAFETY The safety on board and during excursions is a priority at every moment of our operation. That is why we are governed by the highest standards in terms of infrastructure and equipment, as well as implementing strict protocols that safeguard the safety of passengers and crew members. To ensure that all these protocols are properly complied with, we carry out periodic audits and training of our guides and crew, as well as deploy different information systems on board to ensure that all our passengers are properly informed and understand the measures and conduct they must adhere to. SUSTAINABILITY We know that the charm of our route depends on its preservation. Knowing landscapes that have remained intact for centuries is a luxury, and our commitment is to make every effort to keep them that way. Guided by international standards and motivated by a deep conviction of respect for the environment,. we implement and promote a series of measures and behaviors on board to care for the environment in which we sail.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Punta Arenas
 Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave. (Arturo Prat Port) in Punta Arenas between 13:00 and 17:00 (1-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure. Board at 6 PM. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night we cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonian. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as we enter the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.
Day 2 - Day 2: Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets
 By dawn the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound, while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. We go ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals which can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains.Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, we sail west along the sound to the Tucker Islets. After lunch, we board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tucker as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April -- when the penguins live elsewhere -- this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.
Day 3 - Day 3: Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley
 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, Stella 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.Back onboard the ship, we continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore.Most of them named after European countries -- Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.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.
Day 4 - Day 4: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
During the early morning 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.In the afternoon 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.
Day 5 - Day 5: Ushuaia
 The following morning we sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city. Disembarkation is scheduled at 8 AM. You have almost a full day to explore Ushuaia which was founded in 1884 and was one of the original points of contact between the indigenous Yámana and European cultures. The city's name derives from the Yámana word for ‘penetrating bay.’ With around 65,000 inhabitants, Ushuaia is the second largest city in Tierra del Fuego (after Rio Grande) and is surrounded by the Southernmost Andes peaks. Among its highlights is the Prison at the End of the World, a former penitentiary that is now a maritime museum that features an Antarctic collection and memorial to those once incarcerated there. The city is also good for shopping (especially locally made chocolate) or hanging out in its many cafes.Passengers are required to reboard Ventus Australis at 17:30 (5:30 PM). After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew to new passengers joining the cruise, the ship departs for more adventures in Tierra del Fuego. During the night we traverse the Beagle Channel, cross back into Chilean territorial waters, and turn into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands.
Day 6 - Day 6: 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.
Day 7 - Day 7: Pía Glacier – Porter Glacier
 In the morning we will navigate the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in Pia Fjord. We will take a short hike to a lookout from where we can see Pia Glacier extending from the top of the mountain range all the way down to the sea. In the afternoon and aboard our Zodiac boats, we will sail between high rocky walls until we reach Porter Glacier. We will stop to observe its colors, listen to its sounds and if we are lucky, even witness some calving. We will stay here for a moment to discuss this incredible ice mass and take some photographs before returning on board.
Day 8 - Day 8: 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.
Day 9 - Day 9: 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.
Day 10 - Please note:
The excursions described in the itineraries can usually be carried out without any problems. Nevertheless, the shipowner holds the right to alter, change or skip certain portions of the itinerary without prior notice, whether motivated by the passengers’ well-being and safety, by the appropriate protection of the environment, or in case of any extraordinary event, unforeseeable circumstance or force majeure. For this reason, departures or arrival may be subject to change. Furthermore, sighting of birds and other species cannot be guaranteed as their exact location is variable by nature. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
03-01-202511-01-2025Array Array5,859Cabin B
03-01-202511-01-2025Array Array8,019Cabin A
03-01-202511-01-2025Array Array8,559Cabin AA
03-01-202511-01-2025Array Array9,279Cabin AAA
03-01-202511-01-2025Array Array11,079Cabin AA Superior
03-01-202511-01-2025Array Array11,979Cabin AAA Superior
03-01-202511-01-2025Array Array0Please Note

Inclusions

    • Explore Ainsworth Bay's diverse wildlife, from southern elephant seals to Magellan penguins.
    • Stand in awe at Cape Horn, a legendary rocky promontory marking the "End of the Earth."
    • Encounter thousands of Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island, a charming stop on the cruise's itinerary.

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