Australis Expedition Cruise: Ushuaia to Punta Arenas – 1 Night Free
5-day expedition cruise through the fjords, glaciers, and legendary waters of Patagonia, sailing from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDic
Best Season | Shoulder Season | Low Season | Not Available
Navigate Patagonia’s remote fjords and glaciers on a five-day expedition from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas.
Experience the dramatic landscapes of southern Patagonia on a five-day expedition cruise linking Ushuaia in Argentina with Punta Arenas in Chile. The voyage travels through the Beagle Channel and the intricate waterways of Tierra del Fuego, reaching some of the most remote and breathtaking regions at the southern tip of South America.
During the journey, travelers encounter an extraordinary mix of glaciers, fjords, and historic landmarks including Cape Horn. Daily excursions provide opportunities to explore these environments more closely, walking through subantarctic forests and observing impressive glacial formations.
The cruise also reveals the cultural and natural heritage of Patagonia. Locations such as Wulaia Bay, once inhabited by the Yagan people, highlight the human history of the region while offering spectacular coastal scenery and native forests.
Throughout the voyage, passengers navigate pristine channels surrounded by mountains, glaciers, and isolated islands, following one of the most remarkable maritime routes in the world.
ITINERARY
Australis Expedition Cruise: Ushuaia to Punta Arenas – 1 Night Free
Day 1 – Ushuaia
Embarkation and departure through the Beagle Channel.
Passengers board the expedition vessel in Ushuaia. After embarkation, a welcome toast introduces the captain and crew before the ship begins its journey toward Patagonia’s remote waterways.
During the evening, the vessel sails along the Beagle Channel, beginning the expedition toward the southern reaches of Tierra del Fuego.
Day 2 – Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay
Exploration of Cape Horn and historic Wulaia Bay.
The ship continues through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay toward Cape Horn National Park. Weather conditions permitting, passengers may disembark to explore this iconic site located at the southern tip of South America.
Later, the expedition proceeds to Wulaia Bay. Visitors go ashore to walk through Magellanic forests and reach viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscapes.
Day 3 – Pia Glacier and Porter Glacier
Glacier exploration in the Beagle Channel area.
The cruise navigates along the northwestern arm of the Beagle Channel toward Pia Fjord. From there, passengers take a short walk to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the impressive Pia Glacier descending from the mountains to the sea.
In the afternoon, a Zodiac excursion approaches the massive Porter Glacier, traveling between rocky cliffs and allowing travelers to observe the glacier up close.
Day 4 – Aguila Glacier and Condor Glacier
Exploration of Agostini Sound and nearby glaciers.
The ship sails through the Cockburn Channel and enters Agostini Sound, where glaciers from the Darwin Mountain Range descend toward the sea.
Passengers disembark for a walk near a lagoon created by the melting of Aguila Glacier, reaching viewpoints that provide striking views of the glacier and the surrounding landscape.
Day 5 – Magdalena Island and Punta Arenas
Final excursion and arrival in Punta Arenas.
The expedition continues to Magdalena Island, located in the Strait of Magellan. The island is home to a large colony of Magellanic penguins and offers a final opportunity to observe the region’s wildlife and scenery.
After this excursion, the cruise concludes with arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile.
About Us
VisitUshuaia.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. Working since year 2000, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.
GALLERY
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Accommodation on board the expedition cruise
- Daily guided shore excursions
- Zodiac boat landings and explorations
- All meals during the cruise
- Onboard lectures and presentations by expedition guides
- Open bar during cruise navigation (according to cruise policy)
- Flights to Punta Arenas or from Ushuaia
- Personal expenses and optional servicesPort taxes and national park fees (if applicable)
- Port taxes and national park fees (if applicable)
- Gratuities
FAQs
What does the cruise price include?
The cruise fare includes:
-
Accommodation in comfortable cabins with ocean views
-
Daily shore excursions and zodiac landings
-
Open bar when the bartender is on duty
-
Onboard lectures and presentations by the expedition team
-
Whiskey and hot chocolate served during glacier visits
-
All onboard activities and entertainment
Can I set foot on Cape Horn during the cruise?
Yes, when weather conditions allow it, passengers may disembark at Cape Horn National Park.
Please note that this landing depends entirely on weather and sea conditions. Historically, the success rate of landings is approximately 75%.
Are there any additional costs?
Port Taxes – 2026–2027 Season
Port taxes are not included in the cruise fare and must be paid together with the ticket.
-
Punta Arenas → Ushuaia: USD 145 per passenger
-
Ushuaia → Punta Arenas: USD 145 per passenger
-
Punta Arenas → Ushuaia → Punta Arenas: USD 165 per passenger
-
Ushuaia → Punta Arenas → Ushuaia: USD 165 per passenger
Can I see penguins during the cruise?
Yes, penguins are migratory birds commonly found in the region between October and March.
Depending on the exact date of your cruise, you may have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.
What is the weather like during the cruise?
During the cruise season, temperatures typically range between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Weather conditions in this region can change quickly, so it is common to experience several climate variations within the same day.
Is there any insurance included?
The company provides civil liability insurance covering damage or loss of passenger property caused by the ship.
This coverage is governed by the cruise contract and applicable Chilean maritime law.
For additional protection such as health insurance, trip cancellation coverage or emergency evacuation, passengers are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance.
How are onboard expenses paid?
Optional services such as bar purchases, souvenirs or other personal expenses can be paid on board.
The ship accepts the following payment methods:
-
Mastercard
-
Visa
-
American Express
-
Diners Club
-
U.S. dollars (cash)
-
Chilean pesos (cash)
How early should I arrive in Ushuaia before embarkation?
Arriving at least one day before the required check-in reduces the risk from flight or baggage delays. The appropriate buffer depends on ticket arrangements and cruise-line deadlines.
What documents are needed to disembark in Punta Arenas?
Travelers need documents that satisfy Chilean entry requirements for their nationality and date of travel. Verify official rules independently and carry the same passport details used for the passenger manifest.
How are cabin locations and bedding confirmed?
Select the available cabin category and state bedding requirements at booking. Deck or location preferences remain requests unless the confirmation assigns a specific cabin or category.
Can travelers with limited mobility participate in shore landings?
Participation depends on sea conditions, Zodiac boarding and terrain at each site. Provide detailed mobility information to the cruise line before payment; the expedition team decides on safe participation at each landing.
What should I pack in hand luggage for embarkation?
Keep passports, medication, valuables, a weatherproof layer and essential cruise documents with you. Checked luggage may not be immediately accessible after it is accepted at the terminal.
How are dietary and allergy requests handled?
Submit complete requirements before departure and obtain acknowledgment from the cruise line. Travelers with serious allergies should discuss cross-contact limitations and carry prescribed medication.
Request Tour
What Happens After I Send the Request?
Prepare to receive a tailored quote and valuable email suggestions from our travel agent shortly. We emphasize grasping your distinct travel preferences and crafting a personalized itinerary for your upcoming journey.
Irrespective of your chosen destination, our commitment lies in guaranteeing an exceptionally memorable experience for you.
How Do I Book?
Once our travel agent designs your ideal tour, making the payment is convenient through PayPal. If you choose, you can use PayPal without needing to create an account. Additionally, we offer the option of bank transfers as an alternative payment method.
