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.
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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. With +20 years of expertise, 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:
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Accommodation in comfortable cabins with ocean views
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Daily shore excursions and zodiac landings
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Open bar when the bartender is on duty
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Onboard lectures and presentations by the expedition team
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Whiskey and hot chocolate served during glacier visits
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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.
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Punta Arenas → Ushuaia: USD 145 per passenger
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Ushuaia → Punta Arenas: USD 145 per passenger
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Punta Arenas → Ushuaia → Punta Arenas: USD 165 per passenger
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Ushuaia → Punta Arenas → Ushuaia: USD 165 per passenger
Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is only permitted on the outside decks of the ship.
According to Chilean law No. 20.105, smoking is strictly prohibited in all enclosed areas inside the vessel.
What kind of lectures are offered during the cruise?
During the voyage, the expedition guides present informative talks that complement the travel experience.
Topics may include:
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Geography and navigation routes
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Flora and fauna of Patagonia
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Beagle Channel
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Strait of Magellan
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Glaciology
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Marine mammals
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Aboriginal cultures of Patagonia
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Terra Incognita and early exploration
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 about tips?
Each passenger is free to decide how much to tip. Tips are shared among the crew.
A recommended guideline is USD 25 per person per day, which helps recognize the excellent service provided by the crew throughout the voyage.
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.
What type of voltage is used on the ship?
Cabins are equipped with 220V power outlets.
Bathrooms include both 220V and 110V outlets for convenience.
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:
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Mastercard
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Visa
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American Express
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Diners Club
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U.S. dollars (cash)
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Chilean pesos (cash)
Do the cabins have safety deposit boxes?
Yes. Each cabin is equipped with a safety deposit box where passengers can store personal belongings.
Can I use my drone during the cruise?
No. According to regulations of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), the use of drones or any RPAS technology is prohibited in the protected areas visited during the expedition.
For safety and environmental reasons, drones are also not allowed on board the ship.
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