Join the MV Via Australis for this exciting 4-day expedition cruise in southern Patagonia. Begin and end in Punta Arenas and sail for remote corners of the world in zodiacs. During the voyage cruise beautiful fjords and bays on the south side of Tierra del Fuego, hike along secluded beaches and through marvelous sub-polar forests, glimpse glaciers and ice fields up close, and view native species like elephant seals, leopard seals, condors and penguins.
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Embark in Punta Arenas Day 2 : Brookes Glacier | Ainsworth Bay Day 3 : Almairantazgo Bay | Parry Glacier Day 4 : Magdalena Island | Disembark in Punta Arenas
Highlights
Experience Patagonian flora and fauna as never before
View all four glacier types: tidewater, valley, hanging and renewal
Observe elephant seals, leopard seals, condors and Magellanic penguins
Board the MV Via Australis, your state-of-the-art cruise ship, to begin your Patagonia travel adventures. Embark at 6 PM. The Captain and crew welcome you aboard with a cocktail reception. Weigh anchor and set sail for the "End of the World," sailing through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, through the Strait of Magellan and southern channels. This is the beginning of a great adventure!
At dawn sail to Brookes Fjord. The area is a natural amphitheater shaped by glaciers in constant movement. Take a short walk towards one of the glaciers, enjoying the breathtaking surroundings and the view of the Darwin Mountain Range.
Later, navigate through Almirantazgo Sound, arriving at Ainsworth Bay which is sited within Alberto De Agostini National Park. It’s the perfect spot from which to see the Marinelli Glacier descending from Darwin Mountain Range in the distance; and to appreciate how the land returns to life after glacial retreat. Also take a walk to a beaver dam in the stunning sub-polar Magellan Forest. Whether on the beach or the island, there’s a good chance of sighting southern elephant seals. But do bear in mind the fact that sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the colony’s unpredictable movements.
Early in the morning reach Almirantazgo Bay. Take a walk from the mouth of a river going North, entering the sub-Antarctic forest and finally reaching a glacial waterfall. On your way back, see several beaver dams. Finally, take a ride on the Zodiac boats in order to observe elephant seals, cormorants and other birds.
In the afternoon navigate Parry Fjord. From this area it is possible to appreciate various glaciers that come down to the sea from the upper icefield. Onboard Zodiac boats, motor to the far end of the fjord to see an amphitheater of glaciers in an area where sometimes it is possible to see leopard seals.
Day 4 Magdalena Island | Disembark in Punta Arenas
1 Breakfast
After an overnight cruise across Admiralty Sound and back into the Strait of Magellan, anchor off Magdalena Island, which lies about halfway between Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland (camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island). 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, 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 sail south along the strait, disembark at Punta Arenas around 11:30 AM.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
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B
7 cabins located on the first deck, each with two twin beds, large window, and private facilities.
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A
29 cabins located on the second deck, with one double or two twin beds. All have a large window and private facilities.
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AA
18 cabins on the third deck, with one double or two twin beds. All have a large window and private facilities.
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AAA
10 cabins on deck 4 with two twin beds or one double bed. All have a large window and private facilities.
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Single
Single rates apply for all cabins. Solo travelers are assigned A, AA, or AAA cabins at 150% of published rates.
Notes
Flights to/from Punta Arenas or Ushuaia are not included in the cruise fare. When combining these cruises with land tours they may have been included in your main tour. However, if not, each flight costs around US$205 (flight cost subject to change). Hotel transfers are also extra and we will happily arrange them for you.
NOTE: The excursions described in the itineraries can normally be carried out. Notwithstanding the above, Transportes Marítimos Terra Australis S.A., Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., and Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A reserve the right to reschedule, shorten, or alter all or part of the itineraries and/or excursions without prior notice, in order to safeguard the well-being and safety of passengers, preserve the environment, or due to any extraordinary circumstances, acts of God, or force majeure. For the same reasons, the hours of departure or arrival of the vessels may be subject to change.
There is no guarantee of wildlife sighting because the precise location of these animals cannot be confirmed.
Cruise fare includes:
- Accommodation
- Sea transportation
- All meals
- Open bar when on duty (without additional cost for wines, beverages, and liquors)
- Shore excursions
- Onboard entertainment
Cruise fare does not include:
- Port taxes
- Visa or reciprocity fees
- National Park fees
Initial deposit is $500, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. Alternatively, you can register online here.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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