The M/V Stella Australis invites you to enjoy a unique experience with expeditions next to the fascinating landscape that Patagonia and Cape Horn offers. Immerse yourself in the magical scenery filled with turquoise glacial lakes, green hillsides and ice-capped mountains. This is an adventurer's paradise which really does have to be seen to be believed.
Explore glaciers which stretch from the mountaintops to the sea
Visit Charles Darwin landing site
Walk through the enchanted Magellan Forest and discover endemic flora
See Magellan Penguins whilst on the way to Magdalena Island lighthouse
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Ushuaia
Day 2: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
Day 3: Pia Glacier - Garibaldi Glacier
Day 4: Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier
Day 5: Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas
*M/V Stella Australis vessel offers longer round trip cruises. For more information on detailed itineraries, feel free to contact us.
Day 1: Ushuaia
Check in between 10:00 and 16:00 at 409 San Martín Street. Board the M/V Stella Australis cruise ship at 17:30. After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the M/V Stella Australis will depart for one of the remotest parts of the planet. Our voyage 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, which includes the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
Day 2: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
We sail through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where, weather permitting, we shall go ashore. The legendary Cape Horn was discovered in 1616 and is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and the Atlantic, and is referred to as the ‘End of the Earth'. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. In the afternoon, we will go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region's largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed there in 1833 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will take an enchanted walk through the Magellan Forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic vegetation, to reach a panoramic viewpoint.
Day 3: Pia Glacier - Garibaldi Glacier
We navigate along the Northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to reach Pia Fjord, where we disembark. We will then take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular Pia Glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. In the afternoon, we will enter Garibaldi Fjord where we will disembark for a hike through the forest up to a glacial waterfall to enjoy the spectacular views. For those who choose to stay onboard, our Captain will point the bow towards the beautiful blue Garibaldi Glacier so that they can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.
Day 4: Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier
In the morning, we will be sailing through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Travelling in well-equipped Zodiac boats, we will explore Alakaluf Fjord and enjoy the view of Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the sea. You will find yourself being drawn to the intense blue colour of Piloto Glacier, which is due to its compression and age. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the unexpected topography of the Fuegian-Patagonian channels. In the afternoon, we will enter the spectacular De Agostini Sound, right in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range – the perfect viewing point to appreciate glaciers that make their way down to the sea from the upper ice field. Later that afternoon, we will travel aboard Zodiacs to the Águila Glacier where we will embark upon an easy walk to its base. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of Patagonia's cold rainforest and to see how the power of nature has molded the spectacular landscape.
Day 5: Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas
Early in the morning, weather permitting, we will go ashore on Magdalena Island, located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. The island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellan Penguins that we will be able to see during our walk to the lighthouse. In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American Sea Lions. Finally, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for 11:30.
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Magallanes Deck, twin beds, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
B Cabin
A Cabin
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Magallanes Deck, twin beds or a double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
(twin bedding image not available)
A Cabin
AA Cabin
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Tierra Del Fuego Deck, twin beds or a double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
(twin bedding image not available)
AA Cabin
AAA Cabin
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Cabo de Hornos Deck, twin beds or a double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
(double bedding image not available)
AAA Cabin
AA Superior Cabin
220sqft/20.5sqm, located on the Tierra Del Fuego Deck, double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, sitting area, bedside tables, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
AA Superior Cabin
AAA Superior Cabin
220sqft/20.5sqm, located on the Cabo de Hornos Deck, double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, sitting area, bedside tables, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
AAA Superior Cabin
M/V Stella Australis Deckplan
Specifications
Year of construction: 2005
Passenger capacity: 136
Crew: 45
Total cabins: 64
Length: 72.3m
Draft: 3.30m
Beam: 13.4m
Propulsion: 2 Cummins diesel main engines at 850 hp each
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Electricity: 110-220 volts
Safety: complete navigation systems, emergency generator, fire stations, smoke detectors in every cabin, corridor and lounge and a sprinkler fire suppression system
Whats included?
On-board accommodation
All meals throughout the voyage
Tours led by English-speaking Guide
Activities as specified
On board entertainment
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (only when bar is on duty)
What’s not included?
Air transportation
Passport, visa, immigration fees
Airport arrival/departure taxes
Airport transfers
Additional hotel nights
Port taxes*
National park fees*
Travel Protection Plan
Laundry service
Gratuities
Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Port Taxes & National Park Fees
Port taxes and national park fees are not included in the price of the voyage and will be an additional cost of US$75 per person for the 2021-2022 season.
**Required clothing
Please note that trekking or hiking shoes are required for all passengers.
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