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Go sightseeing for whales.

Darwin's Route from Ushuaia

Ushuaia Roundtrip - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard MV Stella Australis
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Embark on a 9-day expedition cruise through Patagonia aboard the MV Stella Australis. Departing from Ushuaia, sail through the iconic Beagle Channel into Chilean waters. Stand atop Cape Horn, the continent’s southernmost point, overlooking the dramatic Drake Passage. Discover Wulaia Bay, once chronicled by Charles Darwin, and trek through lush Magellanic forests.
Journey through Glacier Alley, where towering ice formations like Pia, Garibaldi, Condor, and Aguila Glaciers cascade from the Darwin Mountains. Observe the rich wildlife of Ainsworth Bay, home to elephant seals and diverse bird species. Walk among thousands of Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island. Each day offers new adventures—hiking, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking fjord landscapes. Conclude your voyage in Ushuaia, deeply moved by Patagonia’s wild and untamed beauty.
The Cape Horn MemorialPenguins on Magdalena Island.Zodiac tours.Enjoying a nice hike.Go sightseeing for whales.
Highlights
  • Discover Cape Horn, the legendary End of the World
  • Witness massive ice formations at Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers
  • Hike through Ainsworth Bay’s untouched forests and glacial landscapes
  • Visit Magdalena Island’s thriving colony of Magellanic penguins
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Ushuaia

Check in at the Tolkeyen Patagonia Turismo office between 10:00 and 17:00 hrs. Boarding begins at 18:00 hrs. After embarking, head to the fifth deck for a welcome toast and an introduction to the Captain and crew. The ship departs immediately, sailing south through the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan, navigating the waterways of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Day 2: Cape Horn | Wulaia Bay

Navigate the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park. If conditions allow, go ashore to explore one of the world’s southernmost landmarks. In the afternoon, land at Wulaia Bay, once home to a large Yagan settlement. Hike through the Magellanic forest, passing lengas, coigües, canelos, and ferns, before reaching a scenic viewpoint.

Day 3: Pia Glacier | Porter Glacier

In the morning, sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. Arrive at the viewpoint from where you can see the
homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. During the afternoon, embark on a Zodiac boat navigation excursion, without disembarking. Advance between high rocky walls to reach, at the end of them, the imposing Porter Glacier and be able to contemplate it face to
face.

Day 4: Aguila Glacier | Condor Glacier

In the morning, navigate the Cockburn Channel to enter the Agostini Sound, where you can appreciate the glaciers that descend from the center of the Darwin Mountain Range, some of them reaching the sea.

After breakfast, disembark via Zodiac boats for a walk around a lagoon formed by the melting of the Aguila Glacier. In the afternoon, navigate in Zodiac without disembarking, to approach the Condor Glacier at a privileged distance. Learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian channels.

Day 5: Magdalena Island | Punta Arenas

At first light, if weather permits, disembark on Magdalena Island, a mandatory stop for the provisioning of ancient navigators and explorers. During your walk to the lighthouse, you will be able to appreciate a colony of Magellanic penguins. In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a landing on Marta Island, where South American sea lions can be spotted from Zodiac boats. Finally, you will arrive in Punta Arenas, disembarking at 12:30 hrs. to explore the city and enjoy its restaurants, shops, and museums, among other things.

Boarding at 18:00 hours once again followed by a welcome toast and presentation of the Captain and crew. Subsequently, the ship will set sail towards the
southernmost point of the region. Through the legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, continue exploring Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

*Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island.

 

Day 6: Ainsworth Bay | Tucker Islet

You will reach in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay to learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted and hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest.

Visit the Tuckers Islets, where you can see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs. Due to the migratory cycle of the penguins, in September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Day 7: Pia Glacier | Glacier Alley

Sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. Arrive at the viewpoint from where you can see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience,  continue your navigation under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley” to enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the ship.

Day 8: Cape Horn | Wulaia Bay

Early in the morning sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay, arriving at Cape Horn National Park, where, if weather conditions permit, you may disembark via Zodiac boats. In the afternoon, you will disembark at Wulaia Bay, where various types of excursions take place, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience.

Day 9: Disembark in Ushuaia

  • 1 Breakfast
Finally, the ship will sail back into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city, disembarking at 08.30.

Ship/Hotel

MV Stella Australis

Stella Australis ship
Stella Australis ship
Stella Australis' Patagonia Dining Room.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Mar 16, 2025from $5,859
  • Mar 24, 2025from $4,275
  • Oct 24, 2025from $4,439
  • Nov 1, 2025from $6,043
  • Nov 9, 2025from $6,043
  • Nov 17, 2025from $6,043
  • Nov 25, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 3, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 11, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 19, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 27, 2025from $6,043
  • Jan 4, 2026from $6,043
  • Jan 12, 2026from $6,043
  • Jan 20, 2026from $6,043
  • Jan 28, 2026from $6,043
  • Feb 5, 2026from $6,043
  • Feb 13, 2026from $6,043
  • Feb 21, 2026from $6,043
  • Mar 1, 2026from $6,043
  • Mar 9, 2026from $6,043
  • Mar 17, 2026from $4,439
  • Mar 25, 2026from $4,439
 Mar 2025>
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Per person starting at
$4,275
Stella Australis' Category A Twin
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Category B
Magallanes Deck, 16.5 m2. Private facilities, picture window, climate control, satellite phone.
Stella Australis' Category A Matrimonial
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Category A
Magallanes Deck, 16.5 m2. Private facilities, picture window, climate control, satellite phone.
Stella Australis' Category AA Twin
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Category AA
Terra Del Fuego Deck, 16.5 m2. Private facilities, picture window, climate control, satellite phone.
Stella Australis' Category AAA Twin
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Category AAA
Cabo de Hornos Deck, 16.5 m2. Private facilities, picture window, climate control, satellite phone.
Stella Australis' Category AA Superior
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Category AA Superior
Terra Del Fuego Deck, 20.5 m2. Private facilities, picture window, climate control, satellite phone.
Stella Australis' Category AAA Superior
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Category AAA Superior
Cabo de Hornos Deck, 20.5 m2. Private facilities, picture window, climate control, satellite phone.

Notes

- Port Charge and Park Fees are not included in cruise fare.
- Single occupancy of twin cabins is available at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate. Superior cabins are not available for single occupancy.
- Triple Option: Three guests may be accommodated in the following cabin types ONLY: A, AA, AAA, AAS or AAAS cabins with a rollaway bed. 
Please note that this rollaway bed is recommended for children under the age of 15, but adults may use this option according to their own discretion. An acceptance letter must be signed for all guests using the rollaway bed option. 
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Open bar when the bartender is on duty on Australis cruise
  • Shore excursions during the Australis cruise
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • All National Park and Conservation Area Entrance Fees
  • Visa Fees
  • Port Fees
  • Port transfers

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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