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Zodiac trip to see penguins.

Darwin's Route from Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas Roundtrip - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard MV Stella Australis
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Sail through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego on a 9-day expedition cruise aboard MV Stella Australis. Navigate the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel, stopping at Ainsworth Bay to see the Marinelli Glacier and hike through sub-Antarctic forests. Explore Pia Glacier and Glacier Alley before reaching Cape Horn, one of the world's southernmost points. Walk through Wulaia Bay, a historic Yagan settlement, and take Zodiac excursions to Porter, Aguila, and Condor Glaciers. Visit Magdalena Island to see a colony of Magellanic penguins before disembarking in Punta Arenas. Travel aboard a modern expedition ship through fjords, glaciers, and remote landscapes.
Various types of birds in South America.Wulaia Bay view.Take a walk to the Cape Horn Albatross Monument.Travelers looking out on the bay.Zodiac trip to see penguins.
Highlights
  • Cruise through the legendary Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel
  • Spot Magellanic penguins and seabirds at Tuckers Islets by Zodiac
  • Hike through Magellanic forests to a viewpoint at Wulaia Bay
  • Navigate by Zodiac to Porter Glacier’s towering ice formations
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 Punta Arenas

Check in at Muelle Arturo Prat (Av. Costanera del Estrecho 1398) in Punta Arenas between 13:00 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, heading south. Navigate through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, passing through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.

Day 2: Ainsworth Bay | Tucker Islet

Reach the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay and observe how life returns after the ice recedes. Hike through the sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. Explore the Tuckers Islets by Zodiac to spot Magellanic penguins and cormorants. In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier in Brookes Bay.

Day 3: 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 it is possible to see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, continue the navigation under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley” to enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the ship. 

Day 4: Cape Horn | Wulaia Bay

Arrive at the Cape Horn National Park, where you will disembark, if weather conditions permit, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends. In the afternoon, disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists. Reach a viewpoint, walking through the Magellanic forest in which lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns grow, among other species.

Day 5: Ushuaia

Arrival to Ushuaia, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. Disembark at 08:30 hours to explore the city and enjoy its restaurants, shops, and museums, among other things. Boarding once again will take place at 18:00 hours. The crew, led by its Captain, will welcome you on board and toast with your fellow travelers. Subsequently, the ship will set sail towards the End of the World to continue exploring Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Day 6: Cape Horn | Wulaia Bay

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

Day 7: 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 will 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. You will 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 8: Aguila Glacier | Condor Glacier

In the morning, you will 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. Meanwhile in the afternoon, navigate in Zodiac boats without disembarking, approaching the Condor Glacier at a privileged distance. You will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian channels.

Day 9: Magdalena Island | Disembark in Punta Arenas

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark at Magdalena Island first thing in the morning if weather conditions are suitable. On the island, you will be able to see a colony of Magellanic penguins. This excursion is replaced by a landing on Marta Island in September and April, where South American sea lions can be sighted from Zodiac boats. Then, you will arrive in Punta Arenas, disembarking at approximately 12:30 hrs.

*Camera extension poles are prohibited on Magdalena Island.

Ship/Hotel

MV Stella Australis

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

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Oct 20, 2025from $4,439
  • Oct 28, 2025from $4,439
  • Nov 5, 2025from $6,043
  • Nov 13, 2025from $6,043
  • Nov 21, 2025from $6,043
  • Nov 29, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 7, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 15, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 23, 2025from $6,043
  • Dec 31, 2025from $6,043
  • Jan 8, 2026from $6,043
  • Jan 16, 2026from $6,043
  • Jan 24, 2026from $6,043
  • Feb 1, 2026from $6,043
  • Feb 9, 2026from $6,043
  • Feb 17, 2026from $6,043
  • Feb 25, 2026from $6,043
  • Mar 5, 2026from $6,043
  • Mar 13, 2026from $6,043
  • Mar 21, 2026from $4,439
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Per person starting at
$4,439
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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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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