Join the MV Ventus Australis on an adventurous 9-day journey along the same waterways that inspired Charles Darwin. This itinerary retraces much of the route the renowned British naturalist took through the Fuegian Archipelago aboard HMS Beagle in the 1830s, a voyage that inspired him to write The Origin of Species and formulate the theory of evolution. Departing from Punta Arenas, cross the Strait of Magellan to visit the Tuckers Islet penguin colony and wildlife-rich Ainsworth Bay before cruising down the Beagle Channel to visit Pía Glacier and sail through Glacier Alley. On either side of a half-day port call in Ushuaia, the ship stops at historic Wulaia Bay and fabled Cape Horn before returning to the Strait of Magellan with a shore excursion at Magdalena Island with its rowdy penguin colony.
Highlights
Explore an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas at beautiful Wulaia Bay
Visit Ushuaia and learn about the indigenous Yámana & European cultures
Hike through the spectacular forest at Garibaldi Glacier
Admire the Condor Glacier via Zodiac and hopefully see some Andean condors
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | Punta Arenas | Disembarkation
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,051
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B Cabin
Magallanes Deck, 16.5 m2/177 sq.ft. One double or two twin beds.
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A Cabin
Magallanes Deck, 16.5 m2/177 sq.ft. One double or two twin beds.
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AA Cabin
Tierra del Fuego Deck, 16.5 m2/177 sq.ft. One double or two twin beds.
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AAA Cabin
Cabo de Hornos Deck, 16.5 m2/177 sq.ft. One double or two twin beds.
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AA Superior
Tierra del Fuego Deck, 20.5 m2 / 220 sq. ft. One double or two twin beds.
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AAA Superior
Cabo de Hornos Deck, 20.5 m2 / 220 sq. ft. One double or two twin beds.
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.
Initial deposit is $300, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
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
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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