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.
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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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!
Day 2: Brookes Glacier | Ainsworth Bay
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.
Day 3: Almairantazgo Bay | Parry Glacier
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $500, 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
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!
Mary Curry found right trip for my budget and the best date that I liked. She made
that reservation when other company's agent could not do it.
Thank you so much!
Theresa AN
3 months ago
Clara has been a great help and is very knowledgeable. Getting excited already about our trip
David Corey
5 months ago
Eric was friendly, professional, and clarified my questions.
Kate Flannery
5 months ago
We had an initial virtual meeting with our trip planner, Sandra Fernandez, who was great. She was efficient, friendly, yet very professional. She not only answered all our questions, but also addressed our concerns honestly. After our 30-minute conversation with Sandra, we decided to book our cruise with her.
Rina Mitra
7 months ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.