PUNTA ARENAS - USHUAIA

(5 days / 4 nights)
M/V Mare Australis - Saturday to Wednesday
M/V Via Australis - Tuesday to Saturday
M/V Stella Australis - Saturday to Wednesday

Day 1: Punta Arenas

The cruise starts in Ushuaia, the southernmost outpost of civilization in Argentinia. Check-in and embarkation at the dock in Ushuaia. The captain and crew welcome you on board of the expedition cruise ship with a welcome cocktail reception. Immediately afterwards the ship will set sail for the utmost part of the world. We will travel to Southern Patagonia and Tierra de Fuego through the legendary Strait of Magellan.

Day 2: Ainsworth Bay - Tucker Islet

At dawn, we continue the navigation through Almirantazgo Sound until we finally arrive near Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay, where we will enjoy a walk to a beaver dam hidden in the midst of a marvelous Magellan forest. Beavers are not native to these parts but were imported for 'cultivation' in order to obtain their meat and fur. However, as is so often the case, with no natural predators they quickly increased in numbers and have caused considerable damage to the native forest. On the beach we may observe a colony of elephant seals before we make our way to Tucker Islet, where we view colonies of Magellan Penguins and Cormorants from the Zodiac boats. The islet's penguins migrate in April; at that time the excursion is replaced with a visit to Brookes Bay for a short walk to see a glacier.

Day 3: Pia Glacier - Glacier Alley

We will navigate through the main part of Beagle Channel to reach Pia Bay, where we disembark near Pia Glacier. We will take a short hike to a lookout point with a spectacular view of the entire glacier tongue, stretching from high up in the mountains all the way down to the sea. After this unforgettable sight we will continue sailing along the northwestern arm of the Beagle Channel through the majestic 'Glacier Alley' passing Spain, Romanche, Germany, Italy, France and Holland Glaciers along the way.

Day 4: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We will sail through the Beagle and Murray channels to reach Cape Horn National Park (weather permitting). Cape Horn, on Hornos Island, is a sheer 425m (1,394 ft) high rocky promontory at the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean. This fabled place is known as the 'end of the world' and a visit is a singular privilege. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we will go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region's largest native settlements. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. Walking through Magellan forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation, we will reach a lookout point.

Day 5: Ushuaia

Arrival at Ushuaia, Argentina's most important city in Tierra del Fuego, and the southernmost city of the world. We disembark after an early breakfast, so you can get an early start and visit the city and national parks, and to continue your trip through Patagonia.

Rates depend on departure season and cabin type. (2010/2011)

M/V Mare Australis - Wednesday to Saturday
M/V Via Australis - Saturday to Tuesday
M/V Stella Australis

For specific rates in different cabin types on particular departures please inquire. Rates range (lowest and highest in season) are per person based on double occupancy. Single rates apply

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.