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4-day cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas through Cape Horn and the South Seas onboard the Stella Australis ship.
4 day/3 nights | Argentina/Chile
At a glance
The expedition cruise ship M/V Stella Australis takes you on an amazing 4-day journey to the “uttermost end of the earth.” Sail between Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile) and discover the splendor and beauty of Patagonia’s unique wildlife and landscapes. During a journey down to Cape Horn at the bottom end of the western hemisphere, through the scenic Beagle Channel that runs along the southern extreme of Tierra del Fuego, and across the fabled Strait of Magellan to the Chilean mainland.
Highlights
Designed exclusively for Patagonia cruising and to withstand conditions in Cape Horn area, the Stella Australis cruise ship was constructed in 2010. It is owned and operated by Crucero Australis and operates between the southern cities of Argentina and Chile. The vessel features three lounges, five decks and can accommodate 210 passengers in 100 spacious cabins, each which feature picture windows and private facilities. Also includes a spacious open deck area allowing the observation of the marvelous southern scenery at all times it.
Embark in Ushuaia
Check in at 160 Juan Manuel de Rosas Street in downtown Ushuaia between 10:00 and 17:00 (10 AM-5 PM) on the day of your cruise departure.
After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the captain and his crew, the ship departs for one of the most remote corners of planet Earth. During the night traverse the Beagle Channel and cross from Argentina into Chilean territorial waters. The lights of Ushuaia disappear as the ship turns into the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste Islands.
Cape Horn | Wulaia Bay
Around the break of dawn, Stella Australis crosses Nassau Bay and enters the remote archipelago that comprises Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, go ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition, and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland, Cape Horn is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage.
Sailing back across Nassau Bay, anchor at fabled Wulaia Bay, one of the few places in the archipelago where the human history is just as compelling as the natural environment. Originally the site of one of the region’s largest Yámana aboriginal settlements, the bay was described by Charles Darwin and sketched by Captain FitzRoy in the 1830s during their voyages on HMS Beagle.
De Agostini Sound | Águila Glacier
After nightfall reenter the Beagle Channel and sail westward along the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego into a watery wonderland protected within the confines of Alberto de Agostini National Park. Rounding the Brecknock Peninsula as the western extreme of Tierra del Fuego, Stella Australis is briefly exposed to the open Pacific. Navigate a zigzag route through the Cockburn Channel, Magdalena Channel and Keats Fjord to reach scenic De Agostini Sound.
Your shore excursion this morning is Águila Glacier, which hovers above a placid glacial lagoon surrounded by primeval forest. After a Zodiac landing on the beach, passengers hike around the edge of the lagoon to a spot near the base of the frozen facade. Condors can sometimes be seen winging high above, but there is always abundant bird life around the lagoon.
Magdalena Island | Disembark in Punta Arenas
Early in the morning, we go ashore on Magdalena Island, the home of an immense colony of more than 120,000 Magellanic Penguins that we can watch during our walk to a lighthouse, which guides ships on their way through the Strait of Magellan. The island’s penguins migrate in April; as a replacement we visit Marta Island, to observe a sea lion colony.
After our visit, we sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking at 11:30 a.m.
PRICES PER PERSON: USD .-
SINGLE SUPLEMENT: USD .-
Prices are per person based on twin share with private facilities on a minimum of 2 passengers. Single traveler prices are available upon request. Seasonal surcharge may apply over peak travel periods, holiday seasons and special events. Itinerary is subject to change without notice. Contact Covitour for more details.