Updated march 2025
Why A Small Expedition Cruise to Patagonia.
Hola, Happy Travelers! Maria here, from Across South America, the Boutique Travel company that’s been helping travelers worldwide fall in love with the continent since 2007!
If you’re dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime Patagonian adventure where untouched landscapes meet luxury and personalized service, taking and expedition Cruise might just be your perfect escape. Imagine navigating the legendary fjords of Tierra del Fuego, stepping foot on the mythical Cape Horn, and watching penguins waddle along remote island shores—all while indulging in gourmet cuisine and expert-led excursions aboard an intimate, boutique vessel.
Why Choose Australis Expedition Cruise?
Australis has been navigating the remote waterways of southern Patagonia since 1990, offering unique access to one of the most pristine and untouched regions on the planet. Unlike large cruise ships, Australis vessels carry fewer than 200 guests, allowing for a more intimate and immersive experience.
The Small Australis Expedition Cruises have been sailing in Patagonia for the past 30 years, and they are the only cruise company that can take you to the famous Cape Horn. These small, modern expedition cruises are perfect for exploring the “uttermost end of the earth” and reaching places that are unreachable to most people.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your dream Patagonia cruise with confidence.
Navigate to where you want to go:
1. The Highlights of the Australis Cruise
We invite you to explore the wonders of the Patagonian fjords with Australis, a Chilean Expedition Cruises company that, since 1990, has been touring the main attractions of Tierra del Fuego, the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, and Cape Horn. Discover impressive geography marked by imposing Glaciers, native forests, and exotic flora and fauna while sailing through canals of incomparable beauty.
The journey sails through one of the few uninhabited areas of the planet, promoting an EXCLUSIVE, NON-MASSIVE OR INVASIVE tourism, accompanied by expert guides trained to inform and instruct guests on a scientific basis. A unique experience that combines a PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE SERVICE, the best standards in hospitality, and fascinating field EXPEDITIONS, all based on an operation that prioritizes, above all, sustainability and safety.
Where You’ll Go: Cruise Highlights
From Punta Arenas to Ushuaia (or vice versa), you’ll explore legendary routes through:
- The Strait of Magellan: First navigated by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, this passage connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- Tierra del Fuego: A remote archipelago filled with wild beauty, glaciers, and dramatic coastlines.
- Cape Horn: The mythical southernmost tip of South America, where few travelers have the chance to set foot. Weather permitting, you’ll disembark and explore.
- Wulaia Bay: A historic landing site once inhabited by the indigenous Yaghan people, now surrounded by native forests.
- Magdalena Island: Home to over 130,000 Magellanic penguins between October and March.
2. The Australis Cruise Ships
Australis Cruise has two beautiful, modern vessels. The VENTUS AUSTRALIS and the STELLA AUSTRALIS.
The Expedition Cruises Ventus Australis and Stella Australis were specially designed to access the most remote corners of the Strait of Magellan, where larger vessels cannot navigate.
The ship characterizes as being small on the outside and spacious on the inside.
For a maximum of 200 passengers, only one hundred cabins allow the ships to navigate through unique landscapes intimately and exclusively. All the lounges and cabins have exterior windows, ample space, and a delicate decoration.
3. What You’ll Experience Onboard Australis Cruise
Gourmet Dining: Relish Patagonian flavors with all-inclusive meals and fine Chilean wines.
Daily Zodiac Excursions: Led by expert guides, each excursion offers insight into local wildlife, geology, and history.
Onboard Lectures: Learn about glaciology, indigenous history, flora, and fauna.
Personalized Service: Small ship size means highly attentive staff and a relaxed, luxurious ambiance.
Life on board and dress code
The Australis Cruise offers an intimate and casual atmosphere.
The dress code on board is casual, so we suggest dressing comfortably and bringing enough clothes changes since there is no laundry service.
For field expeditions, weather conditions are very unpredictable and constantly change during the day. Therefore, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing the following equipment:
– Sunglasses.
– Waterproof Clothing: Hat, gloves, pants, parka.
– Sweater.
– Sunscreen.
– Trekking shoes or hiking boots, waterproof.
Premium Gastronomy
Various breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and a 24/7 cafeteria service, combine the best local ingredients in an international gastronomic proposal that prioritizes variety, quality, and excellence.
All-inclusive
T guides will pass on their knowledge of glaciology, flora and fauna, geography, history, and the evolution of the landscapes we travel through. Daily, they will share this knowledge with our passengers on board through thematic lectures that complement and deepen what is discovered and experienced during the expeditions.
Onboard lectures
The guides will pass on their knowledge of glaciology, flora and fauna, geography, history, and the evolution of the landscapes we travel through. Daily, they will share this knowledge with our passengers on board through thematic lectures that complement and deepen what is discovered and experienced during the expeditions.
Human team
The passion of our Expedition Guides and the warmth and friendliness of our crew give the voyage a unique atmosphere that stands out as one of the great hallmarks of the Australis Experience. Passengers often say goodbye, heartfeltly thanking the professionalism of all the team on board, who made them feel at home.
Enjoy the Off-line Mode
Deep in Patagonia, connectivity disappears between fjords and glaciers, and the Digital Detox begins. Far from civilization, the most unspoiled landscapes of the planet invite you to take your eyes off your phones, replace screens with windows, and discover the colors and contrasts of nature without a filter.
Safety
Safety on board and during excursions is a priority at every moment of the operation. That is why we are governed by the highest standards in terms of infrastructure and equipment and implementing strict protocols that safeguard the safety of passengers and crew members. To ensure that all these protocols are correctly complied with, the vessels carry out periodic audits and training of the guides and crew and deploy different information systems on board to ensure that all passengers are adequately informed and understand the measures and conduct they must adhere to.
4. The Cruise Routes
The first one called “FJORDS OF TIERRA DEL FUEGO” departing from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina. Set sail from the Chilean city of Punta Arenas, on the shores of the historic Strait of Magellan, on an unforgettable voyage of discovery through the fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego. Discover Cape Horn and the historic Wulaia Bay, among other attractions along the route.
The second route, called “Patagonian Explorer,” departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, arriving in Punta Arenas, Chile. When you embark on this five-day, a four-night expedition from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Punta Arenas (Chile), you will discover the wild beauty of Patagonia on a voyage that will show you the region’s pristine landscapes, varied wildlife, and fascinating human history aboard an expedition ship that brings extraordinary levels of comfort and service to the end of the world.
A Sample 5 days itinerary looks like this:
Day 1: Depart Punta Arenas – Welcome cocktail and dinner onboard
Day 2: Ainsworth Bay & Tucker Islets – Wildlife spotting and glacial views
Day 3: Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley – Zodiac exploration
Day 4: Cape Horn & Wulaia Bay – Optional landing, forest hike, and history
Day 5: Arrive in Ushuaia – Disembarkation and private transfer to your boutique hotel
READ MORE: 10 Days Patagonia — Our 2 most charming itineraries
5. Finally, is this trip for me?
Are you wondering if this trip is for you? If your answers are mostly YES to the questions below, the response is positive!
- If you want to see Glaciers at the “edge of the world.”
- If you want to be among the Magellanic Penguins.
- Reach the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Cape Horn.
- If safety and security are at the top of your mind when it comes to travel.
- If you are concerned about the impact on the places, you visit.
- If you are looking for more sustainable escapes, rather than “throwaway trips,”
- If you want to explore an environment full of fresh air and vast horizons.
- If you want to see the vast, untouched Patagonia.
- If you enjoy lectures, learning, and gaining new knowledge while traveling.
- If high-quality food is an integral part of your trip.
- If you want to explore intimately and exclusively.
This cruise is ideal for:
Retired couples seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences
Adventure-loving travelers who prefer soft exploration
Guests who value quiet, authenticity, and boutique service
“When we stepped off the zodiac onto Cape Horn, it felt like we were the only people in the world. It was surreal—and having Clara’s team handle every detail made it completely stress-free.” — Michael & Lauree, Utah, USA
Ready to Start Planning?
At Across South America, we specialize in designing custom journeys that match your pace, style, and dreams. From your pre-cruise stay in a cozy lodge to private transfers and exclusive extensions in Patagonia, we’ve got every detail covered.
Read our Tailor-Made Itinerary Patagonia & Australis Cruise. This fantastic itinerary will allow you to travel on board the Australis Patagonia Expedition Cruise, Trek the Perito Moreno Glacier, and discover Torres del Paine, Chile,with its multiple treks. Like all our trips, this is 100% custom-made for you.
FAQ to start planning your trip
When is the best time to cruise Patagonia?
October through March is the ideal season, when wildlife is most active and weather conditions are more favorable.
What should I pack?
Layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, sun protection, hiking shoes, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Is the cruise physically demanding?
Most excursions are moderate and optional, with soft adventure alternatives available.
Do any cruise ships go around Cape Horn?
Yes, some larger cruise ships sail around Cape Horn as part of longer South America itineraries, but most do not stop or allow disembarkation due to rough conditions. The Australis Expedition Cruise offers a rare opportunity to actually land at Cape Horn (weather permitting), making it a bucket-list experience for adventure seekers.
Is it safe to cruise around Cape Horn?
Yes, it is generally safe to cruise around Cape Horn with a reputable expedition company like Australis. While the waters around Cape Horn are historically known for being rough, modern navigation technology, experienced captains, and strict safety protocols ensure a secure journey. Landings are only attempted in favorable weather conditions, prioritizing guest safety at all times
🌟 Ready to plan your unforgettable Patagonia expedition? Let us craft your dream journey. [Book a free planning session here] or [Download our free Luxury Travel Guide] to get started!
We are waiting for you, and so is Patagonia!
Thanks for reading, and If you have any questions, get in touch!
Maria.
Ps. Across South America is one of the official Tour Operators & Travel agencies of Australis Cruises..
Content from this blog post was obtained from the Australis Cruise website and promotional material.
