group of travelers walk down a wooden path with grass on all sides toward a building in the distance that is sitting on a ridge overlooking the ocean in patagonia
people on a zodiac skiff travel from a patagonia small ship to shore, where a group of penguins is standing
elephant seal relaxing on its stomach atop brown grass in patagonia
adventure travelers sitting on the edge of a small ship taking pictures across the water of patagonia fjords
While on the Fjords of Tierra del Fuego Punta Arenas to Ushuaia you will climb to the top of this hill and survey cabo de hornos
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South America Patagonia Cruise

Fjords of Tierra del Fuego – Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Spend 5 days exploring the most remote corners of Earth on this 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise. Tierra del Fuego, or Land of Fire in Spanish, is an archipelago off the southernmost tip of South America and is divided btween Chile and Argentina. Begin this Patagonia cruise in Punta Arenas, Chile, sail the Straight of Magellan into a labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonia and end in Ushuaia, Argentina.

Gaze at the snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park in Admiralty Sound, as well as the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. At Ainsworth Bay, spot birdlife, elephant seals and beavers before hiking through the pristine sub-polar forest or along the crest of a glacial moraine. At Tuckers Islets, depending on the season, view Magellanic penguins up close from a Zodiac, as well as other bird species that frequent the area like king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. The Pia Glacier is one of the most spectacular glaciers, which extends from the mountaintops to the sea, and Glacier Alley features some of the most impressive tidewater glaciers flowing from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet.

At Cape Horn National Park, which overlooks the Drake Passage and is often called the “End of the Earth,” there is a lighthouse where a lightkeeper and his family live. In Wulaia Bay, the human history is as fascinating as the environment and three different hiking options explore the enchanting Magellan forest that overlooks the bay. Mail a postcard in the wooden mail barrel inside the small museum before returning to the ship to sail to Ushuaia, Argentina, where the journey ends.

The Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise is aboard the 210-guest Stella Australis or Ventus Australis, two modern expedition cruise ships operating with the latest navigation and safety technologies and environmentally conscious systems of separating and depositing waste in port. A professional expedition team leads small groups on nature walks, Zodiac tours and offer onboard lectures that make every moment of this Patagonia small ship cruise a memorable adventure.

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego cruise can be combined with the 5-day Patagonian Explorer cruise to create a round-trip 9-day/8-night itinerary.

Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Patagonia cruises and Patagonia trips.



Itinerary

Fjords of Tierra del Fuego - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Itinerary

The 5-day Fjords of Tierra del Fuego – Punta Arenas to Ushuaia cruise operates from Punta Arenas, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina, visiting inlets and glaciers while traveling as far south as Cape Horn.

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Day 1
Embark Punta Arenas, Chile

Check in at 1398 Costanera del Estrecho Ave in Punta Arenas between 1:00 and 5:00pm on the day of departure. Board the vessel between 6:00 and 7:00pm. After a welcoming toast and introduction of captain and crew, the ship departs for one of the remotest corners of planet Earth. During the night, cross the Strait of Magellan and enter the labyrinth of channels that define the southern extreme of Patagonia. The twinkling lights of Punta Arenas gradually fade into the distance as the ship enters the Whiteside Canal between Darwin Island and Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego.

Accommodations

Stella Australis, Ventus Australis

Meals

dinner

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Day 2
Ainsworth Bay & Tuckers Islets

By dawn, the ship is sailing up Admiralty Sound (Seno Almirantazgo), a spectacular offshoot of the Strait of Magellan that stretches nearly halfway across Tierra del Fuego. The snowcapped peaks of Karukinka Natural Park stretch along the north side of the sound while the south shore is defined by the deep fjords and broad bays of Alberto de Agostini National Park. Venture ashore at Ainsworth Bay, which harbors copious bird life and a colony of southern elephant seals that can sometimes be spotted from the Zodiacs. Two guided excursions are available: one is along the edge of a stream, peat bog and beaver habitat to a waterfall-and-moss-covered rock face tucked deep inside a pristine sub-polar forest; the other is a more strenuous hike along the crest of a glacial moraine. Both afford views of Marinelli Glacier and the Darwin Mountains.

Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, sail west along the sound to the Tuckers Islets. After lunch, board the Zodiacs again for a close-up view of the Magellan penguins that inhabit the tiny islands. More than 4,000 penguins use Tuckers as a place to nest, give birth and nurture their chicks. Many other bird species also frequent the area including king cormorants, oystercatchers, Chilean skuas, kelp geese, dolphin gulls, eagles and even the occasional Andean condor. In September and April, when the penguins live elsewhere, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Accommodations

Stella Australis, Ventus Australis

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 3
Pia Glacier & Glacier Alley

Sail overnight around the western end of Tierra del Fuego via the very narrow Gabrial Channel, Magdalena Channel and Cockburn Channel. After rounding the remote Brecknock Peninsula, cruise eastward and enter the Beagle Channel again. By morning, enter Pia Fjord and board the Zodiacs for a Pia Glacier tour. Take a short hike for a panoramic view of the spectacular glacier that extends from the mountaintops down to the sea or a longer, much more difficult walk up a lateral moraine of the old Pia Glacier.

No one knows for certain how the hulking mass of snow and ice got its feminine moniker, but one theory suggests it was named for Princess Maria Pia of Savoy (1847-1911), daughter of the Italian king. Back on board the ship, continue east along the Beagle Channel through an area called Glacier Alley. Living up to its name, the passage features a number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountains and Darwin Ice Sheet on the north shore. Most of them are named after European countries: Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France.

Accommodations

Stella Australis, Ventus Australis

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 4
Wulaia Bay & Cape Horn

During the early morning, navigate the narrow Murray Channel between Navarino and Hoste islands and drop anchor at historic 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 the HMS Beagle. This area is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic geography. After a visit to the Australis-sponsored museum in the old radio station, which is especially strong on the Yámana people and European missionaries in the area, choose between three hikes of increasing degrees of difficulty that ascend the heavily wooden mountain behind the bay. On all tree, stroll through an enchanted Magellan forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns and other endemic fauna to reach a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay. Before leaving Wulaia Bay, drop something into the wooden mail barrel inside the museum–letters or postcards meant to be hand delivered by future travelers–an ancient mariner tradition revived by Australis.

In the afternoon, cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, venture 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 1,394-foot high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. For many years it was the only navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic and was often referred to as the “End of the Earth.” The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. The Chilean navy maintains a permanent lighthouse on the island, staffed by a lightkeeper and his family, as well as the tiny Stella Maris Chapel and modern Cape Horn Monument.

Accommodations

Stella Australis, Ventus Australis

Meals

breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 5
Disembark Ushuaia, Argentina

The following morning, sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city. Arrival is scheduled for 8:30am or 9:30am, according to the date of departure. Take advantage of the early departure to visit the city and national parks, or continue your trip through Patagonia.

Accommodations

n/a

Meals

breakfast

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Details
Inclusions, Terms & Notes

Included

Accommodation; sea transportation; all meals; beer, wine and liquor, including premium brands; shore excursions and onboard entertainment.

Exclusions

Airfare; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature; insurance of any kind; gratuities; optional tours and transportation; port transfers and visa fees; national park fees; and port taxes ($105 USD per person for the 2023-24 season; $120 USD per person for the 2024-25 season), but may be modified by the port authorities of each country).

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $300 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
119 to 60 days – 100% of deposit
59 to 50 days – 25% of total trip cost
49 to 40 days – 50% of total trip cost
39 to 30 days – 75% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Fjords of Tierra del Fuego Cruise begins in Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ), and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). Plan to arrive in time for check in between 1:00 and 5:00pm on day 1. Boarding is between 6:00pm & 7:00pm on Day 1, with departure shortly thereafter. Disembarkation is on Day 5 in Ushuaia, Argentina, at 8:30 or 9:30am, depending on departure date. Verify all arrival and departure details upon booking your sailing. We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more challenging outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, inflatable boat/skiff excursions, land treks, glacier viewing and wildlife observation.

Room Configuration

Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at 150% of the per-person listed rate in select cabins upon availability. Special single cabin rates may available in cabin categories A or B.

Families & Children

Children are welcomed aboard all departure dates. Infants between 0 and 3 years old receive a 100% discount when sharing the bed with their parents. Kids between 4 and 12 years old receive a 50% discount when sharing a cabin with an adult. An extra bed can be added to double cabins; contact us for rates & availability.

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. Coverage for a pre-existing medical condition is also available if you purchase the Travel Select plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, national park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. Sighting of birds and other species cannot be guaranteed as their exact location is variable by nature. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.

Rates & Dates

Cruise Rates & Dates

In addition to the rates and dates listed below, a longer 9-day Australis Patagonia Expedition Cruise is available by combining this itinerary with the 5-day Patagonian Explorer cruise. Contact AdventureSmith Explorations for pricing and more information.

Apr 04 - Apr 08, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $1638USD
Per Person
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Sep 21 - Sep 25, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $1665USD
Per Person
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Sep 29 - Oct 03, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $1665USD
Per Person
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Oct 07 - Oct 11, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Oct 15 - Oct 19, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Oct 19 - Oct 23, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Oct 23 - Oct 27, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Oct 27 - Oct 31, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Oct 31 - Nov 04, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Nov 04 - Nov 08, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Nov 08 - Nov 12, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Nov 12 - Nov 16, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Nov 16 - Nov 20, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Nov 20 - Nov 24, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Nov 24 - Nov 28, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Nov 28 - Dec 02, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 02 - Dec 06, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 06 - Dec 10, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 10 - Dec 14, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 14 - Dec 18, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 18 - Dec 22, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 22 - Dec 26, 2024
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 26 - Dec 30, 2024
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Dec 30 - Jan 03, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 03 - Jan 07, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 07 - Jan 11, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 11 - Jan 15, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 15 - Jan 19, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 19 - Jan 23, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 23 - Jan 27, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 27 - Jan 31, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Jan 31 - Feb 04, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Feb 04 - Feb 08, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Feb 08 - Feb 12, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Feb 12 - Feb 16, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Feb 16 - Feb 20, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Feb 20 - Feb 24, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Feb 24 - Feb 28, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Feb 28 - Mar 04, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Mar 04 - Mar 08, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Mar 08 - Mar 12, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Mar 12 - Mar 16, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Mar 16 - Mar 20, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $3255USD
Per Person
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Mar 20 - Mar 24, 2025
Stella Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Mar 24 - Mar 28, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $2375USD
Per Person
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Apr 01 - Apr 05, 2025
Ventus Australis • 5 days
From $1665USD
Per Person
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Accommodations

Learn About The Small Ships On Your Itinerary

Expedition Ship
Stella Australis

The deluxe, 210-guest Stella Australis is one of the top vessels sailing around Chile's Cape Horn and Patagonia region. Enjoy her comfortable cabins with large windows, open bar and delicious dining.

Expedition Ship
Ventus Australis

The comfortable 210-guest Ventus Australis small ship cruises Chile's pristine Patagonia region and features three lounges, spacious cabins with view windows, an all-inclusive bar and gourmet dining.

Deal

Current Deals on This Trip

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Offer expires April 30th, 2024
Save $1,000 On Select 2024-2025 Patagonia Cruises

Save $1,000 ($500 per person) when you book your 2024-2025 expedition cruise and discover the wonders of Patagonia.

Testimonial

Hear It from Travelers Who Have Explored with Us

"Ship & Staff Were Great"

Ship and staff were great. Everyone very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. All were top notch. Great knowledge, friendly and extremely helpful.

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Meals
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Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise

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5 Day Cruise
Patagonian Explorer - Ushuaia to Punta Arenas

Spend 5 days cruising Patagonia aboard 210-guest Stella or Ventus Australis from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, and visit remote fjords, penguin colonies on Magdalena Island and the rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound.

Special Offer
From $1638USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr Sep Oct Nov Dec
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Explora Torres del Paine

This 5-, 6- or 7-day lodge-based trip in the center of Torres del Paine National Park offers over 40 unique explorations to choose from, including Base Torres and Grey Glacier. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Paine Massif and Salto Chico waterfall from home base.

From $2850USD
Year Round
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5 - 7 Day Land Tour
Patagonia Wildlife Safari

Discover the magic at the end of the world on a 4- to 7-day Patagonia Wildlife Safari! No matter the length of your stay, you will be blown away by the unlimited beauty of the world heritage site Torres del Paine National Park.

From $1235USD
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Fjords of Tierra del Fuego – Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

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