I am writing to give you and your staff a big thank you for the amazing trip that my husband and I were able to experience through ... more Laura Espinoza
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 3 nights on the Stella Australis, and 8 meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners).
Australis Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas
This cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina and continues via the Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas, Chile. You will disembark in Cape Horn, the southernmost point of the continent, and Wulaia Bay, and important indigenous site, and sail along the Darwin Cordillera to view glaciers flowing into the sea. The last part of the tour takes you to Magdalena Island to walk among an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins.
The M/V Stella Australis is a 290 foot expedition ship that was built in 2010. It has five decks, 100 cabins with private facilities, low beds, and panoramic windows. Its social areas include three lounges, an exercise room, a dining room, and an open terrace.
Activities: Sightseeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and zodiac boating.
Note: The excursions/day trips described in the itineraries can normally be, and are frequently, carried out. Without prejudice to the aforesaid, the operators of the ship reserve the right to reschedule shorten or alter all or part of itineraries and/or excursions without previous notice, in order to safeguard the well being and safety of passengers, preserve the environment or due to the extraordinary circumstances, acts of god or force majeure. In view of the same reasons, the hours of departure or arrival of the vessels may be subject to change.
Day 1: Ushuaia/Australis Cruise
Check in at the Cruceros Australis office in Ushuaia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cruise-ship boarding at 5:30 p.m. The Captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board, and afterwards, the ship departs for the journey through one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world. Overnight aboard the ship. (D)
Day 2: Australis Cruise/Cape Horn/Wulaia Bay
We sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark (weather permitting). The mythical Cape Horn was discovered in 1616, and it is a sheer, 425 meter (1,394 foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and it is known as the "End of the Earth". The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005. In the afternoon, we go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region's largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed here on January 23rd, 1833, during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coihues, Canelos, ferns, and other native vegetation to reach a look-out point. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Australis Cruise/Aguila Glacier
We will sail through the Brecknock, Ocasión, Cockburn, and Magdalena Channels to enter the spectacular Agostini Sound, in the heart of the Darwin Cordillera, in Tierra del Fuego. Here you can see the glaciers flowing down the mountainside, often all the way to the sea. In the afternoon we will get into the Zodiac boats and head to the Águila Glacier where we will take an easy walk on the shore of a lagoon surrounded by mountains until we reach the base of the glacier. We will learn about Patagonia's cold rainforest and the forces that molded the landscape. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Australis Cruise/Magdalena Island/Punta Arenas
Early in the morning, we go ashore on Magdalena Island (weather permitting). Located in the Strait of Magellan, it was an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers in the past. The island is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellanic Penguins which can be sighted during our walk to a lighthouse, which guides ships on their way through the strait. In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a Zodiac boat ride at Marta Island to observe sea lions. After our visit, we sail to Punta Arenas, disembarking at 11:30 a.m.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Australis Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas
Single
Double
Triple
B Cabins
n/a
$1,389
$1,389
A Cabins
n/a
$1,988
$1,988
AA Cabins
$3,126
$2,084
$2,084
AAA Cabins
$3,279
$2,181
n/a
AA Superior
$3,941
$2,627
n/a
AAA Superior
$4,124
$2,749
n/a
Single
$2,562
n/a
n/a
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
NOTES:
Low Season prices are shown above. High Season prices are shown in the Detailed Itinerary.
The above prices are valid for cruise departures through April 9, 2014.
The Single rate above is based on B or A Cabins. For other cabin types, there will be a 50% single supplement applied.
A limited amount of triples can be accommodated.
Promotional Departures: Sep 25, 2013; Apr 2 and 9, 2014. Cruise Low Season: Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2013; Dec 11, and 18, 2013; Mar 19 and 26, 2014. Cruise High Season: Nov 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2013; Dec 4 and 25, 2013; Jan 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2014; Feb 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2014; Mar 5 and 12, 2014.
Australis Cruise Ushuaia to Punta Arenas
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Accommodations on board the M/V Stella Australis.
All meals scheduled on board including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Shore excursions.
On-board entertainment.
Licensed, English-speaking naturalist guides.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
Domestic airfare.
Argentinian reciprocity tax ($160).
Chilean reciprocity tax ($140).
Transfer from the airport to the Cruceros Australis office in Ushuaia, Argentina, and then to the pier at the beginning of the cruise, and from the pier in Punta Arenas, Chile to the airport at the end of the cruise.
Hotel nights before/after the cruise.
Port Tax in Punta Arenas, Chile ($30).
Gratuities to ship crew and guides (suggested $15/passenger/day).
Gifts and personal items.
Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare, hotels, land services, and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
