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Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

Voyage south from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia on a small-ship expedition cruise and experience the incredible wildlife, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego. Sail the famous Strait of Magellan and Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel. On five excursions you'll see immense glaciers up close, visit historic Wulaia Bay and set foot on the fabled Cape Horn.

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Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

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Trip type

Cruise

Trip length

5 Days

From

$3,165

Location

Tierra del Fuego

Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise - 5 Days - $3,165

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

  • Day 1: Depart from Punta Arenas
  • Day 2: Ainsworth Bay to Tucker Islets
  • Day 3: Pia Glacier to Glacier Alley (Beagle Channel)
  • Day 4: Cape Horn to Wulaia Bay
  • Day 5: Arrive in Ushuaia

Start from Punta Arenas and end at Ushuaia

Landmarks visited on Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Punta Arenas

The starting point of the expedition cruise is the port city of Punta Arenas in southernmost Chile. You'll board the ship this afternoon and have some time to get to know your beautiful small expedition vessel.

With a capacity of 210 passengers, your home for the next five days will feel intimate, comfortable and practical. Every staff member on board will be dedicated to making your trip one of a lifetime.

Departure is usually at 6pm and on the first evening on board you'll enjoy a first-class dinner and an introductory talk from the expedition leader to get to know the captain, his crew and the expedition team.

After dinner you might like to enjoy the open-bar featuring stunning panoramic windows for you to appreciate the immense landscapes of the Strait of Magellan. All drinks (alcoholic or not), are included on this voyage.

You are unlikely to come across any other cruise ships on your voyage given that very few operators have permission to sail in these magnificent waters, let alone have the shallow-drafted ship design to enter the fjords and canals through which you'll be sailing.

Meals: Dinner


Day 2: Ainsworth Bay to Tucker Islets*

At dawn the ship will navigate its way through Almirantazgo Sound to arrive at Ainsworth Bay in Alberto De Agostini National Park. This is the perfect spot from which to see the Marinelli Glacier descending from the Darwin Mountain Range in the distance and to appreciate how the land returns to life after glacial retreat.

Hikes taken on the excursions are usually divided by language spoken and physical strenuousness and this will be communciated by your expedition staff ahead of time.

At Ainsworth Bay you’ll be guided through sub-polar Magellanic Forest, possibly crossing rivers and creeks, learning about this unique ecosystem at the end of the world. Alternatively you may be guided along the beach area where there’s a good chance of sighting southern elephant seals, though bear in mind that sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the colony's unpredictable movements. After two or three hours on shore, you’ll return to your ship for lunch.

In the afternoon your expedition team plan to take you on a zodiac boat excursion to the Tucker Islets* for close-up sightings of the endemic Magellanic penguins that nest here from October to March. Other birds you’ll see are cormorants and possibly skuas, petrels and even the odd albatross if you're lucky. 

* In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a nearby glacier at Brookes Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 3: Pia Glacier to Glacier Alley (Beagle Channel)

The day will begin by navigating the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel before disembarking at the truly stunning Pia Fjord, for many travellers a real highlight to the expedition cruise.

Here you will disembark by zodiac, and select one of two hikes. The first is a shorter hike to a panoramic viewpoint to enjoy spectacular views of the awe-inspiring Pia Glacier whose main tongue extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. The second hike is a longer, more challenging ascent of a lateral moraine of the Pia Glacier.

Both options are clearly briefed ahead of time by your expedition staff and are guided in small groups. You will have the chance to ‘listen’ to the glacier and hopefully witness some calving as you take in the remoteness of this wonderful location.

More stunning scenery accompanies you when, back on board, the vessel continues along the Beagle Channel through the Glacier Alley. A number of impressive tidewater glaciers flowing down from the Darwin Mountain range and its ice sheet can be observed. Most of them are named after European countries, including Holland, Spain, Germany, France and Italy. The expedition staff will ensure each glacier is identified to you and the whole experience is enhanced with a 'treat' at each one.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 4: Cape Horn to Wulaia Bay

During the morning you'll sail the most southerly course, through Nassau Bay to reach the monumental Cape Horn National Park, where, weather permitting, you'll go ashore. The legendary Cape Horn, discovered in 1616, is a sheer 425m (1,394ft) high rocky promontory which marks the end of the South American continent and the meeting place of the Pacific, Southern and Atlantic oceans.

For many years it was an important, albeit notoriously treacherous navigation route and is often referred to as the 'End of the Earth'. It was declared a World Biosphere Reserve in 2005 by Unesco. Very few vessels are permitted to land at Cape Horn, so once more, your ship will be the only one in the vicinity. You'll have the opportunity to explore the albatross monument and spend time at the lighthouse, meeting its resident family and hiking in the world’s southernmost national park.

In the afternoon the ship will navigate northwards to the Murray Channel bringing you to your second landing of the day, on the shore of historical Wulaia Bay. Originally the site of one of the region's largest Yamana aboriginal settlements, Charles Darwin arrived here in 1833 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle while circumnavigating the globe.

This area is also famous for the spectacular beauty of its vegetation and geography and a choice of hikes are offered to walk through the Magellan Forest of southern beech trees, winter's bark and numerous ferns to reach beautiful panoramic viewpoints. Alternatively, you could stroll around the museum area with your guide.

Tonight you can enjoy your last night on board with a captain’s dinner, in the company of your fellow travellers with whom you will have shared five memorable days on expedition.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 5: Arrive in Ushuaia

Today you'll sail into Argentine waters and dock in Ushuaia, the capital of Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world.

After saying goodbye to your expedition team members, you'll disembark the vessel between 8.30am and 9:30am.

Meals: Breakfast


Please note that the same route can be taken in the opposite direction – see full details.

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What our customers think of Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise trips scored 4.6/5 from 69 reviews

Great weather and views of Torres from Patagonia Camp

Travelled: March 2024

Denise -

All day on the day we went to Pia glacier. We had penguins, seals, sea lions, a dolphin and whales go by the boat at different times that day. We saw the glacier break off twice and then glacier ally with all the waterfalls was beautiful. Loved the different music, food and drinks while we went past the glaciers. The whole day was breathtaking.

Travelled: March 2024

Kristen -

Hiking in French Valley in TDP Sunrise and Double Rainbow in Cape Horn. It was an amazing experience.

Travelled: March 2024

Sangita -

Cape Horn landing

Travelled: February 2024

Holly -

Hiking to the base of the towers (or the Laguna de Los Tres hike).

Travelled: February 2024

Ron -

?

Travelled: February 2024

Chad -

Seeing the Pia Glacier

Travelled: February 2024

Julie -

everything -- we loved the penguins

Travelled: February 2024

Debby -

It's honestly difficult to provide one most memorable moment from this epic trip. Rounding and making landfall on Cape Horn (on my birthday) probably stands out. I think that's due in part to the unpredictable weather and conditions that make this a "last minute" decision to include on the itinerary. When it actually happened, there was a surreal and somewhat spiritual element to the arrival on Cape Horn. Immense kudo's and respect to all the Ventus Australis crew!!!

Travelled: January 2024

Sharon -

It's easy to say everything, which would be true, but probably just the view from the front of Explora toward the mountain, the clean air, the bright skies. I'll never forget that. Also, the guides and hikes were incredible.

Travelled: January 2024

Jonathan -

1. Statues in Rapa Nui 2. Beagle Channel and Woolya bay, Tierra del Fuego Cape Horn landing

Travelled: January 2024

Phil -

Laguna Azul, the Laguna de Los Tres hike

Travelled: January 2024

Elizabeth -

beautiful nature, incredible views,

Travelled: January 2024

Andrea -

It was the most amazing trip, surrounded by the most beautiful nature. One of my favorite moments was seeing the top of our hike on fitz Roy. I also loved the lagoon Azul, the sight is something I won't forget!

Travelled: January 2024

Katie -

The blue lagoon near El Chalten for the amazing gift of nature and climbing the full Los Treces hike for accomplishment!

Travelled: January 2024

Andrea -

cruising past the glaciers in Darwin's passage and the horseback expedition.

Travelled: January 2024

Gail -

The Base of the Towers treck

Travelled: December 2023

Stephen -

Standing on horn island

Travelled: December 2023

Mark -

Watching the glacier calving in front of our eyes

Travelled: December 2023

Silvia -

Walk to Britannia lookout as part of W trek

Travelled: November 2023

David -

Review:

Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

Prices are per person, based on a double occupancy basis.

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Contact us for more information, terms and conditions and details of any cabins recently made available.

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Please note that the early penguin offer is back! USD $500 off per person for travel in the 2024/25 season if booked this March/April 2024 (Special T&Cs apply). Pick your cruise date below. 

2024

2025

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March 2024
23-Mar-2024 Full $4,278 $4,605 $4,978 $6,009 $6,464 Enquire
27-Mar-2024 Full Full Full $3,659 Full $4,342 Enquire
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September 2024 Save up to 16%
21-Sep-2024 Full Full Full Full Save 16%
$3,165
$2,665
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20-Mar-2025 Full Save 16%
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24-Mar-2025 Full Save 16%
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* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $3165

Additional Notes

Seasons – Promotional season is September and April; Low season is October, and March 20th to 31st; High season is November to March 19th

Excursion notes – Cape Horn Landing is subject to weather conditions. In September & April, due to penguin migration, the excursion to Tuckers Islets is replaced by a trekking expedition near a glacier in Brookes Bay.

Cabin details – Please contact us for further details of the different cabin types. In short:

  • There are a limited number of 'B' cabins on the lowest deck which tend to get booked up a long time in advance
  • 'AAA' cabins are on a higher deck than 'AA' and 'A' cabins
  • Superior cabins ('S') are approximately 25% larger

Cruise route – Please note that the same route can be taken in the opposite direction – see full details.

Single Supplement And Child Policy

Single supplement and solo travellers – The cruise operator does not have a 'willing to share' policy. If you are a solo traveller, or would like a single cabin, there is a 50% surcharge.

Baby policy – 0 to 3-year-olds travel for free if sharing a bed with parents. Please ask for availability of a complementary travel cots. Please note, they will still be charged the port tax.

Child policy – 3 to 12-year-olds receive a 50% discount when sharing a cabin with an adult.

Extra beds – It is possible to turn certain cabins into triple cabins; for availability and rates please contact us.

Includes

  • Meals: Four buffet breakfasts, three buffet lunches, four dinners with table service
  • Drinks: all alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks during the entire duration of the cruise
  • All drinking water as requested - you are gifted a complimentary metallic water bottle which you can refill at the numerous stations around the ship
  • All safety equipment (life jackets) for zodiac excursions
  • Accommodation: cabin as requested (four nights)
  • All shore excursions and shipboard activities (as detailed in itinerary)
  • On-board activities and lectures from your expedition staff
  • All national park entrance fees, as per itinerary

Excludes

  • Port tax (USD $105 per person for 2023-24 season)
  • Port tax (USD $120 per person for 2024-25 season)
  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Any extra/optional excursions
  • Transfers to/from cruise port terminal at Punta Arenas/Ushuaia
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list), especially waterproof clothing required for shore excursions
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

Questions about this Voyage?