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Covitour Covitour

Discover Patagonia

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

  • Discover the splendor & beauty of Patagonia’s unique wildlife & landscapes
  • Learn about explorers Magellan, Sir Francis Drake, Captain Fitzroy & Darwin
  • View whales, dolphins, penguins, condors, and elephant seals
  • Experience the beauty of Patagonia’s sub-Antarctic rainforest.
  • Enjoy seeing how the power of nature has molded this spectacular landscape.
  • Daily excursions via Zodiac boats, accompanied by expert guides in small groups.


The ship. Stella Australis

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.

DAY 1

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.

DAY 2

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.

DAY 3

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.

DAY 4

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.

END OF SERVICES

Prices

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.


Included in the cost 
3 nights on-board the Stella Australis cruise vessel.
All-inclusive meals and bar with selected beverages, liquors, and wines (during open hours).
Accommodation based on twin-share AA cabin with private facilities
All meals on board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Port taxes
Shore excursions as detailed in the itinerary
Sightseeing based on shared vehicles
Sightseeing tours include bilingual guides

Not Included in the cost
Tipping whilst on board
Transfers to and from the port - if required, please request at time of booking
International or Domestic Flights
Insurance (Covitour offers Travel insurance with special rates for this trip. Please just let us know if you are interested)
Tips to local guides and drivers
Optional services (described above)

Particular Conditions
The program and schedules may change depending on weather conditions or force majeure. Also disembarkations will depend on the authorization of the captain of the ship who will evaluate the safety and ice conditions of each place. Timings of lectures and activities will be informed during the sailing.
All of the excursions described in the itineraries can normally be carried out. Notwithstanding the above, we  reserve the right, for technical or operative reasons, to reschedule, shorten, or alter all or part of the itineraries and/or excursions without prior notice, in order to safeguard the wellbeing and safety of passengers, preserve the environment, or due to any extraordinary circumstances, acts of God or force majeure. For the same reasons, the hours of departure or arrival of the excursions may be subject to change. 

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