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Sail past a tranquil maze of beautiful fjords, surrounded by islands, glaciers and steep mountains. Admire the staggeringly beautiful Pio XI glacier, before heading to the charming village of Castro and vibrant hilltop city of Valparaíso. Journeying through the fjords of Chilean Patagonia was an incredible experience. From the majestic glaciers to the stunning wildlife on display, I couldn’t help but imagine myself as Charles Darwin aboard the Beagle when he first laid eyes on the pristine landscapes untouched by humans. Marta Island (Isla Marta), situated in the middle of the Strait of Magellan, is home to abundant birdlife and more than a thousand Patagonian sea lions.
Southern Chilean Fjords
Should you have any physical limitations please notify us well in advance of your departure, but this should not discourage you participating. Our ships are designed to put people in connection with the environment. Embark on a sea-based adventure to the remote coastal regions of our globe, where unique encounters will allow you to experience nature at its most pristine. Sail the legendary Beagle Channel and marvel at the snow-covered peaks of rugged Patagonia. Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic Explorer featuring the Chilean Fjords Fly/Sail expedition.
Patagonia Wildlife
On an expedition cruise, we encourage you to make the most of every opportunity to nurture your inner adventurer. You can choose from a range of add-on activities to make the most of your time in these beautiful places. We have pioneered many adventure options to help you explore in your own way. Adventure cruise ships are the best way to discover the most pristine and otherwise unreachable corners of Patagonia.
Post: Buenos Aires
After picking up your expedition jacket and meeting your Expedition Team, settle in and explore the ship before enjoying the first of many delicious meals onboard. After a night in romantic Buenos Aires, you'll fly to Ushuaia and sail to wild Cape Horn, where we'll attempt to land if we can. We'll cruise north along the west coast of South America, with its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, breathtaking national parks and remote communities. March, the end of summer in Patagonia, provides warm weather conditions for exploring the region. Patagonia encompasses the vast southernmost tip of South America, and is shared by Argentina and Chile.
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. If conditions allow, we'll reach the Garibaldi Glacier at the head of the fjord, one of the most impressive glaciers in all of Chile. The fjord is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and sea birds, including the impressive Andean Condor.
Saying this, these ship are enormous and will not be able to visit many of the most beautify fjords in Patagonia. You'll see elephant seal colonies, migrating whales, Magellanic penguins, llama, foxes, soaring condors and much more. Your guides will be very knowledgable on the best places to spot these creatures and will give you all the information you could ever want during special zodiac and hiking trips. Shared by the southern halves of Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is one of the most remote and remarkable landscapes on our planet. Cruising this rugged landscape is by far the most relaxing way of seeing it, not to mention it allows you to reach glaciers ad ice-fields that are inaccessible to hikers. 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.
Both the Magellanic Penguin and the king penguin is seen in Patagonia. Watching the penguins come ashore each night through the rough waves is a wonderful sight. The later part of the Summer season is the best time for what watching.
Ventus Australis Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic
Ventus Australis Cruise: Expert Review ( .
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Fjords of Tierra del Fuego - Punta Arenas to Ushuaia Itinerary
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. 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. 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.
Pre: Santiago
The most prized local dish is spit-roast lamb, slow cooked and full of flavor. You'll also have the chance to sample award-winning wines from both countries. Insurance is highly recommended on all cruises to Patagonia - expedition boats will not let you board without proof of adequate cover. Please use the quick calculator below to get a quote with our recommended specialist. Magellanic Penguins are commonly seen throughout, but large colonies can be seen on Magdalena Island near Punta Arenas, whilst king penguins can only be seen in Tierra del Fuego. Both Southern elephant seals and sea lions are found in great numbers throughout Patagonia's shorelines.
Your adventure starts in earnest as we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America – Cape Hope. The Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve encompasses Alberto de Agostini National Park and Cabo de Hornos National Park. Bird species include the southern giant petrel, kelp goose, and magellanic woodpecker. The majority of our clients come from Australia, the UK, Europe and the United States, however we do often have a mix of other nationalities on board, including our expedition team. To make the most of our voyages, you should be in good general health and able to walk reasonable distances, sometimes over uneven terrain. However, if you have problems walking on rough ground, you can enjoy the scenery closer to shore.
The whole itinerary generally departs from Bueno Aires and finishes in Santiago (Valparaiso) or the other way around. Optional extras – You can stay onboard the night before your cruise for USD $100 per person. Daily, bilingual lectures will ensure you are well-briefed and can make the most of the shore excursions on offer. Before lunch, passengers return to the ship, which will be taking on supplies of pure, natural water from a waterfall. Learn how to travel to every continent, from helping to define your timeline to efficiency and money-saving tips.
Circumnavigating the island in a watercraft provides opportunities to observe and photograph the colony from a safe and respectful distance. Called lobos marinos (“sea wolves”) by local Chileans, these giant pinnipeds (males can weigh over 700 pounds/320 kg) form a noisy group as each sea lion competes for the best spot on the coastline. Other wildlife sightings include imperial cormorants, skuas, southern gulls, Antarctic pigeons, and, if visitors are lucky, dolphins.
Why not arrive here early to fully explore, or join our optional Pre-Program to wild Patagonia. We acknowledge the First Nations people of Australia as traditional custodians of the lands and waters on which we work and travel, and we pay our respects to elders past and present. We strongly advise against selecting multiple activities as each is a dedicated activity for those with the relevant experience. To make the most of your time and money, we recommend selecting only one activity. Each passenger travelling will receive a complimentary polar expedition jacket to wear during your expedition and take home after your trip.
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. Enjoy an optional walk into nearby Chiloé National Park, a stunning Valdivian rainforest of southern beech and alerce conifers.
From Ushuaia to the rugged landscapes of Tierra del Fuego, you'll be mesmerized by the pristine scenery at the very tip of the continent. Visit penguin colonies, take a scenic hike through dense forests, or go whale watching while on this unforgettable South America cruise. Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of up to $500,000 USD per paying traveler provides coverage between the first and last day of ship-based travel and is included in the cost of this trip. For ship- and land-based trips, additional days of travel pre- and post-expedition are not covered. Travelers are responsible for having adequate international medical coverage prior to embarkation, with a minimum benefit of $50,000 USD.
As we sail north along the Chilean coast, join your Expedition Team for fascinating lectures on topics like pre-Columbian history, the geology of our surroundings and the folklore of local communities. Explore the colorful street museum in La Boca with its buzzy markets and restaurants. Or take in a tango show before savoring delicious Argentinian beef in one of the city's steakhouses. The safety of our guests, our employees, and the communities we visit is our top priority. This is why we have partnered with leading experts in health and safety to design and implement protocols/procedures across our expedition fleet.
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