South America

Darwin’s Route from Punta Arenas

9 Days aboard Ventus Australis. From AUD $4,694pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

Embark on a breathtaking nine-day expedition through the heart of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, sailing the legendary Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel. From towering glaciers and lush sub-Antarctic forests to penguin colonies and ancient Yagan lands, each day offers unforgettable adventures in one of the most remote and awe-inspiring corners of the world.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Hike through the pristine Magellanic forest and witness the rebirth of life near the majestic Marinelli Glacier.
  • Stand at the edge of the world with a rare landing at Cape Horn, surrounded by myth, history, and wild beauty.
  • Cruise past towering ice walls on Zodiac boats for an up-close encounter with the breathtaking Porter and Condor Glaciers.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Punta Arenas
  • Day 2: Ainsworth Bay - Tuckers Islets*
  • Day 3: Pía Glacier - Glacier Alley**
  • Day 4: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
  • Day 5: Ushuaia
  • Day 6: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
  • Day 7: Pía Glacier - Porter Glacier
  • Day 8: Cóndor Glacier - Águila Glacier
  • Day 9: Magdalena Island*** - Punta Arenas

* In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a nearby glacier at Brookes Bay. ** Not an excursion *** In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island. Excursions are subject to weather conditions.

Ship Information

For more information on the Australis please view the ship page.

View Australis

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Punta Arenas

Between 13:00 and 17:00 hrs, we will begin to check-in at Muelle Prat (EPA), Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398, Punta Arenas - Chile, to embark at 18:00 hrs. Once on board, we will gather on the fifth deck to make a welcome toast and meet the Captain and his crew. Afterwards, the ship will set sail towards the southern end. Through the mythical Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, we will travel through Patagonia and the fjords of Tierra del Fuego.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Ainsworth Bay - Tuckers Islets*

We will arrive in the vicinity of the Marinelli Glacier in Ainsworth Bay to learn how life resurfaces after the ice has melted and will hike through the wonderful sub-Antarctic Magellanic forest. We will visit the Tuckers Islets, where you will see Magellanic penguins and cormorants from the Zodiacs. Due to the migratory cycle of the penguins, in September and April, this excursion is replaced by a short walk to a glacier at nearby stunning Brookes Bay.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Pía Glacier - Glacier Alley**

We will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will arrive to the viewpoint from where it is possible to see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. After this unforgettable experience, we will continue our navigation under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley” to enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the ship.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We will arrive at the Cape Horn National Park, where we will disembark, if weather conditions permit, to experience the magic of walking through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by charm and legends.

In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yagans canoeists.

We will reach a viewpoint, walking through the Magellanic forest in which lengas, coigües, canelos and ferns grow, among other species.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Ushuaia

Arrival to Ushuaia, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. We will disembark at 08:30 hours to
explore the city and enjoy its restaurants, shops, and museums, among other things. Boarding once again will take place at 18:00 hours. The crew, led by its Captain, will welcome you on board and toast with your fellow travelers. Subsequently, the ship will set sail towards the End of the World to continue exploring Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay

We will sail through the Murray Channel and Nassau Bay, arriving at Cape Horn National Park, where if weather conditions allow, we may disembark via Zodiac boats. In the afternoon, we will disembark at Wulaia Bay, where various types of excursions take place, ensuring that each visit is a unique experience.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Pía Glacier - Porter Glacier

In the morning, we will sail along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to enter and disembark in the Pia Fjord. We will arrive to the viewpoint from where you will see the homonymous glacier, whose main peak extends from the top of the mountain range to the sea. During the afternoon, we will
embark on a Zodiac boat navigation excursion, without disembarking. We will advance between high rocky walls to reach, at the end of them, the imposing Porter Glacier and be able to contemplate it face to face.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 8: Cóndor Glacier - Águila Glacier

In the morning, we will navigate the Cockburn Channel to enter the Agostini Sound, where we can appreciate the glaciers that descend from the center of the Darwin Mountain Range, some of them reaching the sea. After breakfast, we will disembark via Zodiac boats for a walk around a lagoon formed by the melting of the Aguila Glacier. Meanwhile in the afternoon, we will navigate in Zodiac boats without disembarking, approaching the Condor Glacier at a privileged distance. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the abrupt geography of the Fuegian channels.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 9: Magdalena Island*** - Punta Arenas

We will disembark at Magdalena Island first thing in the morning if weather conditions are suitable. On the island, we will be able to see a colony of Magellanic penguins. This excursion is replaced by a landing on Marta Island in September and April, where South American sea lions can be sighted from Zodiac boats.

Then, we will arrive in Punta Arenas, disembarking at approximately 12:30 hrs.

Breakfast included.

Next Departure Date: 28 Jan 2026
DatesCabinFromAdditional
28 Jan 2026 - 05 Feb 2026 AUD$9297ppExpand to view prices
B TwinAUD$9297ppContact us
A MatrimonialAUD$12758ppContact us
AA MatrimonialAUD$13589ppContact us
AAA MatrimonialAUD$14697ppContact us
AA SuperiorAUD$17743ppContact us
AAA SuperiorAUD$19183ppContact us
05 Feb 2026 - 13 Feb 2026 AUD$9297ppExpand to view prices
13 Feb 2026 - 21 Feb 2026 AUD$9297ppExpand to view prices
21 Feb 2026 - 01 Mar 2026 AUD$9297ppExpand to view prices
01 Mar 2026 - 09 Mar 2026 AUD$9297ppExpand to view prices
09 Mar 2026 - 17 Mar 2026 AUD$9297ppExpand to view prices
17 Mar 2026 - 25 Mar 2026 AUD$6829ppExpand to view prices
25 Mar 2026 - 02 Apr 2026 AUD$6829ppExpand to view prices
02 Apr 2026 - 10 Apr 2026 AUD$4694ppExpand to view prices
21 Sep 2026 - 29 Sep 2026 AUD$5414ppExpand to view prices
29 Sep 2026 - 07 Oct 2026 AUD$5414ppExpand to view prices
07 Oct 2026 - 15 Oct 2026 AUD$8491ppExpand to view prices
15 Oct 2026 - 23 Oct 2026 AUD$8491ppExpand to view prices
23 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026 AUD$8491ppExpand to view prices
31 Oct 2026 - 08 Nov 2026 AUD$8491ppExpand to view prices
08 Nov 2026 - 16 Nov 2026 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
16 Nov 2026 - 24 Nov 2026 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
24 Nov 2026 - 02 Dec 2026 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
02 Dec 2026 - 10 Dec 2026 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
10 Dec 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
18 Dec 2026 - 26 Dec 2026 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
26 Dec 2026 - 03 Jan 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
03 Jan 2027 - 11 Jan 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
11 Jan 2027 - 19 Jan 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
19 Jan 2027 - 27 Jan 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
27 Jan 2027 - 04 Feb 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
04 Feb 2027 - 12 Feb 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
12 Feb 2027 - 20 Feb 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
20 Feb 2027 - 28 Feb 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
28 Feb 2027 - 08 Mar 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
08 Mar 2027 - 16 Mar 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
16 Mar 2027 - 24 Mar 2027 AUD$11069ppExpand to view prices
24 Mar 2027 - 01 Apr 2027 AUD$8491ppExpand to view prices
01 Apr 2027 - 09 Apr 2027 AUD$5414ppExpand to view prices

**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply

Cabin Details

B Twin

Twin / 16,5 m2 / 177 sq.ft

B Twin
B Twin
A Matrimonial

Matrimonial / 16,5 m2 / 177 sq.ft

A Matrimonial
A Matrimonial
AA Matrimonial

Matrimonial / 16,5 m2 / 177 sq.ft

AA Matrimonial
AA Matrimonial
AAA Matrimonial

Matrimonial / 16,5 m2 / 177 sq.ft

AAA Matrimonial
AAA Matrimonial
AA Superior

Superior / 20,5 m2 / 220 sq.ft

AA Superior
AA Superior
AAA Superior

Superior / 20,5 m2 / 220 sq.ft

AAA Superior
AAA Superior
AA Twin

Twin / 16,5 m2 / 177 sq.ft

AA Twin
AA Twin
AAA Twin

Twin / 16,5 m2 / 177 sq.ft

AAA Twin
AAA Twin

Ventus Australis Deckplan

deck plan

Specifications

  • Guest Capacity: 200
  • Total Number of Cabins: 100

What's included?

  • Accommodation
  • Sea transportation
  • All meals
  • Open bar at set times (wines, drinks and spirits are free of charge)
  • Shore excursions
  • Available onboard activities

What's not?

  • Gratuities (US$ 25 per person per night is recommended)
  • Purchases from the onboard store
  • Optional tours or activities outside the itinerary
  • Transfers in Punta Arenas or Ushuaia and any immigration fees
  • Also not included in the price are government port fees, taxes and national park fees (boarding taxes) which for the 2025-2026 season are as follows:
    • Punta Arenas to Ushuaia to Punta Arenas route: US $150 per person.
    • Ushuaia to Punta Arenas to Ushuaia route: US $150 per person.

These government port fees/taxes and national park fees may change at the discretion of port authorities.

Important notes and additional information

* Port Taxes & National Park Fees
Port taxes and national park fees are not included in the price of the voyage and will be charged during the booking process. Additional costs per person for each season are:

  • 2025 / 2026 Season: US$150 per person
  • 2026 / 2027 Season: US$165 per person

IMPORTANT: The excursions described in the itineraries are typically feasible. However, the Ship Operator reserves the right to modify, alter, or omit parts of this itinerary without prior notice, whether for the welfare and safety of passengers, the preservation of the environment, or in the event of any extraordinary circumstance, fortuitous event, or force majeure. The departure or arrival of vessels may be subject to potential changes. Bird and animal sightings cannot be guaranteed, as their precise locations are variable.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: South America

The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

You may also like…

Darwin’s Route from Punta Arenas

9 Days aboard Ventus Australis. From AUD $4,694pp.