The M/V Stella Australis invites you to enjoy a unique experience with expeditions next to the fascinating landscape that Patagonia and Cape Horn offers. Immerse yourself in the magical scenery filled with turquoise glacial lakes, green hillsides and ice-capped mountains. This is an adventurer's paradise which really does have to be seen to be believed.
South America
Patagonia Explorer
5 Days aboard M/V Stella Australis. From AUD $3,958pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore glaciers which stretch from the mountaintops to the sea
- Visit Charles Darwin landing site
- Walk through the enchanted Magellan Forest and discover endemic flora
- See Magellan Penguins whilst on the way to Magdalena Island lighthouse
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Ushuaia
- Day 2: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
- Day 3: Pia Glacier - Garibaldi Glacier
- Day 4: Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier
- Day 5: Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas
*M/V Stella Australis vessel offers longer round trip cruises. For more information on detailed itineraries, feel free to contact us.
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: Ushuaia
Check in between 10:00 and 16:00 at 409 San Martín Street. Board the M/V Stella Australis cruise ship at 17:30. After a welcoming cocktail reception hosted by the Captain and his crew, the M/V Stella Australis will depart for one of the remotest parts of the planet. Our voyage will take us through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel to explore one of the most breathtaking wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, which includes the Tierra del Fuego archipelago.
Day 2: Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
We sail through Murray Channel and Nassau Bay to reach Cape Horn National Park, where, weather permitting, we shall go ashore. The legendary Cape Horn was discovered in 1616 and is a sheer 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. For many years it was an important navigation route between the Pacific and the Atlantic, and is referred to as the ‘End of the Earth'. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2005. In the afternoon, we will go ashore at historic Wulaia Bay, originally the site of one of the region's largest Yamana aboriginal settlements. Charles Darwin landed there in 1833 during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We will take an enchanted walk through the Magellan Forest of lengas, coigües, canelos, ferns, and other endemic vegetation, to reach a panoramic viewpoint.
Day 3: Pia Glacier - Garibaldi Glacier
We navigate along the Northwest arm of the Beagle Channel to reach Pia Fjord, where we disembark. We will then take a short hike to gain a panoramic view of the spectacular Pia Glacier, which extends from the mountaintops down to the sea. In the afternoon, we will enter Garibaldi Fjord where we will disembark for a hike through the forest up to a glacial waterfall to enjoy the spectacular views. For those who choose to stay onboard, our Captain will point the bow towards the beautiful blue Garibaldi Glacier so that they can enjoy the panoramic view from the upper decks.
Day 4: Agostini Sound – Águila Glacier – Cóndor Glacier
In the morning, we will be sailing through Cockburn Channel to anchor in Chico Sound. Travelling in well-equipped Zodiac boats, we will explore Alakaluf Fjord and enjoy the view of Piloto and Nena Glaciers from the sea. You will find yourself being drawn to the intense blue colour of Piloto Glacier, which is due to its compression and age. We will learn about the formation of glaciers and their influence on the unexpected topography of the Fuegian-Patagonian channels. In the afternoon, we will enter the spectacular De Agostini Sound, right in the heart of the Darwin Mountain Range – the perfect viewing point to appreciate glaciers that make their way down to the sea from the upper ice field. Later that afternoon, we will travel aboard Zodiacs to the Águila Glacier where we will embark upon an easy walk to its base. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of Patagonia's cold rainforest and to see how the power of nature has molded the spectacular landscape.
Day 5: Magdalena Island - Punta Arenas
Early in the morning, weather permitting, we will go ashore on Magdalena Island, located in the middle of the Strait of Magellan. The island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers and is inhabited by an immense colony of Magellan Penguins that we will be able to see during our walk to the lighthouse. In September and April, this excursion is replaced by a ride aboard Zodiacs to Marta Island to observe South American Sea Lions. Finally, disembarkation at Punta Arenas is scheduled for 11:30.
Next Departure Date: 19 Jan 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 Jan 2025 - 23 Jan 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| B Cabin | AUD$5425pp | Contact us | |
| A Cabin | AUD$7425pp | Contact us | |
| AA Cabin | AUD$7925pp | Contact us | |
| AAA Cabin | AUD$8592pp | Contact us | |
| AA Superior Cabin | AUD$10258pp | Contact us | |
| AAA Superior Cabin | AUD$11092pp | Contact us | |
| 27 Jan 2025 - 31 Jan 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| 04 Feb 2025 - 08 Feb 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| 12 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| 20 Feb 2025 - 24 Feb 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| 28 Feb 2025 - 04 Mar 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| 08 Mar 2025 - 12 Mar 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| 16 Mar 2025 - 20 Mar 2025 | AUD$5425pp | ||
| 24 Mar 2025 - 28 Mar 2025 | AUD$3958pp | ||
| 24 Oct 2025 - 28 Oct 2025 | AUD$4110pp | ||
| 01 Nov 2025 - 05 Nov 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 09 Nov 2025 - 13 Nov 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 17 Nov 2025 - 21 Nov 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 25 Nov 2025 - 29 Nov 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 03 Dec 2025 - 07 Dec 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 11 Dec 2025 - 15 Dec 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 19 Dec 2025 - 23 Dec 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 27 Dec 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 04 Jan 2026 - 08 Jan 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 12 Jan 2026 - 16 Jan 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 20 Jan 2026 - 24 Jan 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 28 Jan 2026 - 01 Feb 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 05 Feb 2026 - 09 Feb 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 13 Feb 2026 - 17 Feb 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 21 Feb 2026 - 25 Feb 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 01 Mar 2026 - 05 Mar 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 09 Mar 2026 - 13 Mar 2026 | AUD$5595pp | ||
| 17 Mar 2026 - 21 Mar 2026 | AUD$4110pp | ||
| 25 Mar 2026 - 29 Mar 2026 | AUD$4110pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
B Cabin
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Magallanes Deck, twin beds, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
A Cabin
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Magallanes Deck, twin beds or a double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
(twin bedding image not available)
AA Cabin
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Tierra Del Fuego Deck, twin beds or a double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
(twin bedding image not available)
AAA Cabin
177sqft/16.5sqm, located on the Cabo de Hornos Deck, twin beds or a double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, bedside table, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
(double bedding image not available)
AA Superior Cabin
220sqft/20.5sqm, located on the Tierra Del Fuego Deck, double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, sitting area, bedside tables, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
AAA Superior Cabin
220sqft/20.5sqm, located on the Cabo de Hornos Deck, double bed, large floor-to-ceiling picture window, sitting area, bedside tables, desk, ensuite bathroom with shower, wardrobe and storage space.
M/V Stella Australis Deckplan
Specifications
- Year of construction: 2005
- Passenger capacity: 136
- Crew: 45
- Total cabins: 64
- Length: 72.3m
- Draft: 3.30m
- Beam: 13.4m
- Propulsion: 2 Cummins diesel main engines at 850 hp each
- Cruising speed: 10 knots
- Electricity: 110-220 volts
- Safety: complete navigation systems, emergency generator, fire stations, smoke detectors in every cabin, corridor and lounge and a sprinkler fire suppression system
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation
- All meals throughout the voyage
- Tours led by English-speaking Guide
- Activities as specified
- On board entertainment
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (only when bar is on duty)
What’s not included?
- Air transportation
- Passport, visa, immigration fees
- Airport arrival/departure taxes
- Airport transfers
- Additional hotel nights
- Port taxes*
- National park fees*
- Travel Protection Plan
- Laundry service
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
*Port Taxes & National Park Fees
Port taxes and national park fees are not included in the price of the voyage and will be an additional cost of US$120 per person for the 2024 season. These will be charged to you during the booking process.
**Required clothing
Please note that trekking or hiking shoes are required for all passengers.
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
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