2010 Price: From $1,050 per person, double occupancy
(Promotional rate of $840 may be available for select departures)
Single Cabin: From $1,890
2010 Dates: thru Apr 2010
Departs Wednesdays
on the Mare Australis
Departs Saturdays on the Via Australis
At the tip of Chile and Argentina lie some of the most stunning and untouched places on earth. Explore the legendary channels and waterways plied by the early European navigators and inhabitants of this remote South American region.
This is an area as beautiful as it is still untamed, perhaps more pristine and captivating than you ever imagined. Come aboard the Mare Australis for 4 days to visit spectacular glaciers, forests, bays, islands and national parks featuring wildlife colonies.
Day 1 : Ushuaia
Check in for cruise in Ushuaia between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cruise ship boarding from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Captain and crew give a welcome cocktail reception on board. Immediately afterward, the ship departs for “the uttermost part of the earth.” Our excursion will take us through Beagle Channel and the Strait of Magellan to explore one of the most captivating wilderness regions in the world: Southern Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego.
Day 2 : Cape Horn - Wulaia Bay
We sail through Beagle and Murray channels to reach and disembark in Cape Horn National Park (weather permitting). Cape Horn, on Hornos Island, is a sheer, 425-meter (1,394-foot) high rocky promontory. This mythical place is known as the “End of the Earth”; a visit is a singular privilege. The park was declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in June 2005.
In the afternoon, we go ashore in historic Wulaia Bay, once the site of one of the region’s largest aboriginal settlements. This area is also renowned for the mesmerizing beauty of its vegetation and geography. We walk through a Magellanic forest of Lengas, Coigües, Canelos, ferns and other native vegetation to reach a lookout point.
Day 3: Gunther Plüschow Glacier
In the afternoon, we view awe-inspiring Gunther Plüschow Glacier, named after the region’s pioneering German aviator. Then we sail to Chico Sound, where we disembark in Zodiacs to observe majestic Piloto and Nena glaciers.
Day 4: Magdalena Island - 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 tour.
During the cruise, there will be daily inland tours lasting approximately two hours. These tours consist of walks through trails in the native forest and visits to glaciers. The tours include talks on the flora and fauna of the area. A delicious whisky with the millenary ice, or a cup of hot chocolate will be served at the end of the excursions.
Included:
- All meals
- Daily shore excursions by inflatable Zodiac landing craft
- Lecture program on the regions flora, fauna, history and geography
- Onboard activities
Note: Port taxes are additional $10 per person (subject to change)
