Ship

Stella Australis

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Why We Like This Ship

  • Not your typical 'cruise ship' - a small luxurious expedition vessel that is small enough to get into hidden corners of the spectacular Chilean fjords.
  • Highly knowledgeable expedition leaders who will enhance your trip learning experience with onboard lectures and expertly guided hikes on land.
  • Relax in three comfortable lounges with an open bar and hot drinks station; you won't feel crowded on this expedition ship.
  • The spacious cabins are ideal place in which to relax after a day's exploring, while soaking up the immense views outside.
  • Daily zodiac boat excursions to remote, uninhabited beaches will get you on shore and hiking in the most wild and remote locations of Tierra del Fuego.
  • Superb onboard service from a mostly Chilean crew will ensure you’re well fed and well watered before and after every excursion.
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David says

Having been to Antarctica several times, the experience on board the Australis is very similar to a polar cruise: great expedition staff, like-minded travelers, exciting zodiac and shore excursions and complete isolation from the rest of the world. This is as close to an Antarctic expedition as you can get, without actually going to Antarctica.

David Hilton Patagonia Product & Partnership Manager

Voyages aboard the Stella Australis

Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise

Voyage south from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia on a small-ship expedition cruise and experience the incredible wildlife, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego. Sail the famous Strait of Magellan and Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel. On…

  • 5 Days
  • $3,225
Cape Horn & Glaciers Cruise

Voyage north from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas on a small-ship expedition cruise and experience the incredible wildlife, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego. Step foot on Cape Horn, visit historic Wulaia Bay and walk amongst thousands of…

  • 5 Days
  • $3,225
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What our customers think of Stella Australis

Guides on Stella Australis were careful and kind. Read the full review

Travelled: March 2024

Mary Dolan - USA

The best bits were the daily excursions, the little surprises (Glacier Alley) and the quality of the service. Read the full review

Travelled: September 2023

Sebastien Rene - Canada

Truly, 100%, the service on board was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Combined with the other guests, it make for truly a once in a lifetime experience. Read the full review

Travelled: December 2018

Stephani Dalbesio - United States Of America

The boat was very nice. We felt there was no reason to pay extra for the large-window rooms as we spent very little time in the room. They had an open bridge policy so you could knock and go in almost anytime! How cool! Read the full review

Travelled: December 2018

Mindy De Hooge - United States Of America

This was the highlight of the trip. The scenery, wildlife & remoteness of the area was fabulous. Everything about the cruise on the Stella Australis was amazing. The guides were all great.

Travelled: November 2017

Carole - UK

The ship was very stable throughout the trip. Meal service was incredible, as was the bar service. The crew anticipated our every concern and wish. They made the difference in making our trip memorable. Read the full review

Travelled: November 2017

Ed Eargle - United States Of America

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Obviously not many people can say that they visited Cape Horn on a near-perfect weather day. We did and it was exceptional. Zodiac excursions were carried out with utmost passenger safety foremost. Guides were very safety conscious and provided accurate information on every excursion. They were friendly and very helpful. Food quality was good and plentiful with good service provided both in the dining room and the cabins.

Travelled: October 2017

Peter - Australia

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We were so happy that we were able to disembark onto Cape Horn. The hike to the Aguila Glacier was great as was Magdalena Island.

Travelled: February 2017

Ellen - USA

Our fellow travellers tended to be interesting characters with a wish to see as much as they could. The crew were excellent in all the varied roles from expedition guide to chef and waiter.

Travelled: February 2017

Colin - UK

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The Stella Australis was wonderful, as were the crew, above and beyond expectations. The Glaciers were amazing. The scenery was breath-taking and memorising.

Travelled: January 2017

Chris and Nikki -

The Stella Australis cruise was brilliant and very luxurious with plenty of time ashore.

Travelled: December 2016

Brian -

Review:

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Swoop says

The best way to connect Ushuaia in Argentina with Punta Arenas in Chile, this cruise on board the Stella would combine very well with some hiking, based at a luxury lodge in the Torres del Paine National Park, or exploring the best of Tierra del Fuego. These can be arranged before or after your cruise, depending on the route direction you choose.

What to expect on board the Stella

  • Daily briefings and educational presentations from your expedition staff about the history and wildlife of Patagonia.
  • An 'open bridge' policy when weather allows. The ships officers will only speak basic English. 
  • An open bar with all drinks and bar snacks included, at any time of day. 
  • Plentiful outdoor viewpoints/spaces.
  • There is no lift/elevator, spa, gym, pool or sauna on board. 
  • Multi-lingual expedition staff are always on hand to answer questions about the region and tell you what the next shore excursion entails.

Why Swoop

We’ve got our feet on the ground

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Impartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.

Deep Roots in Patagonia

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We are former guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts & adventurers.

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Swoop is proud to be B Corp Certified as we know sustainability is more than our carbon footprint (but we’re reducing that too).

We’re With You At Every Step

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We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.

Types of Patagonia Adventure Cruises

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Glacier Cruises

Glacier Cruises

Patagonia is home to the third biggest ice field in the world. Many of the most stunning glaciers are only accessible by boat, from where you can watch them dramatically calve into…

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Zodiac landing at Cape Horn, Tierra del Fuego, Chile

Cape Horn Cruises

Steeped in maritime history and myth, Cape Horn lies off Tierra del Fuego at South America's southernmost tip, accessible only to adventurous travellers by cruise ship.

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