Wildlife Cruises
Both Patagonia’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts are teeming with wildlife, and the best way to put yourself in the action is by taking the water on an adventure cruise ship or a …
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Ship
Stella Australis
Ship overview:
With a capacity of just 100 cabins, the modern Stella Australis offers a comfortable and elegant way to experience the best in expedition cruising. Relax in her spacious lounges, or step outside onto numerous viewing areas to absorb the unique environment. With wonderful service, an informal atmosphere, and shore excursions crafted for different physical levels, this ship offers something for everyone.
Prices per person
From $3,175
Prices based on two people sharing
Ship Capacity
210 passengers
Cabin Options
6 cabin types available
Star Rating
4.5/5 from 123 reviews
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.
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
4.6 out of 5
Wildlife, Glaciers & Cape Horn Cruise
Voyage south from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia on a small-ship expedition, delving into the remarkable wildlife, captivating history, and dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. Traverse the iconic Strait of Magellan and Glacier Alley in the Beagle Channel. Over five…
- 5 Days
- $3,175
4.5 out of 5
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. Visit historic Wulaia Bay, walk among thousands of Magellanic penguins and experience some of…
- 5 Days
- $3,175
What our customers think of Stella Australis
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
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
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 -
Review:
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.
Your cruise ship
Darwin Range, Tierra del Fuego
Your cruise ship and Zodiac excursion vessel
Your cruise ship
Magellanic penguins in front of your cruise ship
Dolphins in the waters of Tierra del Fuego
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
Impartial advice and a bespoke service to make your trip perfect.
Deep Roots in Patagonia
We are former guides, tour leaders, outdoor enthusiasts & adventurers.
For The Ends Of The Earth
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
We’ll make sure you have the adventure of a lifetime.
Types of Patagonia Adventure Cruises
Whale Watching in Patagonia
Join a dedicated whale-watching cruise or boat trip with specialist guides to protected fjords and bays in either Chile or Argentina to observe Patagonia's whale up close.
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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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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.
Discover MoreReady to plan your Patagonia adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
1-888-970-4571