Glaciers & Fjords of Southern Patagonia


Chilean Fjords
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Duration: 11 days / 9 nights on board.
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Punta Arenas, Chile
Language: English speaking voyage

The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.


Included
Optional


Shaped by millennia of glacial forces, the Chilean fjords of Patagonia offer one of the world’s most spectacular expedition destinations. The journey begins in Ushuaia and navigates a dramatic maze of deep channels and remote valleys framed by towering snow-capped peaks. Sailing through the renowned Glacier Alley, part of a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, travelers will admire massive ice walls plunging directly into the sea and explore the tidewater glaciers of the Cordillera Darwin icefield aboard Zodiac craft.

A major highlight of the itinerary is visiting Pío XI Glacier, the largest glacier in South America and a rare scientific anomaly that continues to advance year after year. The expedition combines scenic cruising with guided hiking opportunities through lush sub-Antarctic rainforests to spectacular viewpoints over glaciers such as Marinelli. Additionally, Zodiac excursions around the Tucker Islets offer close-up views of a thriving colony of over 4,000 Magellanic penguins, Chilean dolphins, and diverse seabirds in one of the most pristine environments on Earth.

Highlights:
Sail to Pío XI Glacier, the largest glacier in South America and one of the few continuously advancing.
Observe a thriving colony of over 4,000 Magellanic penguins at the Tucker Islets.
Guided hikes through sub-Antarctic forests to spectacular viewpoints over Marinelli Glacier.
Cruise through the famous Glacier Alley in the Cordillera Darwin, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Zodiac excursions among floating ice in Seno Agostini and dolphin watching in the Strait of Magellan.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
Briefing and accommodation
Arrival in Ushuaia and transfer to the hotel allocated by the expedition. In the afternoon, please visit the Aurora Expeditions desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage tags and receive details about the day of embarkation. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy the city.

Day 2: Embarkation day
Start of the Patagonian cruise
After breakfast and payment of your stay, your cabin luggage will be transferred directly to the port. Enjoy a free day in Ushuaia until your transfer to the embarkation pier. Once on board, settle into your cabin, attend the compulsory safety briefings and celebrate the start of the expedition with a welcome dinner whilst the ship sets sail through the Beagle Channel.

Days 3–10: Chilean Fjords
Exploring glaciers, channels and wildlife
Cruise through the stunning network of Chilean fjords and the Avenue of the Glaciers in the Darwin Range. We’ll explore Seno Agostini, Alberto de Agostini National Park and the Pío XI Glacier – the largest in South America and constantly advancing – by Zodiac. We’ll sail through the Strait of Magellan, spotting dolphins and native birds. In Almirantazgo Sound, we’ll take guided walks to viewpoints overlooking the Marinelli Glacier and cruise by Zodiac around the Tucker Islets to observe more than 4,000 Magellanic penguins. Weather permitting, we’ll attempt to go ashore at Fortescue Bay before attending the Captain’s reception.

Day 11: Punta Arenas
Disembarkation and end of the expedition
Morning arrival in Punta Arenas. After breakfast on board, disembark and say goodbye to the expedition team before taking your transfer to the airport for your return flights.

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Hotel check-in and briefing
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage tags and receive briefing details regarding embarkation day. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Embarkation Day
Setting sail from Tierra del Fuego
Enjoy breakfast before checking out. Cabin luggage will be collected and transferred directly to the vessel. Spend the day at leisure until the scheduled transfer to the pier. Once on board, settle into your cabin, attend mandatory safety briefings, and join fellow expeditioners for a welcome dinner as the ship sails along the Beagle Channel.

Day 3–10: Chilean Fjords
Glaciers, remote channels and wildlife exploration
Navigate the maze of Chilean fjords and Glacier Alley in the Darwin Range. Explore by Zodiac in Seno Agostini, Alberto de Agostini National Park, and approach the Pío XI Glacier, the largest and fastest-advancing glacier in South America. Sail through the Strait of Magellan, spotting dolphins and seabirds. In Almirantazgo Sound, hike through sub-Antarctic rainforests to viewpoints overlooking the Marinelli Glacier and take a Zodiac cruise around the Tucker Islets to observe a colony of over 4,000 Magellanic penguins. Weather permitting, attempt a landing at Bahía Fortescue before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 11: Punta Arenas
Disembarkation and onward travel
Arrive in Punta Arenas in the early morning. After breakfast on board, disembark and say farewell to your expedition team before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ushuaia
Briefing and accommodation
Arrival in Ushuaia and transfer to the hotel allocated by the expedition. In the afternoon, please visit the Aurora Expeditions desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage tags and receive details about the day of embarkation. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy the city.

Day 2: Embarkation day
Start of the Patagonian cruise
After breakfast and payment of your stay, your cabin luggage will be transferred directly to the port. Enjoy a free day in Ushuaia until your transfer to the embarkation pier. Once on board, settle into your cabin, attend the compulsory safety briefings and celebrate the start of the expedition with a welcome dinner whilst the ship sets sail through the Beagle Channel.

Days 3–10: Chilean Fjords
Exploring glaciers, channels and wildlife
Cruise through the stunning network of Chilean fjords and the Avenue of the Glaciers in the Darwin Range. We’ll explore Seno Agostini, Alberto de Agostini National Park and the Pío XI Glacier – the largest in South America and constantly advancing – by Zodiac. We’ll sail through the Strait of Magellan, spotting dolphins and native birds. In Almirantazgo Sound, we’ll take guided walks to viewpoints overlooking the Marinelli Glacier and cruise by Zodiac around the Tucker Islets to observe more than 4,000 Magellanic penguins. Weather permitting, we’ll attempt to go ashore at Fortescue Bay before attending the Captain’s reception.

Day 11: Punta Arenas
Disembarkation and end of the expedition
Morning arrival in Punta Arenas. After breakfast on board, disembark and say goodbye to the expedition team before taking your transfer to the airport for your return flights.

Day 1: Arrive in Ushuaia
Hotel check-in and briefing
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to your assigned pre-voyage hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to collect your luggage tags and receive briefing details regarding embarkation day. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Embarkation Day
Setting sail from Tierra del Fuego
Enjoy breakfast before checking out. Cabin luggage will be collected and transferred directly to the vessel. Spend the day at leisure until the scheduled transfer to the pier. Once on board, settle into your cabin, attend mandatory safety briefings, and join fellow expeditioners for a welcome dinner as the ship sails along the Beagle Channel.

Day 3–10: Chilean Fjords
Glaciers, remote channels and wildlife exploration
Navigate the maze of Chilean fjords and Glacier Alley in the Darwin Range. Explore by Zodiac in Seno Agostini, Alberto de Agostini National Park, and approach the Pío XI Glacier, the largest and fastest-advancing glacier in South America. Sail through the Strait of Magellan, spotting dolphins and seabirds. In Almirantazgo Sound, hike through sub-Antarctic rainforests to viewpoints overlooking the Marinelli Glacier and take a Zodiac cruise around the Tucker Islets to observe a colony of over 4,000 Magellanic penguins. Weather permitting, attempt a landing at Bahía Fortescue before the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 11: Punta Arenas
Disembarkation and onward travel
Arrive in Punta Arenas in the early morning. After breakfast on board, disembark and say farewell to your expedition team before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.


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INCLUSIONS

All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
One night’s hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, including breakfast, on Day 1.
On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service.
All meals, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
Premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine and liqueurs during voyage.
Captain’s Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
Educational lectures and guiding services from Expedition Team.
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consultation).
One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage.
Comprehensive pre-departure information.
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Wi-Fi.

EXCLUSIONS

International or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
Transfers – unless specified in the itinerary.
Airport arrival or departure taxes.
Passport, visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
Hotel accommodation and meals unless specified in the itinerary.
Optional excursions and optional activity surcharges.
Optional activity surcharges.
All items of a personal nature, including but not limited to on board gratuities, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses or phone charges.


Dates & Rates


Ship: Douglas Mawson | Date: 28 Mar 2027 - 07 Apr 2027 (5577)
Aurora Stateroom Triple
$11,895
$5,421
Aurora Stateroom Twin
$12,295
$5,721
Aurora Stateroom Superior
$12,995
$6,246
Balcony Stateroom Category C
$13,295
$6,471
Balcony Stateroom Category B
$13,995
$6,996
Balcony Stateroom Category A
$15,095
$7,821
Balcony Stateroom Superior
$16,495
$8,871
Aurora Stateroom Single
$12,295
$8,795
Aurora Stateroom Superior Single
$12,995
$9,495
Junior Suite
$19,595
$11,196
Captain’s Suite
$22,395
$13,296

* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.

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