The drama of southern Patagonia with its mighty glaciers and fjords is arguably best appreciated from the water. A Patagonia cruise onboard the Stella Australis (or sister-ship Ventus Australis) is one of the most comfortable ways to experience these wondrous lands. Just 100 cabins are to be found on the purpose-built Australis expedition ships, which are small enough to reach channels and bays that are simply inaccessible to larger vessels. A dedicated expedition crew know these waters intimately, their passion and expertise ensuring the most spectacular places on the fabled stretches of water between Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina are reached.
As part of Australis' classic four-night programmes, daily excursions by Zodiac may take you to the faces of stunning glaciers, to Magdalena Island with its enormous colony of Magellanic penguins or to make land on legendary Cape Horn. Back on board, three generous lounges and plentiful outdoor deck space ensure you do not miss any of the action as the vessel sails through iconic waterways such as the Beagle Channel and the Straits of Magellan. Round off days of Patagonian adventures with delicious Chilean and international cuisine in the restaurant, accompanied by fine Chilean wines. Perhaps enjoy a night cap in the bar before settling into your comfortable en-suite cabin, with large picture windows allowing you to wake each morning to the ever-changing vistas of these hypnotic lands at the end of the world.
