Ushuaia to Punta Arenas: Patagonia Cruise with Local Guide

Summary

Patagonia glaciers and wildlife cruise from Ushuaia to Chile

You’ll sail from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas through Patagonia’s wildest corners: landing (if weather allows) at Cape Horn, hiking beside ancient glaciers with a local guide, and meeting Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island. With all meals included and shore excursions by Zodiac boat, this is a journey you’ll remember long after you’ve shaken off the Patagonian wind.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the way the wind hit us as we stepped onto the deck that first evening in Ushuaia — sharp, almost salty, and colder than I’d packed for. The Stella Australis was smaller than I’d pictured, which made it feel more like joining a group of friends than boarding a ship. Our guide, Martín, handed out pisco sours at the welcome cocktail and joked about “the end of the world” being a good place to lose your phone signal. He wasn’t wrong. As we pulled away into the Beagle Channel, I watched the city lights fade behind us and realized I had no idea what five days without internet would do to my brain.

The next morning was all about Cape Horn — or trying to get there, anyway. The crew kept glancing at the sky, muttering about weather (I caught maybe every third word in Spanish), but luck was on our side and we actually landed. Standing on that rocky promontory where so many ships have gone down… it’s hard to explain. The wind howled so loud you had to shout just to say “wow.” Later at Wulaia Bay, Martín told us stories about the Yamana people and Darwin’s landing here — I tried repeating one of the Yamana words he taught us, but honestly butchered it so badly even he laughed.

By day three, I’d lost track of time zones and just followed coffee smells down to breakfast before each glacier stop. Pia Glacier looked unreal — blue ice cracking somewhere deep inside, echoing across the fjord like distant thunder. We hiked up through mossy lenga trees for a view that didn’t quite fit in my camera frame (not that photos could ever catch that cold air on your cheeks). At Garibaldi Glacier, some folks stayed onboard for hot chocolate while a few of us scrambled up muddy roots for another look. My boots are still drying out back home.

The last morning felt almost too quiet after all those wild places — except for Magdalena Island’s penguins squawking at each other like grumpy neighbors. Watching them waddle past with their little tuxedos made me laugh out loud; nobody cared if you looked silly here. Disembarking at Punta Arenas felt abrupt, like waking up from a dream you weren’t ready to leave yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boarding and Departure from Ushuaia

• Board at Ushuaia Tourist Port
• Welcome cocktail with captain and crew
• Sail through Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel

Day 2 — Cape Horn and Wulaia Bay Visit

• Sail to Cape Horn National Park and disembark (weather permitting)
• Walk in Magellan forest at Wulaia Bay
• Learn about Cape Horn's history and ecology

Day 3 — Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers Exploration

• Zodiac excursion to Pia Glacier and short hike
• Visit Garibaldi Glacier with optional hike or onboard viewing

Day 4 — Condor and Aguila Glaciers Tour

• Sail through channels to De Agostini Sound and observe glaciers
• Zodiac ride and easy walk to Aguila Glacier base
• Return to Stella Australis for rest of day

Day 5 — Magdalena Island and Punta Arenas

• Visit Magdalena Island to see Magellan Penguins and lighthouse
• Disembark at Punta Arenas around 11:30 am

Top questions

How long is the cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas?

The cruise lasts 5 days and 4 nights between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas.

Is there a local guide on the Patagonia cruise?

Yes, professional guides lead all shore excursions during the cruise.

Are meals included on the Stella Australis cruise?

All meals are included during your stay on board.

Can children join this Patagonia glacier cruise?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; discounts apply for children under 12.

What wildlife can I see on this tour?

You may see Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island and sea lions if visiting Marta Island in April.

Are hiking shoes required for this trip?

Trekking or hiking shoes are required for all passengers during shore excursions.

Does this tour include pickup or transfers?

The tour includes sea transportation between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas but does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

Is Wi-Fi available onboard Stella Australis?

No mention of Wi-Fi is made; expect limited or no connectivity during the cruise.

What’s included

Your journey includes four nights’ accommodation aboard Stella Australis with all meals provided (plus snacks and an open bar), guided shore excursions by Zodiac boat led by local experts, onboard entertainment throughout the trip, and plenty of chances for wildlife viewing before arriving in Punta Arenas.