Cruise
Our Adventures to the End of the World with Australis
by Alba Moro Ocana
We were extremely excited knowing that an extraordinary adventure through Patagonia awaited us. But first, a stop in Santiago, Chile for a quick day trip to officially start our journey to Punta Arenas, the starting point of the Patagonian exploration. In our short but fantastic visit to the capital city of Santiago, we visited a couple of art galleries, the bustling central “Mercado” market, and a Chilean-cuisine restaurant.
Onto the tip of South America, and from the moment we stepped on board the Stella Australis, the warm welcome from the crew set the tone for an unforgettable voyage. Each day on the cruise was a new chapter of discovery and adventure.
Our first stop was in Ainsworth Bay and Tuckers Islets where we learned how life resurfaces after the ice melts while hiking through the beautiful sub-Antarctic Magellanic Forest. Later, we visited the Tuckers Islets by zodiac, getting up close to Magellanic penguins and cormorants.
We then sailed along the northwest arm of the Beagle Channel and disembarked in the Pia Fjord with its prominent peak extending from the top of the mountain range to the sea. The view was stunning. Continuing our journey, we navigated under the majestic gaze of the “Glacier Alley,” which passes through internationally named glaciers.
Arriving at Cape Horn National Park, we disembarked to walk through one of the southernmost points of the world, surrounded by its charm and legends. In the afternoon, we visited Wulaia Bay, a historic site of one of the largest settlements of the native Yaghan canoeists.
On the final day, we arrived at the Port of Ushuaia, the most important Argentine city in Tierra del Fuego and the southernmost city in the world. Disembarking, we had time to explore this unique city before transferring to the Ushuaia airport for our flight to Buenos Aires.
The land and sea experiences were absolutely magical, but life onboard the Stella was also perfect. The friendly and hospitable staff and the relationships we created and nurtured were the highlights of the trip. My cabin was also wonderfully comfortable, with expansive windows offering stunning panoramic views of all the passing landscapes. It looked like we were in a movie the entire time. The dining experiences were exquisite and featured a fusion of local Patagonian cuisine and international dishes, all paired with fine Chilean wines.
Additionally, before and after excursions, there are onboard lectures and presentations by the region’s expert guides. They are exceptionally insightful, educational, engaging and provide deep insights into the region’s history, wildlife, and geology.
Overall, our Australis cruise was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Patagonia’s untouched landscapes, diverse wildlife, and sheer majesty left an impression that will stay with us forever. This journey not only enriched our understanding of this remote part of the world but also reignited our passion for pristine nature and adventure.
For those considering a trip to Patagonia, I cannot recommend Australis Cruises enough. Their commitment to providing an exceptional and environmentally respectful experience truly sets them apart. Make sure to plan ahead as their season runs from September until April.
