Patagonia is a vast region in the southernmost portion of the South American continent. Shared by Argentina and Chile, it is an area that offers a wide range of wonderful attractions, including the Perito Moreno Glacier, Mount Fitz Roy, Torres del Paine National Park, Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel, and much, much more. Now, is it possible to include cruises? Absolutely, there are cruises available and they are highly recommended because they offer a different experience and are undoubtedly a highlight within an organized trip, combining both countries. In this article, I will try to explain why you should include a cruise during your trip to Patagonia.
Why is it an excellent idea to include a cruise in your trip to Patagonia?
There are different types of cruises, but let’s focus on expedition cruises, which explore remote corners of this southern and wonderful Patagonia. These are expedition cruises that connect important points and visit places that can only be seen from these routes, giving the experience a different, distinctive importance…
But let’s go point by point to see why it’s worth including a cruise in the trip to Patagonia.
5 reasons to include an expedition cruise in Patagonia
Let me explain the five main reasons why you shouldn’t hesitate to include an expedition cruise in Patagonia.
1 – They are all-inclusive experiences.
These cruises are expeditions to remote places and include everything on board. Of course, accommodation in cabins, but also meals, very interesting informative talks about animal life, the origin of the visited sites of interest, and onboard activities. You don’t have to worry about anything; it’s a comprehensive experience.
2 – They include unique landings and visits.
Indeed, these expedition cruises disembark in zodiacs for walks on islands, islets, and remote corners that can only be accessed on that particular cruise. For example, the landing at the mythical Cape Horn aboard the Australis Cruise, which we will talk about later.
3 – They connect points of interest.
In some cases, cruises serve as transportation to connect two points of interest in Southern Patagonia. Such as the Australis Cruises that go from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, or vice versa. They serve then, as transport on a journey through the region, in addition to offering a unique experience day by day.
It’s not an experience in Antarctica, but it’s the closest you can get, as the routes showcase countless glaciers, as well as icebergs scraping in the fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego.
What regions are visited aboard these expedition cruises in Patagonia?
Well, the Skorpios III Cruise, with its Kaweskar route, travels through the fjords and channels of southern Chile, from Puerto Natales, through the Tierra del Fuego Island. Nothing better than a map to highlight what I’m telling you:
Australis, on the other hand, follows a route from one point to another. It goes from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, or vice versa, traversing the channels of the southern part of Tierra del Fuego Island, and even Cape Horn. See the map below.
Is it safe to aboard an expedition cruise in Patagonia?
What expedition cruises can I include in Patagonia?
There are two companies that offer wonderful cruises through Southern Patagonia. Skorpios Cruises offers its Kaweskar route, traversing the fjords and glaciers of the remote southern region of Chilean Patagonia, on a four-night journey from Puerto Natales, with a return to the origin.
The other option is offered by Australis, which offers marvelous four-night cruises from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, or vice versa. These cruises visit channels and fjords of the Tierra del Fuego Island and land at the mythical Cape Horn.
Let me explain a bit more about these amazing options:
Cruises from Ushuaia and Punta Arenas: Australis Expedition Cruise in Southern Patagonia
Australis operates two main routes: the “Patagonian Explorer” and the “Fuegian Explorer.” The Patagonian Explorer route typically travels from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, over four nights. Along the way, passengers have the chance to navigate through the legendary Strait of Magellan, visit historic Wulaia Bay, and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Cape Horn, known as the “End of the Earth.”
On the other hand, the Fuegian Explorer route usually embarks on a journey from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, also spanning four nights. This route offers passengers the opportunity to explore the stunning fjords and channels of Tierra del Fuego, with highlights including visits to the breathtaking Pia Glacier and the magical Garibaldi Glacier.
Both routes feature expert-led excursions that allow passengers to disembark and explore the rugged landscapes, observe diverse wildlife, and learn about the fascinating history and ecology of the region. Additionally, the comfortable and well-appointed ships of Australis provide a luxurious base for travelers to relax and unwind after each day of adventure.
Australis Expedition Cruises offer a unique way to experience the remote and enchanting wilderness of Patagonia, making it an unforgettable journey for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. I suggest to include this cruise!
Book Australis Cruise and get a discount!
Skorpios III, the Kaweskar Route to southern fjords and glaciers in Patagonia from Puerto Natales
These expedition cruises in Patagonia operate during the months with the longest daylight hours and most suitable temperatures for landings and navigation. Indeed, they run during spring and summer, and also during part of the autumn. In general, the cruises are available between September and April each year, with the most important months being October, November, December, January, February, and March.
Check our Vacation Packages area to see departures and also rates for both cruises.
How to combine Skorpios III Kaweskar Route with other destinations in Patagonia?
