Discover the wild heart of Patagonia

Venture deep into the untamed landscapes of Chilean Patagonia, where icy waterways wind between rugged valleys, towering mountains and ancient glaciers. Each day brings new opportunities to explore, from Zodiac cruising and guided hikes to unforgettable wildlife encounters and close-up views of immense rivers of ice.

Remote, dramatic and wonderfully untouched, this is expedition travel at its most immersive.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina
Arrive in Ushuaia and transfer to your pre-voyage hotel, Arakur Resort & Spa (or similar). Visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk between 3–7pm to collect luggage tags and confirm embarkation details.

Day 2 - Embark the Douglas Mawson
After breakfast, check out and leave your tagged luggage at reception for transfer to the ship. Enjoy time at leisure before transferring to the pier, boarding and beginning your adventure into southern Patagonia.

Day 3-10 - Cruising the Chilean Fjords
• Alberto de Agostini National Park and the Cordillera Darwin Icefield reveal a spectacular world of glaciers, fjords and snow-capped peaks.
• Explore Glacier Alley, Canal Cockburn and Seno Agostini by Zodiac, with opportunities to see wildlife and witness glacier calving.
• Cruise north through the Strait of Magellan and Canal Concepción towards the remarkable advancing Pío XI Glacier.
• Discover sheltered caletas and puertos, with opportunities for Zodiac excursions and guided hikes through sub-Antarctic forests.
• Visit Tucker Islets for close-up wildlife viewing, including a colony of more than 4,000 Magellanic penguins.
• Return via Seno Almirantazgo and Bahía Fortescue, before celebrating with a Captain’s Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner.

Day 11 - Disembark in Punta Arenas, Chile
Our voyage ends in Punta Arenas. Farewell your expedition team and fellow adventurers before transferring to the airport for your onward travels.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

AE Expeditions offers an exceptional range of included activities, giving you more ways to explore, experience and connect with the world beyond the ship.
On this expedition, you can expect:

ADD-ON ACTIVITIES

Take your adventure further with a range of optional activities.
Places are limited, so secure your spot at the time of booking to avoid missing out.
On this expedition, you can add:

Sea Kayaking
Experience the destination from a whole new perspective as you paddle quietly through remote bays, alongside icebergs and beneath dramatic coastlines. Kayaking offers the chance to encounter wildlife at water level and access intimate areas that Zodiacs can’t reach, with experienced guides leading small groups.

THE DOUGLAS MAWSON

Built in 2025, the Douglas Mawson is AE Expeditions’ newest purpose-built small ship, combining cutting-edge technology with contemporary, beautifully appointed interiors. Carrying a maximum of 154 passengers on Cultural Expeditions and 130 on Polar Expeditions, she offers a choice of accommodation from rooms with windows to private-balcony staterooms and spacious suites.

Beyond your room, the ship is designed to make time between adventures just as enjoyable. Relax in the two-storey glass atrium, panoramic observation lounges and expansive outdoor decks, or unwind in the heated outdoor pool, Jacuzzis, sauna and gym. Two restaurants and two bars provide welcoming spaces to dine and socialise, while the lecture theatre, Citizen Science Centre and library offer opportunities to learn more about the destinations you’re exploring. Purpose-built Zodiac access points and a dedicated activity platform also make getting off the ship and into the wilderness quick and seamless.

INCLUSIONS
✓ All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary per AE Expeditions website.
✓ One night’s hotel accommodation in Ushuaia, including breakfast, on Day 1.
✓ On-board accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service.
✓ All meals, snacks, premium spirits, cocktails, beer, wine, liqueurs, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices during voyage.
✓ Captain’s Farewell reception.
✓ 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 (Please note we travel to remote regions and therefore the connection can be unreliable.)

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.

^A gratuity of USD $20 per person, per day for the crew and Expedition Team will be automatically added to your onboard account. You may remove or adjust this amount when settling your account. For suite guests, this gratuity is included as part of the Suite Benefits.