Insider Journeys: Patagonia Fjords Cruise

Cruise Overview

Setting sail on Ventus Australis on a journey through Patagonia's southern fjords is a bucketlist trip offering unique access to Patagonia’s remote glaciers, forests and wildlife. It's a journey that gave me a deep appreciation and connection to this remote wilderness area.

Ventus Australis - and sister ship Stellar Australis - is a small expedition ship with just 100 cabins, offering a personalised experience with attentive staff and guides. The ship is specially designed to take you where others can't, offering a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes on Earth. The onboard experience is all-inclusive, with meals and beverages included.

The ship features a few guest lounges and common areas, plus a great bar which is included (at select times of day). I loved the views from the different lounge areas and observation deck. Waking to panoramic views of the ocean from the comfort of my cabin was also a pretty special way to start each day.

The onboard experience is designed to be as enriching as the destinations, with passionate crew members who share their expertise on Patagonia’s geography, wildlife, and history. The shore excursions are an absolute highlight, allowing you to explore hidden islands, glaciers, and unique wildlife up close in small groups.

What we loved

The overall experience was incredibly comfortable, with cabins while fairly basic, exceeded my expectations in both size and storage space - far larger than any other cruise I’ve been on. The breathtaking views from the cabin made it all the more special.

Another highlight was the staff. The ship’s operation was seamless, and I never had to worry about a thing - everything was taken care of with ease. The crew were always available to provide helpful information, and their attentiveness made the experience even more enjoyable.

The wildlife and scenery was a big part of the appeal of travelling the fjords of Patagonia by boat, and they did not disappoint. From Magellan penguins to cormorants, wildlife was everywhere, and the glaciers left me speechless more than once. I have never seen anything like them before, and getting up close aboard the Zodiac boats was unforgettable. The knowledge of the guides in fields such as geology and history added a layer of depth to the journey.

What surprised us?

The daily excursions exceeded all my expectations. With three distinct options at each landing, catering to different fitness levels and interests, I had the freedom to choose the best way to explore the landscape each day. From laid-back, educational walks through the lower, more accessible parts of the terrain, where I could absorb the natural beauty and learn about the region’s history, to more strenuous hikes that took me to higher viewpoints offering panoramic views of the fjords and glaciers, there was an option for everyone - even kids! Some of the experience options I'd recommend are captured below.

Recommended experiences

One of the best parts of the cruise is that all shore excursions are included, offering countless opportunities to explore Patagonia’s wonders up close. A standout experience for many guests was visiting the penguins and cormorants. Watching the penguins diving into the water, preening, chattering, and foraging for food was nothing short of magical. Observing these fascinating creatures just a few meters away from the comfort of the Zodiacs created memories that will last a lifetime.

Another highlight was the visit to Pia Glacier. The journey there was an adventure in itself, as we navigated through chunks of ice in the Zodiac to get to the landing. Seeing the other Zodiacs shrink to tiny dots against the towering glacier was a humbling reminder of the scale and grandeur of this icy wonder. Sitting and watching the glacier move, with chunks of ice dramatically collapsing into the sea, was both awe-inspiring and reflective - it truly makes you realise how small we are in comparison to nature’s power. The knowledge shared by our expedition guide about the glacier’s history and formation really added to the experience.

For an even fuller exploration of Patagonia, I’d recommend traveling from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas and then continuing to Torres del Paine National Park to discover some of the best sections of the famed W Trek, followed by Chiloe Island. This itinerary provides an incredible journey through Patagonia from bottom to top, beginning with the most spectacular glaciers and ending with the serene waters of Chiloe Island. Historically, Chiloe served as the starting point for many expeditions heading to Argentina, and ending your trip here offers a unique connection to the region’s past. Starting with the active exploration of glaciers and wildlife and wrapping up with the calm, relaxed atmosphere of Chiloe creates the perfect balance for your adventure. From there, you can depart to Santiago or home, refreshed and full of unforgettable memories.