Patagonian Ice: 10-Night Aurora Chilean Fjords Expedition

Glaciers & Fjords of Southern Patagonia is a 10-night expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Punta Arenas, Chile, aboard Aurora Expeditions’ Douglas Mawson, running March 28 to April 7, 2027. It suits travelers who are drawn to wild, uncrowded places and want a true expedition experience without the long ocean crossing to Antarctica. Late March marks the start of autumn in Patagonia, when the summer crowds thin out.

Between embarkation and disembarkation are eight days of expedition cruising through the Chilean fjords and Patagonian channels. This is Captain’s Choice travel: the captain and expedition leader decide each day where to go based on weather, tides and wildlife, so we can’t promise specific stops. What you can expect is a maze of channels, tidewater glaciers spilling into the sea, and steep, forested shorelines with very little sign of people.

Ushuaia sits on the Beagle Channel, and the route between it and Punta Arenas runs through some of the most remote coastline in South America. Depending on conditions, days may include Zodiac cruising near glacier faces, short hikes ashore, and watching for sea lions, dolphins, seabirds and, with luck, Andean condors. Punta Arenas, on the Strait of Magellan, is a historic port city and a common gateway to Torres del Paine National Park.

Douglas Mawson is one of Aurora’s small, purpose-built expedition ships. Aurora is known for its expert expedition team of naturalists and guides, frequent Zodiac outings and citizen science programs that let guests contribute to real research. Inclusions vary by fare, so ask us what yours covers.

If you’d like to add Torres del Paine after the cruise, we can help build that in. Send us your dates and the cabin you’d like, and we’ll check availability and current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Patagonia in late March and April?
Expect cool autumn temperatures, wind and rain at times, with some clear days. Waterproof layers are essential, and conditions can change quickly in the fjords.

Is a Patagonia fjords expedition cruise rough?
Much of the route follows sheltered channels and fjords, which are usually calmer than open ocean, though some exposed stretches are possible. Bring motion-sickness remedies just in case.

Do I need a passport for a cruise from Argentina to Chile?
Yes. You’ll start in Argentina at Ushuaia and finish in Chile, and entry rules for both depend on your citizenship. We’ll confirm the current requirements for you.