For a once-in-a-lifetime trip your kids are sure to talk about for years to come, book passage for your family on a four-night cruise in Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in Chile and Argentina. A fun-filled and vacation awaits the whole family on this experience. Take in the vast and otherworldly sites in this remote region while staying in one of the 100 comfy cabins offered. The ships are small enough to ply through the narrow fjords and each cabin has large picture windows so you’ll have front-row views whether you’re relaxing in your room or lounging on the decks. Everyday offers new terrain and sights that are sure to inspire both children and adults as you travel through this stunning one-of-a-kind landscape. Zodiac boats ferry guests to the many onshore excursions offered that let you get up close and personal with glaciers and wildlife.
The typical cruise is four nights and can easily be combined with Patagonian hotels or towns in the area for an extended trip. Ushuaia, Argentina, for example is the southernmost city in the world and an excellent place to spend a few extra days at the end of your cruise. Must-sees include the Museo del Fin del Mundo (or The End of the World Museum in English) where you can learn about the local history, sailing and the history of whaling. Go for a hike and take in the beautiful view from the top of Glaciar Martial.
Meanwhile, in Punta Arenas, where you’ll start your cruise, you won’t want to miss the historic Bulnes Fort, a reconstruction of a fort where the first Chilean colonies were established. At Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, kids will delight in seeing the nearly 60,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins that call this place home. For an unconventional activity with an air of mystery, visit the cemetery, which was named one of the most beautiful in the world.
As for the cruise itself, sailing from Punta Arenas, the first stop is Ainsworth Bay where you will see and learn about the copious birdlife that live here. That afternoon, the ship sails to Tuckers Islets. The bird show continues as these islets are the home of the King Penguins, the second largest type of penguin. Flocks of Cormorants also gather here.
Courtesy of Australis
The next stop is the magnificent Pia Glacier. The Zodiacs take you to shore and after a short hike, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of this beautiful glacier. That afternoon, sail through aptly named Glacier Alley. The spectacular glaciers here are named after countries —Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain and France. As the ship sails past the gleaming icy giants, waiters serve hors d’oeuvres from each country. The atmosphere during this lap is festive and the scenery is unsurpassed.
The highlight of the trip comes with a visit to Cape Horn. This island is the southernmost land before Antarctica (just a short 500 miles away) and it is where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans converge. More than 800 ships perished in this area between the 16th and 20th centuries, but don’t worry — you’ll be more than safe on board these modern and luxurious cruise boats. A giant sculpture of an albatross sits at the peak of Cape Horn and kids will love exploring the lighthouse here. You can also spot the home of the guardian of the lighthouse. He resides here with his family for one year before returning to the mainland.
On the last afternoon, one more delight awaits as the ship stops at Wulaia Bay. Follow in the footsteps of famed naturalist Charles Darwin and explore the same area he spent two years at before he went to the Galapagos. The museum here is a special treat where children of all ages can enjoy learning about the history of the area and its indigenous people, the Yamana.
For parents, wine on board is of the highest quality and dining is always a delicious. Breakfast and lunch are buffets so everyone is sure to find something they’ll love, while four-course dinner menus feature Chilean and international cuisine, made with fresh ingredients.
There is no better way for your children to get a sense of our natural world than on an expedition cruise. For more information, visit www.australis.com or contact your travel agent.
By Virginia Haynes Montgomery, Australis Cruise Lines