Canada's Travel Industry Directory
Listed in Cruise Lines, Expedition Cruise Lines
Australis is a Chilean expedition cruise company founded in 1990, specializing in navigation through the remote waterways of southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Operating between Punta Arenas, Chile, and Ushuaia, Argentina, its voyages explore iconic routes such as the Strait of Magellan, the Beagle Channel, and Cape Horn. The company focuses on small-ship expeditions, using purpose-built vessels designed to access narrow fjords and pristine canals that larger cruise ships cannot reach. Its sailing season typically runs from September to April, with itineraries lasting between four and eight nights.
The fleet consists of Stella Australis and Ventus, each carrying around 200 passengers and built for comfort, safety, and exploration. The company emphasizes non-invasive tourism, offering guided shore excursions led by expert naturalists who share scientific and environmental knowledge. Guests experience glaciers, native forests, and Patagonian wildlife while enjoying an all-inclusive service that includes premium hospitality and locally inspired cuisine. Sustainability, safety, and low-impact travel are central to the company’s operations.
