About us

There is nowhere in the world quite like the immense glaciers, dramatic ice-laden channels, native forest and enchanting wildlife that make up this area of Patagonia; as you’ll see throughout your tour.
Every day will bring something new, though the feeling of complete isolation, wonder and awe at such untouched surroundings and marvels of Mother Nature certainly stays the same.

Australis cruise routes all encompass the hidden canals, fjords and environments of this evocative part of Patagonia. We have access to areas that other cruise operators do not, meaning that your on-land and offshore excursions – whether trekking towards giant glaciers, wandering forest trails or exploring the delights of the Penguin colony – will be in complete isolation.

Our itineraries also include a stop at Cape Horn, the southernmost point in the Americas which is often nicknamed the ‘End of the World’. First discovered in 1616 by brave Dutch sailors, this area connectsthe Paci c and Atlantic Oceans, so not only is itgeographically symbolic but also happens to be beautiful to look at, atmospheric and a true once-in-a- lifetime experience to visit.

Our company adheres to the national and international covenants on environmental care and protection, conservation of cultural and natural patrimony, and the sustainable development of tourism activities.

A scientific and tourism cooperation covenant was signed with CEQUA (Center of Quaternary Studies Fuego-Patagonia and Antarctica) for the development of top level sustainable scientific tourism which provides information from its direct source to the tourists, who will have the opportunity to take part in and see the procedures of scientific expeditions that are carried out on cruise ship journeys. The agreement also established the contributions that the Australis Expedition Team can make to CEQUA with photographs of glaciers, marine and land mammals, and measurements of water temperature in zones of glaciers for their scientific analysis.

We are concerned about the effects that tourist activities can have on the conservation of the natural and cultural environments, since we work in a pristine natural area practically untouched by man.

Massive tourism is avoided.

The excursions are guided by expedition leaders who have been trained to provide real information with scientific basis.

The scientific data is constantly updated, to provide the tourists with real current information.

The Expedition team is constantly trained in all necessary areas, as education is the best tool for the protection and conservation of the environment.

We agree to promote long-term biodiversity evaluation and monitoring systems to use as indicators of sustainability in the sites we visit.

We intend to promote the interchange of scientific research that contributes to the conservation and sustainable tourism use.
We will report and disseminate the results of scientific research with the aim of generating greater environmental awareness for the development of sustainable tourism.

Prior to weighing anchor, we hold a meeting with the passengers, in which information about life on board is provided. One of the main points we emphasize is the commitment that Australis has with the environment. Our Patagonia cruises are meant to be enjoyable, but we must not forget about the environment doing so. In order to transmit this ideology, we explain what must be done to prevent these virgin territories from being contaminated.

We motivate the responsible use of towels aboard ship, explaining the ecological cost of washing practically unused towels.

Our ships have treatment systems for sewage, gray water, and organic waste, established by the SOLAS Standard (Marpol).

All solid waste is separated, compacted, and unloaded in both ports (Ushuaia and Punta Arenas).

In the ship galleys the garbage is separated into different batches to prevent the formation of toxic gasses.

Used batteries are not thrown overboard. They are collected onboard and delivered to land for their proper treatment.

Smoking is not permitted onboard our Patagonia excursion cruises, so ashtrays are placed on deck for smokers. Passengers are shown where they are located on the first day so they can prevent cigarette waste from going into the sea.

Internal recycling of Expedition paper used for passenger information is done.

Every passenger cabin has a brochure explaining our concern for taking care of the natural environment.

Our excursion boats have 4-stroke engines which are not as polluting and are more environmentally friendly.

Instructions for the protection and conduct of the passengers are provided prior to each excursion indicating the visit to our National Parks with the express prohibition of extracting organic or non-organic materials from the places we disembark. (Rocks, flowers, leaves, branches, feathers, insects, sea shells, etc.)

The excursion groups do not surpass 20 people per guide.

All passengers are accompanied by guides, no passenger may circulate alone in the Alberto de Agostini and Cabo de Hornos National Parks, or the Los Pingüinos Natural Reserve.

Marked trails are used to avoid having an impact on fragile vegetation. We have a serious policy to allow the recovery of trails and sites when they show any impact.

In the past few years wooden walkways have been built in those places that require it due to their ecological fragility, thereby preventing the accelerated wear and tear of the vegetal layer, a damage which would take dozens of years to recover in some cases.

When we disembark we do not allow snacks or picnics thereby reducing the possibility of generating garbage.

We ask passengers to cooperate with nature, encouraging the collection of any garbage we may find.

At the end of each expedition we gather what has been found and return it to the city for its treatment. We leave no waste in the Parks.

For each excursion we have recipients for any garbage found.

In Wulaia Bay, there is ecological equipment, a wind generator and solar panels.

When we disembark we strictly control the approach towards land animals such as elephant seals, sea lions, and penguins. We teach passengers how to observe the fauna properly.

The prohibition of acoustic contamination is established while promoting the enjoyment of silence in the southern part of the world, without shouting or making disturbing noises.

When we visit historic sites, we avoid trampling the area and the collection of elements, explaining the archeological value of these sites to the passengers. (Wulaia Bay).