Your expedition begins in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and gateway to Tierra del Fuego. On arrival, an AE Expeditions representative will meet you and transfer you and your fellow travellers to your pre-voyage hotel. If you are already in Ushuaia, you can make your own way to the hotel, with check-in available from 3.00 pm.

During the afternoon, visit the AE Expeditions hospitality desk in the hotel lobby between 3.00 pm and 7.00 pm to collect your luggage tags and receive the latest information for embarkation day. The team will also be available to answer questions and offer advice on local dining and any last-minute purchases.

If you arrive after 7.00 pm, a welcome pack will be waiting for you at check-in, and you can visit the hospitality desk the following morning between 8.00 am and 10.00 am.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Ushuaia at leisure. Meals are not included today.

Pre-voyage accommodation: Arakur Resort & Spa

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and leave your clearly labelled cabin luggage at reception, where it will be transferred directly to the ship and placed in your cabin. Keep any valuables and personal items with you during the day.

You’ll then have some free time to enjoy Ushuaia before meeting at the designated departure point for your transfer to the pier and embarkation aboard Douglas Mawson.

Once on board, settle into your cabin before joining the mandatory expedition briefings. As Douglas Mawson leaves Ushuaia behind, head out on deck for wonderful views across the city, the Beagle Channel and the mountains of Tierra del Fuego as your journey into southern Patagonia begins.

This evening, meet your fellow travellers, Expedition Team and crew as you celebrate the start of your adventure through the glaciers and fjords of southern Patagonia.

Over the coming days, explore the spectacular wilderness of southern Patagonia, where snow-capped mountains, ancient icefields and forests rise above a maze of glacier-carved fjords. This is a true expedition, with the route and activities shaped by weather and local conditions.

Explore the Cordillera Darwin Icefield and Glacier Alley by ship and Zodiac, cruising among brash ice beneath towering glacier fronts and watching for wildlife along the shore. Continue through the Strait of Magellan and the remote waterways of southern Chile, where dolphins, seabirds and rich sub-Antarctic forests thrive.

A major highlight is Pío XI Glacier, the largest glacier in South America and unusual for having advanced while most neighbouring glaciers have retreated. From here, turn south to explore secluded bays and anchorages, with opportunities for Zodiac cruising and guided hikes whenever conditions allow.

Around Almirantazgo Sound, hike through sub-Antarctic forest towards views of Marinelli Glacier before visiting the Tucker Islets by Zodiac, home to a colony of more than 4,000 Magellanic penguins as well as cormorants, skuas and occasionally dolphins.

The expedition then follows the Strait of Magellan towards historic Bahía Fortescue, where a landing may be attempted if conditions permit. On the final evening, celebrate your journey through Patagonia with the Captain’s Cocktail Party and Farewell Dinner.

Your expedition concludes in Punta Arenas, where you’ll farewell your Expedition Team and fellow travellers before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

Please note: Flights departing Punta Arenas should be booked for 12.00 pm or later to allow for any delays during disembarkation.