Ventus Australis
Highlights
- Shallow-draft design enables unmatched access to narrow Patagonian fjords, glaciers, and hidden bays other vessels can't reach.
- Daily guided excursions via Zodiac with expert naturalists offer rare wildlife encounters and intimate views of remote glaciers.
- Scandinavian-style interiors, panoramic lounges, and Chilean cuisine offer a warm, refined all-inclusive onboard experience.
Ventus Australis is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to navigate the narrow, wind-carved fjords and icy channels of southern Patagonia with grace and precision. With a capacity of just 200 guests, this 299-foot ship offers an intimate and immersive experience, pairing comfort and discovery in one of Earth’s most soul-stirring regions.
Life On Board
On board, you’ll find bright and thoughtfully designed cabins—all with large panoramic windows that frame ever-changing landscapes. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic that emphasizes natural wood tones, soft lighting, and cozy communal spaces. Social hubs include a spacious observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling views, a bar stocked with regional wines and spirits, and a fine dining room where Chilean and Patagonian-inspired dishes are served as part of the all-inclusive experience.
From the moment you embark, the ambiance is one of quiet adventure and intellectual curiosity. The Chilean and international crew are known for their warmth, attention to detail, and deep regional knowledge. Daily lectures and evening briefings by expert guides and naturalists enrich your understanding of the extraordinary places you explore, from ancient glaciers to the windswept wilderness of Cape Horn. After a day of Zodiac excursions, guests return to steaming mugs of cocoa or pisco sours and recount their adventures in the lounge before indulging in locally inspir...
Specifications
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Guests200
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Staff & Crew64
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Guide & Crew to Guest Ratios1:2
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Guest to Space Ratio1:23
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Number of Decks5
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Number of Cabins100
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Zodiacs & Loading Bays6
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Year Built2017
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Ice ClassNo
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Length292.0 ft (89.0 m)
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Beam47.9 ft (14.6 m)
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Draft11.8
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Cruising Speed12.5 kn
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StabilizersNo
Amenities
About the Ventus Australis
Ventus Australis is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed to navigate the narrow, wind-carved fjords and icy channels of southern Patagonia with grace and precision. With a capacity of just 200 guests, this 299-foot ship offers an intimate and immersive experience, pairing comfort and discovery in one of Earth’s most soul-stirring regions.
Life On Board
On board, you’ll find bright and thoughtfully designed cabins—all with large panoramic windows that frame ever-changing landscapes. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant, with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic that emphasizes natural wood tones, soft lighting, and cozy communal spaces. Social hubs include a spacious observation lounge with floor-to-ceiling views, a bar stocked with regional wines and spirits, and a fine dining room where Chilean and Patagonian-inspired dishes are served as part of the all-inclusive experience.
From the moment you embark, the ambiance is one of quiet adventure and intellectual curiosity. The Chilean and international crew are known for their warmth, attention to detail, and deep regional knowledge. Daily lectures and evening briefings by expert guides and naturalists enrich your understanding of the extraordinary places you explore, from ancient glaciers to the windswept wilderness of Cape Horn. After a day of Zodiac excursions, guests return to steaming mugs of cocoa or pisco sours and recount their adventures in the lounge before indulging in locally inspired cuisine.
Itineraries & Excursions
Ventus Australis operates exclusive 4- and 8-night itineraries between the southern Chilean ports of Punta Arenas and Ushuaia, Argentina. These routes unlock the rugged splendor of the Magellan Strait, the Beagle Channel, and remote landmarks like Pia Glacier, Wulaia Bay, and the iconic Cape Horn—one of the most storied maritime locations on the planet.
These are not merely sightseeing trips; they are full-fledged expeditions, with daily Zodiac landings that allow for hiking, glacier viewing, and wildlife spotting. Guests may witness colonies of Magellanic penguins, soaring Andean condors, and the occasional elusive South American fox.
Each day brings a new landscape and a new story—whether it’s tracing the footsteps of Charles Darwin, marveling at the turquoise blues of the Garibaldi Glacier, or walking through lenga beech forests once traversed by the ancient Yaghan people. Unlike larger cruise ships, Ventus Australis can access narrow channels and hidden anchorages few others ever see.
Sustainability & Innovation
Ventus Australis is committed to low-impact travel. Her shallow draft and modern engines are designed for efficiency and to minimize environmental disturbance. Operating in such fragile ecosystems demands responsibility, and the vessel adheres to strict environmental protocols while promoting scientific education and local conservation efforts. All itineraries are single-use plastic free, and every excursion is thoughtfully managed to preserve the delicate balance of the region.
Itineraries
Fjords of Tierra del Fuego
Patagonian Explorer
Darwin's Route From Ushuaia
Darwin's Route From Punta Arenas
Heritage Adventurer
