TRAVEL CONDITIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
BEFORE EMBARKING
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 
WHAT ARE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO TRAVEL?
Passport and visa requirements vary according to each country of origin. It is the passenger's responsibility to find out when booking and the papers and documents needed to enter Chile and Argentina. Please note that our routes go from Chile to Argentina and vice versa. Each passenger must find out in their country of origin if visas, entry permits, or reciprocity fees are required for BOTH countries, regardless of the port of embarkation, and process them in advance to present them at check-in.
ARE THERE RECIPROCITY FEES?
To enter Chile and Argentina, there is a reciprocity tax that is charged to citizens of certain nationalities. This amount varies according to nationality and in recent years many countries have eliminated it, so it is advisable to confirm in the country of origin if there is a reciprocity fee in force to consider.
Countries visited on our routes
All Australis routes disembark in Chilean and Argentine territory. Argentine or Chilean minors who leave their country without one of their parents must carry a notarized permit authorizing them to do so. In case of traveling with both parents they must carry and present the family book. Passengers of other nationalities must verify that they have obtained similar permits according to the regulations of their own country.
Countries visited on our routes
All Australis routes disembark in Chilean and Argentine territory. Argentine or Chilean minors who leave their country without one of their parents must carry a notarized permit authorizing them to do so. In case of traveling with both parents they must carry and present the family book. Passengers of other nationalities must verify that they have obtained similar permits according to the regulations of their own country.
CHECK-IN, BOARDING AND DISEMBARKATION INFORMATION 
SAILING FROM USHUAIA
DEPARTURE DAY SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
CHECK-IN: 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs at the office of Tolkeyen Patagonia Turismo, at Av. San Martín 409, Ushuaia, Argentina.
BOARDING: 18:00 hrs in Muelle Turístico de Ushuaia, Av. Prefectura Naval Argentina s/n.
ARRIVAL DAY SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
DISEMBARKATION: Disembarkation time is scheduled for 12:30 hrs. in Punta Arenas, Chile.
CHECK-IN: 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs at the office of Tolkeyen Patagonia Turismo, at Av. San Martín 409, Ushuaia, Argentina.
BOARDING: 18:00 hrs in Muelle Turístico de Ushuaia, Av. Prefectura Naval Argentina s/n.
ARRIVAL DAY SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
DISEMBARKATION: Disembarkation time is scheduled for 12:30 hrs. in Punta Arenas, Chile.
SAILING FROM PUNTA ARENAS
DEPARTURE DAY SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
CHECK-IN: 13:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs at Muelle Prat (EPA), Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398, Punta Arenas, Chile.
BOARDING: 18:00 hrs at Muelle Prat (EPA), Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398.
ARRIVAL DAY SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
DISEMBARKATION: Disembarkation time is scheduled for 08:30 hrs. in Ushuaia, Argentina.
CHECK-IN: 13:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs at Muelle Prat (EPA), Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398, Punta Arenas, Chile.
BOARDING: 18:00 hrs at Muelle Prat (EPA), Av. Costanera del Estrecho de Magallanes 1398.
ARRIVAL DAY SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION
DISEMBARKATION: Disembarkation time is scheduled for 08:30 hrs. in Ushuaia, Argentina.
REQUIRED CLOTHING
The dress code on-board is casual so we suggest dressing comfortably as well as bringing enough changes of clothes since we offer no laundry service.
For field expeditions, weather conditions are very unpredictable and constantly change during the day. Therefore, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing the following equipment:
- Sunglasses.
- Waterproof Clothing: Hat, gloves, pants, parka.
- Sweater.
- Sunscreen.
- Trekking shoes or hiking boots, waterproof.
For field expeditions, weather conditions are very unpredictable and constantly change during the day. Therefore, we recommend dressing in layers and bringing the following equipment:
- Sunglasses.
- Waterproof Clothing: Hat, gloves, pants, parka.
- Sweater.
- Sunscreen.
- Trekking shoes or hiking boots, waterproof.
BEFORE EMBARKING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TRAVEL CONDITIONS
TICKET CONTRACT
The issuance of the ticket contract shall be made by the ship operator prior to the vessel's departure. The ticket contract is governed by the provisions published on the Company's website (webqa2.australis.com), which is an integral part and which the holder of the reservation declares to know and accept along with the reservation, in accordance with the terms of these conditions. These conditions also govern the ticket reservation made by the passenger, as deemed appropriate.
The terms "the Company" or "the Ship Operator" refers to Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A. or Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., to which the reservation is made and which shall be the carrier on the reserved voyage, by means of the issuance of the corresponding ticket.
The terms "the Company" or "the Ship Operator" refers to Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A. or Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., to which the reservation is made and which shall be the carrier on the reserved voyage, by means of the issuance of the corresponding ticket.
BOOKING, DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A US$300 deposit per person is required to secure a reservation. Full payment of the ticket price must be made to the Company no later than 60 days prior to departure.
CANCELLATION POLICIES
The following charges apply in case of cancellation of a reservation as of the date the Company receives a cancellation notice in writing:
• Up to 120 days before departure: US$0 (zero).
• From 119 and 60 days before departure: US$300.- (Deposit)
• Between 59 and 50 days before departure: 25% of the value of the sale.
• Between 49 and 40 days before departure: 50% of the value of the sale.
• Between 39 and 30 days before departure: 75% of the value of the sale.
• Between 29 and the date of issue of the ticket: 100% of the value of the sale.
• Up to 120 days before departure: US$0 (zero).
• From 119 and 60 days before departure: US$300.- (Deposit)
• Between 59 and 50 days before departure: 25% of the value of the sale.
• Between 49 and 40 days before departure: 50% of the value of the sale.
• Between 39 and 30 days before departure: 75% of the value of the sale.
• Between 29 and the date of issue of the ticket: 100% of the value of the sale.
PAYMENT METHODS
We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners International payments, as well as bank transfers, Paypal (payment in US dollars) and Transbank (payment in Chilean pesos).
RATES AND DEPARTURES
The Company reserves the right to modify the rates and departure dates published in its fare conditions, without prior notice. The hours of departure and arrival are approximate.
SPECIAL RATES
• RATES FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS: Available on all cabin types and applies an additional 50% to the corresponding published rate.
• RATES FOR BABIES: Up to 3 years of age, 100% discount, sharing bed with parents. Please contact us regarding availability of cribs.
• RATES FOR CHILDREN: Between the ages of 4 to 12, 50% discount when sharing cabin with an adult.
• EXTRA BED: An extra bed can be added to double cabins. Please contact us for rates and availability.
• RATES FOR BABIES: Up to 3 years of age, 100% discount, sharing bed with parents. Please contact us regarding availability of cribs.
• RATES FOR CHILDREN: Between the ages of 4 to 12, 50% discount when sharing cabin with an adult.
• EXTRA BED: An extra bed can be added to double cabins. Please contact us for rates and availability.
CRUISE CONDITIONS
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Rates include accommodation, sea transportation, all meals, open bar at set times (wines, drinks and spirits are free of charge), shore excursions and available onboard activities.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Gratuities (US$25 per person per night is recommended), purchases from the onboard store, optional tours or activities outside the Australis itinerary, transfers in Punta Arenas or Ushuaia and any immigration fees.
Also not included in the price are port taxes and national park fees (Boarding taxes) which the current season:
For the 2024-2025 season are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
These port taxes and national park fees may change at the discretion of port authorities.
For the 2025-2026 season, they are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$150 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$150 per passenger.
These port fees correspond to government port fees, taxes, and National Park fees and may change at the discretion of the port authorities.
Rates include accommodation, sea transportation, all meals, open bar at set times (wines, drinks and spirits are free of charge), shore excursions and available onboard activities.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Gratuities (US$25 per person per night is recommended), purchases from the onboard store, optional tours or activities outside the Australis itinerary, transfers in Punta Arenas or Ushuaia and any immigration fees.
Also not included in the price are port taxes and national park fees (Boarding taxes) which the current season:
For the 2024-2025 season are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
These port taxes and national park fees may change at the discretion of port authorities.
For the 2025-2026 season, they are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$150 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$150 per passenger.
These port fees correspond to government port fees, taxes, and National Park fees and may change at the discretion of the port authorities.
USE OF DRONES
According to the provisions of the National Forestry Corporation of Chile (CONAF), the use of drones or any type of RPAS technology is prohibited in the Protected Wildlife Areas of the Magallanes Region. The Company prohibits the use on board of drones or any type of RPAS technology.
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Transportes Marítimos Via Australis S.A., Transportes Marítimos Geo Australis S.A., and Cruceros Australis S.A., with RUT (ID) 76.400.630-5, 76.012.605-5, and 76.459.850-4, respectively, are headquartered at Magallanes 990, Punta Arenas, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Region. The legal representative of these companies is Mr. Pedro del Río Álamos, RUT (ID) number 8.507.753-8.
BEFORE EMBARKING
TRAVEL CONDITIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES THE CRUISE RATE INCLUDE?
Breakfasts, lunches, and meals.
Open bar when the bartender is on duty.
Daily shore excursions, as scheduled by the Company.
Whiskey and hot chocolate during excursions.
Activities inside the ship.
Open bar when the bartender is on duty.
Daily shore excursions, as scheduled by the Company.
Whiskey and hot chocolate during excursions.
Activities inside the ship.
IS THERE AN INTERNET CONNECTION ON BOARD?
We do not have internet service onboard. However, on our cruises, you can connect from electronic devices to a digital information system called AustralisNet, with exciting content about Patagonia and everything you need to know to enjoy your trip.
CAN ONE ALWAYS LAND IN CAPE HORN?
Disembarkation at Cape Horn National Park depends on the weather conditions. For reference, our historical percentage of possible landings is 75%.
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL COSTS?
Port fees are an additional cost to the fare and are paid together with the total value of the ticket.
Thev port fees for the 2024-2025 season, they are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
For the 2025-2026 season, they are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$150 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$150 per passenger.
These port fees correspond to government port fees, taxes, and National Park fees and may change at the discretion of the port authorities.
RECIPROCITY FEE
To enter Chile and Argentina there is a reciprocity tax that is charged to citizens of certain nationalities. This amount varies according to nationality and in recent years many countries have eliminated it, so it is advisable to confirm in the country of origin if there is a reciprocity fee in force to consider.
Thev port fees for the 2024-2025 season, they are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$120 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
For the 2025-2026 season, they are as follows:
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$135 per passenger.
• Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas segment: US$150 per passenger.
• Ushuaia – Punta Arenas – Ushuaia segment: US$150 per passenger.
These port fees correspond to government port fees, taxes, and National Park fees and may change at the discretion of the port authorities.
RECIPROCITY FEE
To enter Chile and Argentina there is a reciprocity tax that is charged to citizens of certain nationalities. This amount varies according to nationality and in recent years many countries have eliminated it, so it is advisable to confirm in the country of origin if there is a reciprocity fee in force to consider.
WHAT WILL WE SEE DURING THE CRUISE?
- The legendary Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel.
- Glaciers and fjords of the Darwin Range.
- Flora and fauna of great beauty: sub-Antarctic forests, sea lions, southern dolphins, albatrosses and cormorants, among a great diversity of seabirds.
- One of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The mythical Cape Horn.
- Glaciers and fjords of the Darwin Range.
- Flora and fauna of great beauty: sub-Antarctic forests, sea lions, southern dolphins, albatrosses and cormorants, among a great diversity of seabirds.
- One of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The mythical Cape Horn.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE LANDINGS?
- Ainsworth Bay
- Tuckers Islets
- Cape Horn
- Wulaia Bay
- Pia Glacier
- Aguila Glacier
- Condor Glacier
- Porter Glacier
- Magdalena Island
- Punta Arenas
- Ushuaia
- Tuckers Islets
- Cape Horn
- Wulaia Bay
- Pia Glacier
- Aguila Glacier
- Condor Glacier
- Porter Glacier
- Magdalena Island
- Punta Arenas
- Ushuaia
CAN YOU SMOKE ON BOARD?
Smoking is only allowed on the outside decks of the ship, since, according to Chilean law No. 20,105, smoking is prohibited in any enclosed space inside the cruise ship.
ARE THERE ELEVATORS?
Our ships do not have elevators.
IS THERE A HAIR DRYER?
All cabins have a hairdryer.
IS THERE A FIRST AID SERVICE?
We have staff prepared to provide first aid care to passengers on board if required.
WHAT KIND OF LECTURES ARE GIVEN ON THE CRUISE?
During the voyage, we provide relevant information that complements the travel experience. Including, for example:
Geography and navigation route.
Flora.
Birds in Patagonia.
Beagle Channel.
Strait of Magellan.
Glaciology.
Marine Mammals.
Aborigines of Patagonia.
Penguins.
Terra Incognita.
Cape Horn.
Geography and navigation route.
Flora.
Birds in Patagonia.
Beagle Channel.
Strait of Magellan.
Glaciology.
Marine Mammals.
Aborigines of Patagonia.
Penguins.
Terra Incognita.
Cape Horn.
CAN ONE SEE PENGUINS DURING THE WHOLE AUSTRALIS SEASON?
It's not possible. Penguins are migratory birds and are usually found in the region between the months of October to March.
IS THERE A SHOP ON BOARD?
Yes, you will find sportswear, as well as souvenirs, gift items and personal use.
SHOULD YOU TIP ON BOARD?
Each passenger is free to decide how much to tip. Those who wish to reimburse the service onboard must deliver the gratuity at the ship's reception desk on the last day of the voyage. We suggest US $25 per person, per day, which will be distributed equally among all the crew that has made the trip an unforgettable experience.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
In the cruise months, the temperature fluctuates between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius (equivalent to 41 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit). It is important to note that weather conditions are very unpredictable and could change constantly during the day. .
ARE PETS ALLOWED?
Unfortunately pets are not allowed on board.
DO THEY HAVE SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES?
Yes, each cabin has a safe deposit box to store items.
IS THERE ANY INSURANCE?
The Company has civil liability insurance to respond to losses or damages that passengers and/or their property may experience onboard the ship. This liability is governed by the conditions of the passenger contract and the relevant rules of Book Three of the Chilean Commercial Code. If the passenger wishes to have additional coverage for health risks, death, travel assistance, or other events or contingencies that he/she and/or his/her luggage may experience during the trip, he/she must purchase travel assistance insurance at the insurance company of his/her choice.
WHAT TYPE OF VOLTAGE IS USED ON THE BOAT?
Our cabins are equipped with 220-volt outlets. In the bathrooms, the outlets are 110 volts.
WHAT IS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE?
The official languages on board are Spanish and English, but it is also possible to find guides who speak French, German, Italian or Portuguese.
HOW ARE PAYMENTS MADE ON BOARD?
Voluntary gratuities (suggested US $25 per passenger, per night) and personal expenses in the onboard store, such as souvenirs, sportswear or other items, may be paid with Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diners, US dollars, Euros or Chilean pesos.
CAN I SWIM IN THE SEA DURING LANDINGS, OR JUMP INTO THE WATER FROM THE SHIP?
No! For the safety of our passengers and the environment, no swimming in the sea is allowed at any time during the voyage.
