Day 5: Magdalena Island to Punta Arenas

Posted byevelynnfunstonPosted inUncategorized

After an overnight cruise through the Magdalena Channel and back into the Strait of Magellan, we anchored off Magdalena Island which lies about halfway between the island of Tierra del Fuego and the Chilean mainland. This island used to be an essential source of supplies for navigators and explorers. In 1982, the island was declared a national monument.

This was another stop that was denoted “weather permitting”. As with Cape Horn, we were blessed with the conditions needed to go ashore – main attraction the penguins. Magdalena Island is home to one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in Chile.

After a short cruise south along the strait, we disembarked at Punta Arenas around noon – the end of our cruise. Before we say farewell to the Chilean fiords and the Ventus Australis, a few more photos from our journey.

Ushuaia at sail away
Only once did we see another ship and it was the Stella – Ventus’ sister ship. The depth and narrowness of some of the passages as well as the permissions needed are the reasons – our guide indicated that Australis, which is Chilean cruise line, was the only one with permissions to land at most of the national parks in the Chilean fiords.
Thank you Rich and Deb for sharing this crazy adventure with us
Thank you Venus Australis for a wonderful expedition journey through the Chilean Fiords

Leave a comment