About the Port
Admiralty Sound cuts deep into the southern reaches of Tierra del Fuego, its wide waters framed by snow-capped peaks and the fjords of Alberto de Agostini National Park. Within the sound lies Ainsworth Bay, a sheltered inlet reached only by small boat, where a receding glacier has left behind a landscape of moraine, forest, and open water. The bay's sub-Antarctic woodland and wetlands support a range of birdlife, while leopard and elephant seals are often seen resting on nearby ice floes.
Access is by Zodiac, since no pier or town serves this protected wilderness. Landings bring travelers close to the glacier's face and the quiet forest trails behind the beach, offering a rare, unfiltered view of Patagonia's remote southern fjordlands. Conditions can shift quickly, so layered clothing and waterproof footwear serve visitors well on this untouched stretch of coastline.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Admiralty Sound and Ainsworth Bay.
Zodiac to the Glacier Face
Small boats ferry visitors across the sound directly to the receding glacier's edge, offering close views of ice and moraine impossible to reach any other way. Bring waterproof layers, as spray and weather shift fast.
Walk the Forest Trails
Behind the beach, short trails wind through sub-Antarctic woodland and wetlands rich with birdlife, from caracaras to steamer ducks. Sturdy, waterproof footwear helps on the often-muddy ground.
Scan the Ice Floes for Seals
Leopard and elephant seals frequently haul out on drifting ice near the bay's shoreline. Keep binoculars ready during the Zodiac approach for the best sightings.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Admiralty Sound and Ainsworth Bay
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 28 | $39,640 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 26 | $31,998 | |
| Feb 28, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 17 | $13,780 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Quark Expeditions | Ultramarine | 14 | $14,071 | |
| Nov 14, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse II | 16 | $18,914 | |
| Mar 9, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 17 | $22,562 | |
| Mar 20, 2028 | Quark Expeditions | Ultramarine | 14 | $17,023 | |
| Mar 22, 2029 | Quark Expeditions | Ultramarine | 14 | $13,084 |