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Live one of the most extraordinary nature experiences in Chilean Patagonia: a full-day sailing trip across the Strait of Magellan to the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, one of the main feeding grounds for humpback whales in southern Chile.

The day begins very early in Punta Arenas, from where you travel overland to the boarding point. You then set out on a long navigation among mountains, southern forests, channels and glaciers, heading into one of the most remote landscapes in Patagonia.

Along the way you may see humpback whales, as well as Peale's dolphins, Commerson's dolphins, sea lions, cormorants, petrels, albatrosses, penguins and other species that inhabit these waters. You will also sail past the glaciers of Santa Inés Island and through the Cape Froward area, considered the southernmost point of the American continent.

Wildlife watching is always carried out with respect for the natural behaviour of each species, so encounters can vary from one departure to the next.

What you will do during the excursion

  • Sail across the Strait of Magellan.
  • Get to know the Francisco Coloane Marine Park area.
  • Have the chance to spot humpback whales and other marine species.
  • See glaciers in the Santa Inés Island area.
  • Pass by Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the American continent.
  • Enjoy unique landscapes of mountains, Patagonian channels, southern forests and wildlife

Included Services

  • Overland transfer from the meeting point in Punta Arenas to the boarding area and back.
  • Navigation across the Strait of Magellan.
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
  • Coffee service, breakfast and lunch.
  • Scenic visit to the Francisco Coloane Marine Park area.
  • Marine wildlife and glacier watching, subject to weather conditions and the natural behaviour of the species.

Tour Summary

Duration: approximately 12 hours
Start: 04:00 AM from Punta Arenas or 05:00 AM from Punta Carrera
End: approximately 16:00 to 16:30 hrs
Season: December 1 to March 31
Operating days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Difficulty: low / scenic navigation
Sailing area: Strait of Magellan and Francisco Coloane Marine Park.

Itinerary

4:00 am

Meeting point in Punta Arenas and transfer to the boarding area.

Faro San Isidro de color blanco y rojo sobre una colina costera rodeada de vegetación, con montañas nubladas al fondo.
05:15 AM

Departure and start of the navigation through the Strait of Magellan.

Faro San Isidro de color blanco y rojo sobre una colina costera rodeada de vegetación, con montañas nubladas al fondo.
Silhouette of a large cross atop a dark hillside at Cabo Froward, Chile, against a warm golden sunset sky
07:00 AM approx.

Passing Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the American continent.

Silhouette of a large cross atop a dark hillside at Cabo Froward, Chile, against a warm golden sunset sky
Ballena jorobada saltando fuera del agua en un canal patagónico rodeado de bosque nativo cerca de Punta Arenas
09:00 AM – 1:00 PM approx.

Navigation through the Francisco Coloane Marine Park area, with the chance to spot whales, seabirds, sea lions, dolphins and other wildlife.

Ballena jorobada saltando fuera del agua en un canal patagónico rodeado de bosque nativo cerca de Punta Arenas
Embarcación con turistas frente al imponente muro de hielo azul del glaciar Sarmiento en Patagonia
1:00 PM approx.

Start of the return navigation.

Embarcación con turistas frente al imponente muro de hielo azul del glaciar Sarmiento en Patagonia
4:00 – 4:30 PM approx.

Return to the boarding area and transfer back to Punta Arenas.

Frequently Asked Questions

On this experience you'll sail through Francisco Coloane Marine Park, one of the main feeding grounds for the humpback whale in Chile. The most frequently seen species is precisely the <strong"487""507">humpback whale, though depending on the season and natural conditions it's also possible to spot Peale's dolphins, sea lions, penguins and a wide variety of seabirds native to the Strait of Magellan.

The watching season runs from December to April, when humpback whales arrive in the waters of Francisco Coloane Marine Park to feed. During these months there are excellent opportunities to observe them in their natural habitat, making this one of the most surprising experiences in Chilean Patagonia.

No. Whales live completely free in their natural environment, so no operator can guarantee a sighting. That said, this tour takes place during the season when whales regularly visit Francisco Coloane Marine Park, one of the areas with the greatest presence of these cetaceans in Chile, so the chances of seeing them tend to be very high.

Along with the whale watching, this programme includes sailing up to imposing glaciers set in the fjords of Patagonia. During the route you'll be able to admire these enormous masses of ice from the boat, enjoying singular landscapes where mountains, fjords and glaciers come together in an unforgettable setting.

Even though the activity takes place in summer, Patagonian weather can change quickly. We recommend bringing layered clothing, a waterproof and windproof jacket, a thermal base layer, a fleece, hat, gloves, comfortable waterproof shoes, plus sunscreen, sunglasses and a camera to make the most of the experience.

Included

  • Transfers from/to Accommodation in Punta Arenas
    Available for the urban area of Punta Arenas.
  • Boat Trip
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Expert advice and coordination
    Personalized guidance and coordination of your experience via phone, email, webchat, WhatsApp, and scheduled video calls.
  • Booking Fee – Reservation Management
    Included in the final price. This fee covers the administrative expenses associated with managing and confirming the reservation, processing payments, and coordinating the service with local operators.

General Conditions

Conditions for Children

Children between 4 and 12 years old pay 50% of the adult rate.
Passengers over 12 years old pay the adult rate.

Recommendations: What to Bring

To enjoy the navigation comfortably and safely, we recommend bringing:

  • Warm clothing in layers.
  • Waterproof or windproof jacket.
  • Comfortable shoes.
  • Hat, gloves and neck warmer/buff.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Camera.
  • Small backpack.
  • Snacks or extra food, if you wish.
  • Personal medication, if you need it.

Navigation and Wildlife Watching Conditions

Navigation is subject to weather and sea conditions. As this is an activity in a natural environment, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, since they depend on the behaviour of the species and on the conditions of the day.

Commercial Conditions

Cancellation Policies

  • Cancellations with 10 days or more before the service date: 90% refund.
  • Cancellations with 9 days or less before the service date are not eligible for a refund.

Other Conditions

  • Cancellations due to weather conditions and force majeure: The operator (service provider) reserves the right to cancel, modify or reschedule services for safety reasons, weather conditions or other circumstances beyond its control. In the event of cancellation, the amount paid will be refunded less 5% corresponding to the administrative costs of the reservation (booking fee), which is non-refundable.
  • No Show: delays and failure to appear at the hotels for pick-up are considered a NO SHOW, and the payment made for the programme will not be refunded, either in full or in part.

Our apply on everything not mentioned before.

Request with GreatChile

Whale and Glacier Watching from Punta Arenas
per person, from
US$ 381

    During the booking process we will request the following data per traveler: Full Name, Birth Date, Nationality, Passport Number, Mail, Phone Number, Allergies.

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