Whale watching

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What we offer…

We offer opportunities to view these gentle giants in Chile, Argentina and Antarctica in their natural marine environments, some with towering glaciers and sub-antarctic forests as the backdrop. With trip options lasting one day or longer you will learn about the local biodiversity from specialist naturalist guides and the marine biologists who protect and preserve it.

Whale Watching in Chile’s first protected marine environment

We invite you to join us on a visit to Chile’s first protected marine environment, the Francisco Coloane Marine Park on the Brunswick Peninsula in southern Chilean Patagonia.

Created in 2003, the Park is located in the Magallanes region of Chile in the Straits of Magellan between Santa Ines and Riesco Islands. The Park was created due to its importance as a biological corridor and the habitat for migrating humpback whales. Today it is possible to see whales during their feeding season between December and March.

Located 75 kms south of Punta Arenas, Cape San Isidro lighthouse is the southern most habitable lighthouse on the American continent. It has more than 100 years of history that is part of the cultural heritage of the zone. The area consists of a mountainous landscape offering a great diversity of species and habitat including sub-antarctic native beech forests, peat bogs, alpine zones and valleys formed by glaciers. Its rivers, lakes and seas are home to humpback whales, Chilean and peale dolphins, penguins, sea lions and a vast variety of sea birds.

The area is reached by land through a historic route up to the point of embarkation at the Santa Maria river and then a boat trip through the Straits of Magellan where observation of dolphins and different species of marine birds from circumpolar habitats is common.

See below for two of our most popular whale watching options in southern Chile.

Watch our Travel Inspiration page for new trips in the pipeline or contact us if you would like to see whales in Antarctica or Argentina.

The whales

The whale most often sighted in this part of Chile is the humpback whale. These whales travel great distances to take advantage of the best breeding grounds and feeding spots. They undertake seasonal migration between productive high latitude areas where they feed in summer and low latitude tropical waters where mating and calving occur during winter. In the eastern south Pacific, the species breeds off Colombia and Ecuador, and feeds primarily in the western Antarctic Peninsula and in the waters of the Strait of Magellan. The duration of the whale’s trip between these migratory destinations is 88 and 99 days. The humpback whale enters the channels of the Strait of Magellan and stays here for almost five months to eat and rest.

These gentle giants are famous for their singing abilities – belting out seductive ballads to attract mates or to challenge other would be suitors. But they also have other talents. Their unique hunting skill, called bubblenet feeding, involves a group of humpbacks working together to capture schools of herring.

Each whale has a part to play in the process: one whale swims in a circle while blowing bubbles under a school of herring. When the bubbles rise, the school of herring can not escape and form into a tight ball in the centre. Other whales vocalize – grunting or screaming – to scare the herring to the surface. The whales then rise with their mouths wide open to capture large amounts of fish.

The sei and minke whales are also sometimes seen as is the magnificent orca (killer whale). Dolphin species include Commerson’s, Peale and the Chilean dolphin.

Here are two of our favourite whale watching trip options in the area. If you are interested in seeing whales in Argentina or Antarctica, contact us for options.

3 day / 2 night Whale Watching Eco Tour

Get up close to whales and dolphins on this visit to Chile’s first ever marine park with its incredible biological diversity. Accommodation in a remote island Eco Camp designed to minimize its impact on this fragile environment.

Highlights

  • Sail through these mythical waters and learn about Magellan
  • Sleep in comfy domed eco tents with wood burning stoves
  • Visit remote valley glaciers in this biodiverse landscape
  • Watch dolphins cruise alongside your boat
  • Visit important nesting sites of the Magellanic penguin
  • Get up close to an immense breaching humpback whale
  • Benefit from observing marine life from small boats with minimal environmental impact
  • Learn about the wildlife and the area from the marine biologists who preserve it
  • Witness the fascinating antics of large colonies of sea lions

Extras

  • We can book extra hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas and bus tickets to Puerto Natales on request.
  • This trip combines extremely well with a wildlife safari through Torres del Paine and the surrounding areas. Contact us for details.
  • If you love wildlife you can tag on a day or overnight trip to the only King Penguin colony outside Antarctica on Tierra del Fuego with a scenic flight (or ferry ride) across the Magellan Straits.
  • The operator of this trip is now offering a fantastic 7 day water & land based tour that starts with whale watching and ends with an exploration of the rugged and immense lands of Chilean Tierra del Fuego. Ask for information and dates.

Day by day

  • Day 1: Collection from your hotel in Punta Arenas at approx 08.00 hours. Transfer to embarkation point to board boat. Navigate to Carlos III island. Lunch on board. Arrive at marine park and meet resident marine biologist. Dinner. Check in to eco camp domes.

  • Day 2: Navigate through marine park. Observe humpback whales, sea lions and a wealth of bird species. Lunch on board. Visit remote Glacier Isla Santa Ines. Sunset whale watching. Dinner. Eco Camp.

  • Day 3: Navigate to Rupert Island to see Magellanic penguins and other marine birds. Navigate back to Punta Arenas and transfer to your hotel arriving at around 19.30 hours.

Is this trip for me?

  • For lovers of marine life and wild places this is a fantastic and longstanding marine safari that introduces you to some of southern Patagonia’s unique marine life and sea birds including humpback whales, Peale and Chilean dolphins, sea lions, fur seals, albatross and many more.

  • You should be comfortable around water and on small boats and be prepared for the remote location of the area. Be aware that this tour involves some long navigations across open water to reach the area where the whales are present.

  • Accommodation is in permanent eco domes with shared bathrooms and wood burning stoves. Domes are twin share and there is 24 hour hot water. The heating in the domes is slow combustion heating.

  • The trip is fully supported and guided throughout by expert guides and biologists. It includes round trip transfers from/to Punta Arenas, all excursions, meals on board/at the camp and two nights accommodation.

  • The trip is suitable for families. Children under 11 receive a discount of 50%

  • You should travel with a flexible attitude and be prepared for possible itinerary changes (or even in extreme weather a complete cancellation) due to adverse weather conditions.

  • This trip is priced at US$1,680 per person and it runs on set departure dates between December and March: November 28, December 15, 22, 25 & 28, January 15 & 28, February 11, 17 & 20, March 7 & 15. There will also be some longer departures being offered this season with 3 nights in the area and more time to observe whales; departure on 2 December 2024. Ask for details.

  • For navigating the straits and observing whales, the main ship is a 15 metre three decked inboard cruiser, allowing comfortable small group navigation and including facilities and equipment for overnight excursions. Its capacity is 16 people and it has a low environmental impact and carbon footprint, its size makes it very manoeverable and reduces the likelihood of a collision with cetaceans. In addition there are various RIB (rigid inflated boats) for speedier and extra maneuverability when whale watching and in logistical operations.

Destinations

Full day kayak with whales

Sail and kayak close to whales between the fjords and glaciers of the Magellan Straits in this full day excursion out of Punta Arenas available from December to March. Enjoy nature, adventure, comfort and contemplation in one action packed tour.

Highlights

  • Paddle out into a pristine and abundant natural environment in kayaks for an unforgettable up close encounter with humpback whales.

  • Enjoy this transformational journey and experience nature at its most raw and precious

  • Navigate out into the Straits of Magellan and witness places of historic, cultural and geographic importance.

  • Feel like a true explorer as you follow ancestral canoe routes once navigated by the nomadic Kawesqar people in their search for food.

  • Learn about the natural history of the area and its incredible biodiversity

  • Feast on traditional Chilean meals accompanied by Chilean wine as you share stories of the day with your travel companions and new friends.

Extras

  • We can book extra hotel accommodation in Punta Arenas and bus tickets to Puerto Natales on request.

  • This trip combines extremely well with a wildlife safari through Torres del Paine and the surrounding areas. Contact us for details.

  • If you love wildlife you can tag on a day or overnight trip to the only King Penguin colony outside Antarctica on Tierra del Fuego with a scenic flight (or ferry ride) across the Magellan Straits.

Days Itinerary

  • 03.45: Collection from hotel for transfer to boat operator

  • 04.05: Transfer to embarkation point, 45 km south of the city

  • 04.20: Boarding at Carrera Bay

  • 05.15: Start navigation past various points of interest; Fuerte Bulnes, San Isidro Lighthouse, Mount Tarn, Indio Bay, Cape Froward, Cape Holland, Rupert Island, Carlos III Island, Charles Islands, Shag Passage.

  • 08.00: Arrive at marine park.

  • 08.30: Observe penguins from boat deck at Rupert Island

  • 09.00: Navigate to Charles Islands and Shag Pass

  • 10.00: Switch to zodiacs to commence kayaking with whales (3 hours approx)

  • 13.00: Switch from zodiacs to catamaran.

  • 14.00: Lunch on board

  • 17.00: Disembark catamaran and transfer to Punta Arenas.

  • 18.00: Drop off in Punta Arenas

Is this trip for me?

  • This excursion is designed for adventurers and nature lovers. You will kayak in some pristine and untouched places in stable double sea kayaks as you paddle through the feeding grounds of humpback whales.

  • This trip is suitable for novice sea kayakers, the guides will provide support and instruction to ensure everybody’s safety and to allow you to develop your paddling skills. You should however be able to swim and be comfortable around water.

  • The weather conditions in the area are unpredictable and a clothing list is provided prior to travel. You should have a flexible attitude and be prepared for itinerary changes due to adverse weather.

  • This full day trip runs between December and March on set bi-weekly departures, contact us for dates, prices and more details.

  • The boat used for the navigation has 80 comfortable seats with space for 14 kayakers. It has a cruising speed of 20 knots and a cafeteria on board. On board will be a competent service crew, expert exploration guides and a marine fauna specialist.

  • The trip includes all meals (breakfast, lunch and celebration snack), private round trip transfers from Punta Arenas, exploration and marine fauna guides, boat crew, navigation and safety and protective clothing.

Destinations