Whales and fauna of the Magellan Strait
November 2022 to May 2023
4 days / 4 nights – from £ 2,580 per person
Extension pre Module A
Would you like to explore the legendary Strait of Magellan and discover its extraordinary marine fauna and birds, including the famous humpback whales?
Would you like to live this adventure staying in a small eco camp used as a scientific whale observation station and have access to a boat to get close to the marine wildlife?
Join a small group, with a maximum of 10 guests, lead by a resident biologist, for a very special 3 days of adventure, exploration and photography in Francisco Coloane Marine Park.
The highlights of this journey are to:
– live in immersion in the marine park and to navigate the Strait of Magellan for 8 to 10 hours per day, at the time of the year when humpback whales are present
– observe and photograph the endemic fauna of the region, including various types of whales, sea lions and birds
– explore and photograph legendary landscapes and unique species, guided by scientists and experts, with logistics perfectly adapted to these objectives
– enjoy original, eco friendly yet comfortable accommodation in the heart of the marine park.
An extraordinary adventure in the Strait of Magellan !
Day 1: From Santiago to Punta Arenas
Flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. At your arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the centre of the town.
Rest of the day of rest, leisure or visit (free) of Punta Arenas.
Night at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos. Bed & breakfast.
Day 2: Navigation and whale watching on the way to “Isla Carlos III”
After a pickup from your hotel between 8am and 8:30am, after your breakfast, you will be transferred to the shipping point “Bay Punta Carrera” where you will arrive at approx. 9:45am for a departure of the Tanu boat at 10am.
The navigation though the Strait of Magellan to the Carlos III Island will last approx. 8 to 10 hours (depending on weather conditions) and will include humpback whale watching as well as sailing along the historical landscapes of the Strait of Magellan and marine park “Francisco Coloane”:
– Fort Bulnes – This Chilean fort was founded on 30 October 1843 on the rocky Santa Ana nose tip.
– Faro San Isidro – This lighthouse opened in 1904; its structure reaches 7.8 metres high and has a bright range of 9 nautical miles.
– Mount Tarn – This mountain was named after the surgeon John Tarn (UK), as he was the first to reach its summit in February 1827.
– Bahia el Aguila – This was the first whaling station for the storage and treatment of whale oil, which was established on the Brunswick Peninsula in the year 1905.
– Cape Froward – This is the southernmost point of the mainland of America, with the Cross of the Seas.
Around 7:30pm you will arrive at Carlos III Island eco camp where a welcome cocktail will await you.
You will visit the observatory of the eco camp and will have the opportunity to attend a scientific talk and introduction to the area.
Dinner will be served around 9pm.
Overnight at Isla Carlos III Eco Camp. Full board and activities included.
Day 3: Humpback Whale and wildlife watching, and glacier Santa Ines of “Francisco Coloane Marine Park”
Breakfast at 8am before boarding and a departure around 9am to navigate and explore for 8 to 10 hours the canals and islands of the Strait of Magellan and the “Francisco Coloane Marine Park”.
Lunch on board. Stop at Barbara channel for watching Humpback Whales.
Return to Carlos III Island for an arrival around 7:30pm and dinner at the eco camp.
Overnight at Isla Carlos III Eco Camp. Full board and activities included.
Day 4: Rupert island, whale watching and return.
Breakfast at 8am before boarding and a departing around 9am to sail around Rupert Island, watching Magellanic Penguin.
From 10am sailing back to “Bay Punta Carrera“ for 8 to 10 hours (depending on weather conditions).
Lunch on board.
Arrival scheduled for approx. 6pm when you will be transferred back to your accommodation for dinner.
Dinner (on own account) and night at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos. Bed & Breakfast.
Indicative price: from £2,580 per person on the basis of two participants sharing one twin or double room/tent at Isla Carlos III Eco Camp and in Punta Arenas.
The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation, which will depend on the exchange rates at the time (GBP/USD exchange rate used for this brochure is 1.10).
– The transfers between the airport and your hotel, and between your hotel and the shipping point “Bay Punta Carrera” and return
– Participation in all the activities proposed by Isla Carlos III Eco Camp including the excursions by boat, and the advice and lectures by the resident biologist
– 2 nights at the Hotel Cabo de Hornos (4**** or equivalent) in Punta Arenas in a twin or double room with bathroom and toilets en-suite. Bed and breakfast
– 2 nights at Isla Carlos III Eco Camp in a twin or double room/tent. Shared bathrooms and facilities. Full board
– The park fees and conservation fees
– Travel and other insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks, etc.)
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as « on own account » in the itinerary
– Drinks (beer, wine, spirits) other than the ones mentioned
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
Single room/tent supplement: please consult us.
