Humpback Whale Watching | Chile Nativo Travel
Humpback Whale Watching
An encounter with ocean giants Difficulty level

Humpback Whale Watching

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Summary

Giants at the end of the world

Sail toward one of the most remote and untamed corners of Patagonia for an unforgettable encounter with humpback whales. In this contemplative three-day journey, fjords, solitary islands, and abundant marine wildlife will accompany you, offering extraordinary landscapes and exceptional opportunities for nature photography.

An experience designed to help you disconnect from the world and reconnect with the vastness of the ocean at the edge of the continent—capturing unrepeatable moments in one of Patagonia’s most pristine and awe-inspiring settings.

  • Explore Kawésqar National Park Explore Kawésqar National Park
  • Visit San Isidro Lighthouse, the southernmost point of the South American continent Visit San Isidro Lighthouse, the southernmost point of the South American continent
  • Observe marine wildlife in its natural habitat Observe marine wildlife in its natural habitat
Giants at the end of the world
Map

Where it’s located

Punta Arenas is located in the south of Chile, in the Magallanes region. It is the capital of the region and lies on the shores of the Strait of Magellan, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, making it one of the southernmost cities in the world.

Open in maps Open in maps
Itinerary

Heading to the southernmost edge

An adventure accessible to all ages, ideal for families as well as travelers seeking a deep and contemplative experience—without demanding physical effort, yet with full immersion in nature.

The journey takes place aboard comfortable and safe vessels, accompanied by an expert crew, allowing you to enjoy the landscapes and wildlife with complete peace of mind

Day 1 - Sailing to Carlos III Island

We will pick you up early at your hotel and transfer you to the embarkation point in Punta Carrera, where our navigation through the channels and fjords of Tierra del Fuego begins.

Our destination is the remote Carlos III Island, located within the waters of the Francisco Coloane Marine Park—a protected territory accessed only by crew members and those joining this expedition.

For approximately nine hours, we will sail through landscapes steeped in maritime history, passing iconic landmarks such as Cape Froward, Fuerte Bulnes, Eagle Bay, San Isidro Lighthouse, and Mount Tarn. Before continuing toward the island, we will stop at San Isidro Lighthouse to visit its museum and learn about the history of whales and the first southern settlements.

Your adventure includes:

  • Private transfer Private transfer
  • 8-10 hours navigation 8-10 hours navigation

Accommodation and meals

  • Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp
  • Box lunch Box lunch
  • Dinner Dinner

Optional services

  • Private transfer Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas Private transfer Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas
  • Public bus Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas Public bus Puerto Natales - Punta Arenas
  • Private transfer airport Private transfer airport
  • Pre tour accommodation Pre tour accommodation

Day 2 - Sailing among marine giants

Waking up to the sound of cetaceans breathing and watching the sunrise from camp—with the chance of spotting whales nearby—is a truly unique experience. When weather conditions are favorable, the colors of the southern sky create an especially captivating setting to begin the day.

This day is dedicated to whale watching, exploring the Marine Park and its surrounding waters to better understand this remarkable territory—where marine life thrives and natural beauty is part of everyday life. We will navigate through Bárbara Channel and approach the ice fields of Santa Inés Island, within Kawésqar National Park.

Throughout the journey, albatrosses and petrels will accompany us, and we will visit colonies of sea lions and cormorants in their natural habitat.

Your adventure includes:

  • 8 – 10 hours navigation 8 – 10 hours navigation

Accommodation and meals

  • Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp
  • Breakfast Breakfast
  • Box lunch Box lunch
  • Dinner Dinner

Day 3 - Through the Strait of Magellan

After breakfast, we will begin our journey back to Punta Arenas, sailing through the legendary Strait of Magellan. Before leaving the Marine Park, we will enjoy a final cetacean sighting, followed by a visit to a colony of Magellanic penguins.

Our navigation will then continue east toward Cape Froward, the geographic landmark that marks the beginning—or the end—of the American continent. We will sail around this iconic point before heading north toward Punta Arenas. Along the way, there will be further opportunities for wildlife observation as we pass several sites of historical significance.

Upon arrival at Punta Carrera, our vehicle will be waiting to transfer each passenger back to their accommodation.

Your adventure this day includes:

  • 8 – 10 hours navigation 8 – 10 hours navigation
  • Private transfer Private transfer

Accommodation and meals

  • Breakfast Breakfast
  • Box lunch Box lunch

Optional services

  • Post tour accommodation Post tour accommodation
  • Private transfer Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales Private transfer Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales
  • Public bus Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales Public bus Punta Arenas / Puerto Natales
Accommodation

Whale watching tour accommodations

In our tours around Punta Arenas, you will experience a unique immersion in nature, where accommodations are an essential part of the adventure. Instead of typical hotels, we offer more authentic options that allow you to connect directly with the surrounding environment.

Carlos III Eco Camp
Carlos III Eco Camp
Carlos III Eco Camp

Carlos III Eco Camp

Located on Isla Carlos, Eco Camp Carlos III consists of five dome-style rooms, a common area, three bathrooms, tents for researchers, and an observatory just a short walk from the camp along a wooden boardwalk where whales are monitored, offering a 280° view.

The design and construction of this unique refuge have been carefully planned to minimize the impact on this fragile region. To achieve this, the camp rests on pilings and platforms connected by bridges, preventing damage to the peat and its vulnerable ecosystem. Energy production, waste management, and liquid waste treatment have also been carefully studied to avoid contamination and excess.

Dates and prices

We offer scheduled departures that allow you to plan your adventure with complete clarity. Prices are calculated based on the number of confirmed passengers, reducing the cost per person as more travelers join. Each group has a maximum of 8 people to ensure a personalized and high-quality experience.

Minimum 6 travellers to confirm this tour: Minimum 6 travellers to confirm this tour: USD $1,850 per person

RATES FOR THE 2025/2026 SEASON: (available from November to March)

What is included in the tour?

Private transportation as indicated in the itinerary Private transportation as indicated in the itinerary
All excursions on the sailboat All excursions on the sailboat
Entry to the Marine Park Entry to the Marine Park
Two nights of accommodation at Carlos III Eco-Camp (Domes with two single beds, bedding included)  Two nights of accommodation at Carlos III Eco-Camp (Domes with two single beds, bedding included)
All meals as indicated in the program All meals as indicated in the program
Guide/Driver (English-Spanish) Guide/Driver (English-Spanish)
Add-Ons

Take your adventure to the next level

We want your adventure to be unique and fully personalized. That’s why we offer a variety of extra activities to enhance your experience.

Considerations

What you should know

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