HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING - Chile Nativo Website
HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING
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HUMPBACK WHALE WATCHING

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Summary

Navigate and discover Patagonian wildlife

Go beyond the imaginable, to where your hiking boots can’t reach: to the most remote corner of Tierra del Fuego, a place where humpback whales leap majestically, Magellanic penguins walk with their calm stride, and marine life flourishes in abundance. This all-inclusive program will take you on full-day navigation expeditions through the most stunning fjords of southern Chile.

Navigate and discover Patagonian wildlife
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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.

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Itinerary

A close encounter with the giants of our oceans

Let’s travel to the end of the world to experience the incredible spectacle of humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan. In this 3-day tour, you’ll enjoy an exciting adventure filled with nature and learning. Sail through the beautiful Patagonian landscapes, surrounded by a rich diversity of marine life and breathtaking views.

Day 1 - Full day sail boat tour to the Isla Carlos III

We will pick you up early from your hotel and take you to the embarkation point to begin our day of navigation through the channels and fjords of Tierra del Fuego.

Our destination is Carlos III Island, located near the Francisco Coloane Marine Park. We will sail for nine hours, passing by several historic maritime sites in Chile, including Cabo Froward, Fuerte Bulnes, Bahía el Águila, Faro San Isidro, and Monte Tarn.

Depending on the weather conditions, we will reach Carlos III Island by 7:30 pm. Here, at the scientific field station, we will listen to marine biologists and researchers before having dinner and settling into our dome accommodation.

Your adventure includes:

  • Private transfer Private transfer
  • 8-10 hours navigation 8-10 hours navigation
  • Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp

Accommodation and meals

  • Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp
  • Lunch Lunch
  • Dinner Dinner

Optional services

  • Whale watching tour Whale watching tour

Day 2 - Full-Day Marine Life Safari & Santa Inés Glacier Visit

After breakfast at the eco-camp, we will sail towards the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a breathtaking reserve full of glaciers, fjords, and strong winds. This marine park marks the meeting point of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and provides protected waters and abundant food sources that support a diverse range of marine life, seabirds, and land creatures.

A marine biologist will join us on our journey, pointing out the distinctive markings and identification techniques of the local fauna. Keep an eye out for penguins, albatrosses, skuas, giant petrels, sea lions, and, of course, the majestic humpback whales.

After lunch, we will visit the untouched Santa Inés Glacier, located on Santa Inés Island. This pristine area, with its fjords and lush vegetation, serves as a safe and natural habitat for humpback whales, leopard seals, cormorants, and albatrosses. It’s an incredible opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Patagonia’s wilderness and its unique wildlife.

Your adventure includes:

  • 8 – 10 hours navigation 8 – 10 hours navigation
  • Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp

Accommodation and meals

  • Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp Night at the Carlos III Ecocamp
  • Breakfast Breakfast
  • Lunch Lunch
  • Dinner Dinner

Day 3 - Navigate to Rupert Island

This morning, we will sail around Rupert Island, where we’ll have the chance to spot sea lions, sea elephants, and seabirds.

However, the highlight of the day will be the lively Magellanic penguin nesting colony that calls the island home. It’s an absolute delight to watch these elegant and sociable penguins (the largest species within the Spheniscus genus, which also includes Galapagos, Humboldt, and African penguins) as they waddle, preen, and interact. Completely unfazed by the joyful exclamations of their human visitors, these adorable creatures will surely capture your heart with their charming antics.

Your adventure this day includes:

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

Accommodation and meals

  • Box Lunch Box Lunch
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

PROVISIONAL 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)
Considerations

What you should know

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