Seabirds and whales of chiloe island far south expeditions. The alfaguara project is a marine life conservation project operated from punihuil in the northwest of chiloe island, the main island in the chiloe archipelago in southern chile. A ride through chiloe island the 2nd biggest island in. Whale watching in chiloe isla chiloe forum tripadvisor. Hi, my partner and i are currently in puerto natales and travelling north through chile over the next few weeks. With over 2,485 miles 4,000 km of coastline, chile is a great place to catch a glimpse of migrating blue, humpback, and gray whales. The nearest of the myriad islands and archipelagoes to its south are the guaitecas islands. The trip from mainland chile to the island takes about 30 minutes. The surrounding seas are very productive and its dramatic coastline is affected by the nutrientrich waters of the northbound humboldt current, hence its rich diversity of seabirds and marine mammals. It has been considered the home of many species of endemic flora and fauna in danger of extinction, being its biodiversity of global importance. Book your tickets online for chiloe island penguin colony, isla chiloe. The vessel is en route to the port of onahama, sailing at a speed of 1. Consider booking refundable hotels rather than nonrefundable ones.
The current position of chiloe island is at east asia coordinates 37. The chiloe archipelago, in chiles northern patagonia, has long been a place of mystery and mysticism. Our starting point will be pargua, from where we will catch a ferry to cross the chacao channel, which separates the mainland from the island of chiloe. The ferry to chiloe island takes next to no time, with the hope of catching sight of a dolphin pod, or the odd whale. They dont take reservations as the ferries are frequent. Blue whale photographed off northwestern chiloe island, chile. It is one of 30 islands that make up the chiloe archipelago in the lakes region of southern chile. Chiloe is a large island, located in the northwestern corner of the vast territory called patagonia. Chiloe island wildlife location in chile, latin america wildlife. Alfaguara was the name given to blue whales by chilean whalers. My husband and i are traveling to chile in late december.
Book your tickets online for the top things to do in isla chiloe, chile on tripadvisor. Chiloe island penguin colony isla chiloe 2020 all you. The chacao channel and the ferryboats invite visitors to get deep into a big island that has a lot to discover and learn while its countless colorful fishing towns are seen. One of the places i am very interested in seeing in isla chiloe. Chiloe island wildlife location in chile, latin america.
To cross to and from the island you need to take a ferry. The corcovado gulf is south of the chiloe island archipelago in northern. Chiloe is an important island for magellanic and humboldt penguins, and is also home to blacknecked swan, greenbacked firecrown, patagonian tyrant, ringed kingfisher, silvery grebe and chilean flamingo. Located 75 kms south of punta arenas, cape san isidro is a mountainous landscape offering a great diversity of species and habitat including subantarctic native beech forests, peat bogs, alpine zones and valleys formed by glaciers. The island is the extension of chiles coastal mountain range, from which it is separated by the chacao strait. Presence of blue whale balaenoptera musculus in the northwestern coast of chiloe island. Notes from a place i never meant to leave hays, daniel on. As your bus drives off the other side, however, youll be seated for another hour to reach the mostpopular destination, castro. Golfo corcovado around the northern islands of the. Bonnie is a freelance writer born and raised in south.
Estimates of abundance and trend of chilean blue whales. Prices can vary, but right now we believe that flexibility matters. Download scientific diagram blue whale photographed off northwestern chiloe island, chile photo. Bright green forests populate the entire western side of the island, a closeknit penguin colony makes its home on the north. Does anyone know if december is too early for likely. The mystery of chiloe island full day tour from puerto. It is the first island travelers see while crossing the chacao channel by ferry. After a ferry ride to chiloe island, youll head to one of the island s oldest villages chacao to admire brightly colored buildings and historical monuments. It has an area of 3,241 square miles 8,394 square km. Acoustic recordings of blue whales were made on 15 april 2015 between chiloe island and the chilean continent. Whale stranded on chilean island successfully returned to sea. Chiloe island chile, nothern patagonia if you look at the map it is the island just south of puerto montt. These are lands filled with myths and traditions but also featuring fantastic settings for adventure travels.
During our boat trip we can observe sea lions, pelicans and seabirds typical of this region. My main reason for wanting to go there is to do some whale watching. The islands diverse ecosystem inspired the famed scientist to explore the area. It is possible to stay overnight on this remote archipelago, and over recent years several charming boutique properties have opened up. Visual and passive acoustic observations of blue whale trios from. The area we invite you to join us on a visit to chiles first protected marine environment on the brunswick peninsula in southern chile. Check any national, local, and health advisories for this destination before you book.
It is the first island you see when you cross the chacao channel by ferry. Thanks to the areas unique topographical conditions and water depths, these incredible creatures come much closer. The 15 best things to do in isla chiloe updated 2020. The island is well known for whale watching, penguins and for. Ferries take buses and cars over on a regular basis, between 6. Explore the architecture and heritage of the chiloe island in this fullday tour from puerto varas. The corcovado gulf is situated to the south of chiloe island, off the southern coast of chile.
Tourism comes slowly to chiles bestkept secret cnn. Pacific whale foundation is proud to provide financial assistance to support important blue whale research in southern chile, headed by barbara galletti and. This destination may have covid19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. Australis patagonia cruises, click here to download our brochure. It is a long day as it is a 90 minute drive from puerto varas to the ferry and a 30 minute ferry crossing. Travel packages, excursions and vacations reservations in chiloe island at. It objectively, and without judgement, portrays the whale hunt, and as background the battles with sea shepherd, etc.
Just look for the free cancellation message during your hotel search. Today we will take a ferry across the chacao strait to visit the wonderful chiloe island, a magical realm with its own traditions, customs, legends, cuisine and music where time has stood still since the first spaniard settlers arrived and mixed with the native people back in the xvi 16th century. We have an itinerary roughly mapped out, but a little flexibility, and have heard that although there is not much infrastructure, it may be possible to do whale watching trips out of quellon on chiloe with a chance of seeing humpback or even blue whales. A ride through chiloe island the second biggest island in south america facebook twitter subscribe on the 3nd march 2012, my friends, a couple ive been meeting up everywhere for the last 3 weeks on the road, decided to visit chiloe island. Chiloe island hotels chiloe island hotels important. The administrative center of the province is the city of castro, while the episcopal see of the roman catholic bishopric is ancud. Chiloe island accommodation top chiloe island hotels. The island is well known for its palafitos, which are colorful wooden houses on stilts along the waters edge. Experience the natural splendor of chiloe island on an enriching fullday excursion from puerto montt. Departures from december until march 3day trip from puerto montt or castro, chile. Estimates of abundance and trend of chilean blue whales off isla.