Navigate by expert-guided Zodiac into the Francisco Coloane Marine Park — Chile's first marine protected area — where humpback whales gather in extraordinary concentrations to feed in the nutrient-rich waters at the mouth of the Strait of Magellan.
What to expect
Departing Punta Arenas by fast transfer vessel, you enter the protected waters of Coloane Park where humpbacks — some returning individuals identified by researchers over 15 seasons — breach, lunge-feed, and tail-slap in the glacially cold channel. Your marine biologist narrates behaviour in real time and may invite you to listen via hydrophone to their haunting underwater communication. Fur seals haul out on rocky outcrops nearby, and Magellanic and king cormorants patrol overhead. A hot Patagonian stew lunch is served aboard between whale encounters.
Good to know
Season runs December through April when humpback density peaks. Maximum 12 guests per departure — book months in advance. Full-day trip runs approximately 10 hours including transfers; confirm against your ship's all-aboard schedule. Waterproof outerwear and non-slip boots are essential; Whalesound provides floatation suits.