Strait of Magellan whale-watching

This item appears on page 76 of the July 2014 issue.

In the Strait of Magellan, off South America’s southernmost tip, the discovery of a feeding ground of humpback whales near Isla Carlos III led to the creation of Chile’s first protected marine area, Francisco Coloane Marine Park.

Four-day tours to Isla Carlos III, Santa Inés Glacier and the Strait run Dec. 1-April 25 with Turismo Aonikenk (Magallanes 570, Punta Arenas, Patagonia, Chile; phone +56 61 222 8616). Bilingual tour guides take guests in search of humpback whales, sea lions and seabirds, including Magellanic penguins. 

Guests stay one night at Faro San Isidro Lodge and two nights in a tent at the ecocamp on Isla Carlos III. The price includes meals and a thermal jumpsuit. $1,500 per person, double occupancy. (Solo travelers can share a room or tent to avoid the single supplement of $750.) Minimum, four tour members, and maximum, ten. Departure times may vary, depending on weather.