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Humpback Whale Watching Adventure

Humpback whales flock to this feeding ground in the Chilean fjords providing you with numerous whale sightings over three days. Based in the remotest of research stations and accompanied by marine biologists who know every whale by name you'll experience this unique marine environment intimately.

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Humpback Whale Watching Adventure

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Trip type

Cruise

Trip length

3 Days

From

$1,500

Location

Torres del Paine

Humpback Whale Watching Adventure - 3 - $1,500

Trip Summary and Itinerary Map

Day 1: Transfer to Punta Carrera; Francisco Coloane Marine Park; Eco Camp Carlos III

Day 2: Whale watching in Strait of Magellan; Eco Camp Carlos III

Day 3: Transfer to Punta Arenas

Start from Punta Arenas and end at Punta Arenas

Landmarks visited on Humpback Whale Watching Adventure

Operator's Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to embarkation point; Carlos III Island; Eco Camp Carlos III

In the morning you'll transfer by vehicle (approx 45mins) from your hotel in Punta Arenas to the embarkation point at Punta Carrera Bay. From here we'll set out through the Strait of Magellan on a fascinating 8hr journey to Carlos III Island. Along the way we'll pass several important places such as Fort Bulnes, Faro San Isidro, Mount Tarn, Bahia el Aguila and Cabo Froward before reaching the Francisco Coloane Marine Park.

We'll see a wide variety of seabirds, including black-browed albatross, southern giant petrel, Magellanic diving-petrel, king cormorant, Chilean skua, dolphin gull and South American tern. There will also be pods of inquisitive Peale's dolphins.

At 6.30pm we'll have the chance for some whale-watching before arriving at Carlos III Island and Eco Camp Carlos III at 7.30pm where you will be welcomed with a cocktail.

Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Eco Camp Carlos III


Day 2: Whale watching in the Strait of Magellan; Eco Camp Carlos III

This morning we'll have breakfast at the camp before sailing to the Francisco Coloane Marine Park in the Strait of Magellan for a day of whale watching. We'll enjoy 8-10hrs navigating the fjords, channels and islands.

We'll be accompanied by scientists from the research base at Carlos III Island who will help us with spotting and identification as we explore the fjords and get close to the whales. We might also see the rare Chilean dolphin.

Later we'll visit Santa Ines Island to see its beautiful mountains, glaciers and pristine forests. 

After making a final stop in the Barbara Channel to watch humpbacks we'll return to the island and Eco Camp Carlos III at 7:30pm for a farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Eco Camp Carlos III


Day 3: Rupert Island; Transfer to Punta Arenas

In the morning we'll commence our journey back to Punta Carrera. During this 8hr trip we'll sail around Rupert Island where we can observe a large colony of Magellanic penguins, South American sea lions, southern fur seals and Chilean skua. We'll then continue back to Punta Carrera, arriving around 5pm. A transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Punta Arenas where you can expect to arrive around 7-8pm.

Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch

Customer review background image

What our customers think of Humpback Whale Watching Adventure

Humpback Whale Watching Adventure trips scored 4.6/5 from 5 reviews

Isla Carlos III is so remote and there is nothing for miles except uninhabited islands, mountains, humpback whales, penguins, sea lions and stars. It was truly magical.

Travelled: January 2017

Alison -

This excursion takes you right to the home of the humpback whales. Spending time among the untouched areas where these whales come to feed every year is an experience I will never forget. The accommodations were extremely comfortable. The crew/guides very positive and focused on the comfort of guests. As long as an 8 hour boat ride in choppy water is okay to you, this is a must do!

Travelled: January 2020

Connie Jo Hemeyer - United States Of America

The highlights of my trip were seeing humpback whales breaching, viewing Maellanic penguins from the boat, and experiencing the landscapes and wildlife – gorgeous, otherworldly.

Travelled: February 2018

Susan Ferguson - United States Of America

Come in February, when the whales have had a chance to eat and recover from their long migration south.

Travelled: December 2019

Ann-Marie Starck - Argentina

The whale watching was a highlight of my trip – amazing and overwhelming!

Travelled: February 2019

Suzanne Zimmerman - United States Of America

Review:

Whale Watching Adventure

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

The price of USD $1,500 per person is based on double occupancy of a comfortable dome-tent. 

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Departures take place approximately every three days from November through to March, subject to availability.

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Please contact us to request your preferred departure date. 

Start date Price (pp)
April 2023
11-Apr-2023 $1,500* Provisional Date Enquire
21-Apr-2023 $1,500 Provisional Date Enquire

* Note: Prices are per person. Paid in USD ($) - figure above is based on today's exchange rate. Actual cost $1,500

Additional Notes

Single supplement – For solo travellers the single supplement is twice the regular price per person.

Itinerary timings – Timings in the itinerary are subject to change, based on the season, weather and whales.


This trip is a great add-on package to any Torres del Paine adventure. Please ask us for more details.

Includes

  • Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 picnic lunches, 2 dinners
  • Accommodation: 2 nights at Eco Camp Carlos III
  • Land and sea transportation
  • Towels, sleeping bags and down duvets at Eco Camp Carlos III
  • English and Spanish-speaking guide
  • Scientific lectures

Excludes

  • Meals not indicated in itinerary
  • Drinks during lunch or dinner
  • Any extra/optional excursions
  • Personal equipment (see our recommended kit list)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities/tips
  • International and domestic/in-country flights
  • Any visa, passport and vaccination expenses

Questions about this Trip?