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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

Tierra del Fuego

Humpback Whale Watching Adventure - 3 Days - $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 you'll set out through the Strait of Magellan on a fascinating eight-hour journey to Carlos III Island. Along the way you'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.

You'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. You might also see pods of inquisitive Peale's dolphins.

At 6.30pm you'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: Lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Eco Camp Carlos III


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

This morning you'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. You'll enjoy 8-10hrs navigating the fjords, channels and islands.

You'll be accompanied by scientists from the research base at Carlos III Island who will help with spotting and identification as you explore the fjords and get close to the whales. And possibly the rare Chilean dolphin.

Later you'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 you'll return to the island and Eco Camp Carlos III at 7:30pm for a farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch (freshly prepared onboard), dinner

Accommodation: Eco Camp Carlos III


Day 3: Rupert Island; Transfer to Punta Arenas

In the morning you'll commence your journey back to Punta Carrera. During this 8hr trip you'll sail around Rupert Island where we can observe a large colony of Magellanic penguins* (c. 19,000 individuals), South American sea lions, southern fur seals and Chilean skua.

Along the route, you will have more time to observe animals (including whales) before returning home.

You'll 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, lunch (freshly prepared onboard)

*Magellanic penguins: Due to their migration, they're in the area only until the end of February/beginning of March. Later in the season, it's not common anymore to see them.

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What our customers think of Humpback Whale Watching Adventure

Humpback Whale Watching Adventure trips scored 4.7/5 from 6 reviews

This is hard to answer because each place was outstanding. However, Alain and I agree that the Whalesound experience was number one...

Travelled: February 2024

Alain -

Highlight: whale watching Landscapes & wildlife: amazing, diverse, often overwhelming Great people, though not demographically diverse Have told family and friends to make this trip Some surprises with pickups, but most were good: service, activities Magic: horses in the evenings at Torres del Paine

Travelled: March 2021

Suzanne Zimmerman -

Highlight - Seeing humpack whale breaching. Viewing Maellanic penguins from the boat. Landscapes / wildlife - Gorgeous. Otherworldly. People - interesting, friendly. Don't have grandchildren. But if I did, I think I'd tell them about the penguins. Surprises - I was surprised that we actually got to see a whale breaching.

Travelled: March 2021

Susan Ferguson -

I cannot pick just one. When you finally reach the base of the Fitz Roy in Chalten and the Towers in Torres Del Paine one is struck with overwhelming emotion. Though cliche, no photo could possible display such beauty. There is a sense of real accomplishment. The time spent traveling the Strait of Magellan to Francisco Coloane III Island gives one time to reflect on just how remote your time spent seeing wildlife will be. Then there they are--the Whales. So amazing.

Travelled: February 2020

Connie -

Ringing in the new decade at EcoCamp

Travelled: January 2020

Alexa -

We had never seen whales, and were happy we saw as many as we did. And we got to see them jump! The weather turned out gorgeous much of the time - an unexpected pleasure.

Travelled: December 2019

Ann-Marie from the USA -

Review:

Whale Watching Adventure

Prices, Departures and Inclusions

The 2023/24 season price of USD $1,500 per person is based on double occupancy of a comfortable dome tent. 

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Book now to guarantee your place and price for the 2024-25 season.

We expect the operator’s rates to increase in the coming months, and we guarantee you will not pay more for your trip if you book before then. If the final rate is less than initially quoted to you, the lower rate will be honoured.

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Please contact us to discuss your preferred departure date. 

2024

2025

Start date Price (pp)
December 2024
15-Dec-2024 $1,500* Provisional Date Enquire
25-Dec-2024 $1,500 Provisional Date Enquire
January 2025
3-Jan-2025 $1,500* Provisional Date Enquire
17-Jan-2025 $1,500 Guaranteed Date Enquire
February 2025
17-Feb-2025 $1,500* Provisional Date Enquire
20-Feb-2025 $1,500 Guaranteed Date Enquire
23-Feb-2025 $1,500* Provisional Date Enquire
March 2025
7-Mar-2025 $1,500 Guaranteed Date Enquire
15-Mar-2025 $1,500* Provisional Date Enquire
April 2025
16-Apr-2025 $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, the weather and the whale activity.


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 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?