Whales of the Magellan Straits

(5 days / 4 nights)

This is a fascinating journey designed to discover one of the best-kept secrets of this imposing region of southern Patagonia: Carlos III Island and its transient and conspicuous inhabitants, the Humpback Whales. During this journey we will sail through a significant part of the Straits of Magellan, and have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history (and pre-history) of the Fuegians, the early explorers of the Patagonian fjörds, and we will be also in the wake of Darwin and Fitz Roy, who explored this archipelagic area in the 1830s. This is a true expedition to see the natural history of the heart of Patagonia, aboard the S/S Chonos.

Professional in all aspects from organization to superb guides, Fantástico Sur leads the pack for South American travel.

 

- Dr. Noble S. Proctor, USA
Chile trips 2004, 2005, and 2006

Arrival
Punta ARenas

After your arrival to Punta Arenas airport you will be transferred to the pier to board the S/S Chonos, our comfortable base for the following four nights. Then, we will initiate our sailing journey in the Straits of Magellan, and will see many historic features including Port Famine, San Nicholas Bay, and the huge island of Tierra del Fuego and the distant snowy peaks of Darwin's Range, the terminal portion of the mighty Andes. Every evening, our captain will find the perfect spot to set anchor and enjoy dinner and overnight amidst this magnificent and pristine landscapes.

O/N S/S Chonos.

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Carlos III Island
Straits of Magellan

During these three full days we will explore the waters of the western branch of the Straits of Magellan. The coast is very rugged and covered by dense Nothofagus forests and there are many unnamed coves, mountains and glaciers. This is the place chosen by a population of migratory Humpback whales, which actively feed and interact here, without even noticing our presence while displaying. The crew of Chonos is highly experienced in making approaching maneouvres and we will be delighted to see these magnificent animals feeding using different techniques at very close quarters. It is very interesting to see individual markings such as the coloration of the flukes. We will soon learn to identify some individuals and even create our own small catalogue by taking pictures of them. We will be delighted with the animal diversity of the area as we will see intriguing birds such as Magellanic penguins, Black-browed Albatrosses and Flightless Steamer-Ducks and other marine mammals including two species of eared seals: South American Sea Lion and Southern Fur Seal.

O/N S/S Chonos.

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Punta Arenas

After seen these mighty giants by last time, we will set sail and head back to Punta Arenas. We will turn northwards at the imposing Cape Froward and will see the imposing cross which signs the end of the American continent; all the territories located south is a labyrinth of islands and channels.

 

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Extensions

Whales of the Straits of Magellan can be combined with the following optional extension:

. Mammals of Chilean Patagonia (13 days/12 nights), comprehensive journey to discover the land and marine mammal specialties of Chilean Patagonia, visiting Chiloe Island and Torres del Paine National Park.

Dates & Prices

This program is operated as a scheduled departure (leaving on a set date).

Main Trip:5 days / 4 nights
Meet/Depart:Punta Arenas, Chile.
Group Size:Maximum of 5 participants.

Trip A: Fri Mar 21 - Tue 25, 2008

RATES:
TBA per person in double occupancy.
The above price is per person in US$, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement (TBA) will be added if single accommodations are requested or forced.

The trip price includes:
All accommodations, meals and guide services as stated in the itinerary, private ground transportation during the tour, plus park entrance fees.

The trip price excludes:
Tipping, travel insurance, à la carte dishes, snacks, drinks, laundry, telephone calls and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Do you want us to arrange your flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas?
Domestic flights Santiago - Punta Arenas - Santiago (approximately US$ XXX-XXX / £ XXX-XXX per person).
Duration of the flight: Santiago - Punta Arenas (c. 4 hours).



TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the FANTASTICO SUR registration form and return it (by fax or email) with a deposit of US$ 700 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 90 days prior to tour departure.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Notice of cancellation can only be accepted IN WRITING from the person who signed the booking form and takes effect on the day such noticed is received by us.
Refunds are made according to the following schedule:
If cancellation is made 120 days or more before departure date, the deposit less US$ 300 / £ 155 is refundable. If cancellation is made between 120 and 90 days before departure, the deposit is not refundable, but any payments covering the balance of the fee will be refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 90 days before departure date, no refund is available. This policy and fee schedule also applies to pre-trip and post trip extensions, as well as any transfers from one tour to another. We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance to protect yourself.