For many explorers, there is only one way to experience the Strait of Magellan: gliding just inches above its storied waters. Here, epic encounters with wildlife — from penguins to dolphins — are at the top of the itinerary, as you kayak your way through legendary channels, islands and fjords surrounded by ice-capped mountains and lush forests.
Named after the Portuguese navigator who navigated these waters in the 16th century, the Strait of Magellan is one of the most breathtaking channels in the world. At about 560 kilometers (350 miles) and 3 to 32 kilometers wide (1.2 to 20 miles), this waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between mainland South America and the island of Tierra del Fuego. Up until the completion of the Panama Canal in 1914, the Strait of Magellan provided the only safe passage across oceans.
Today, the Strait combines adventure and scenic wonder for those ready to embrace its unique allure at sea level.
The best time to visit the Strait of Magellan is during austral summer from December to March. The warmer days offer ideal conditions for breeding and seasonal migration among birds and marine mammals, providing a magical opportunity for tour-goers to encounter nature in all its glory.
As you glide across the water, be on the lookout for pods of Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins. Frequent travelers of the Strait, these mammals are unique in their bold bi-colored appearance. Watch them spin, twist and leap in an awe-inspiring demonstration of their playful personalities.
Then, cast your eyes to the sky, where birds are aplenty. Magellan geese pairs can be easily identified by their distinct colors. Males boast a stark white head and neck, while females have a reddish-brown hue. Together, their patterned wings are mesmerizing to watch in flight. Seagulls and cormorants can also be found soaring along rugged coasts, diving into the water for small fish and kelp beds.
Not all birds take to the skies, of course. Expect to see Fuegian steamer ducks swimming along the Strait. Native to the region, these gray birds are the largest of their species, and although they are flightless, their small wings serve as the perfect paddles to propel them across the surface.
If weather permits, this waterway will lead you to thousands of Magellanic penguins that inhabit rocky Magdalena Island. Magellanic penguins are highly social and monogamous for life. You can expect to see the penguins tottering about, tending to their young, interacting with each other and hunting small fish in the Strait.
Before embarking on your kayaking expedition, remember that preparation is key. Dress in your swimsuit under a cover-up or shorts and pack all your outdoor essentials, including sunglasses, hats, towels, sunscreen, beach shoes and a change of dry clothes. The weather can change at any moment during the day, so it’s best to layer up. And don’t forget to grab your camera or a pair of binoculars to capture the beauty of wildlife from a safe distance. When you’re out on the water, there’s no shortage of impressive sightings to behold.
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