What to see and do in the Straits of Magellan, Chile

Straits of Magellan in Chile is natural passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans

The Straits of Magellan is a navigable sea route in southern Chile separating the mainland of South America from Tierra del Fuego to the south. The Patagonian strait is considered the most important natural passage between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The strait is approximately 342 miles long and 1 mile wide at its narrowest point.

We passed through the Straits of Magellan on 1/26/2023 from the South Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and then into the Beagle Channel. While passing through the Straits of Magellan, we stopped and spent the day in Punta Arenas which is on the Chilean mainland. The weather was calm and mild in the straits until we were south of Punta Arenas. It then changed rapidly. The temperature dropped dramatically and high winds and heavy seas were encountered in the straits.

Ferdinand Magellan's Spanish expedition discovered the passage in 1520. It was known to and used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years prior to Magellan's discovery of it.

Looking for a place to stay? Click here for options.

Viator offers numerous tours in the Punta Arenas area. Click here for details.

Pictures from Straits of Magellan

The city of Punta Arenas from the Straits of Magellan.

Snow covered mountains in the Straits of Magellan.

An expedition ship in the Straits of Magellan.

Mountains in the Straits of Magellan.

Waterfall in the Straits of Magellan.

A ship in the Straits of Magellan.

Foggy weather in the Straits of Magellan.

Passing through a storm in the Straits of Magellan.