Robinson Crusoe Island Explorer

Today we will explore Juan Fernandez National Park (and World Biosphere Reserve) and its hills covered with Fernandezian forests, looking for the two endemic land birds of the island: the gorgeous Juan Fernandez Firecrown and the Juan Fernandez Tit-tyrant. Also we will look for Austral Thrush, Short-eared Owl and the endemic race of the American Kestrel. The Fernandezian forest has sub-tropical characteristics and is the only of its kind located within Chilean territory. It holds a large floristic diversity comprising 135 endemic species. However, this diverse forest ecosystem face serious conservation threats. Nearly 20 species are represented by a population consisting of less than 25 individuals! And even some of them, as is the case of Robinsonia berteroi, are in critical extinction risk as currently only one plant still survives. We will ascend towards the lookout of Alexander Selkirk; from here we will enjoy breathtaking vistas of the rugged topography of the island, including conspicuous jagged peaks such as Cerro Tres Puntas. From this viewpoint, Selkirk was constantly inspecting both coasts of the island, looking out for the appearance of any ship.
Overnight at Refugio Nautico, San Juan Bautista. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

The subtropical marine ecosystem around the island is biologically very productive and favors excellent feeding conditions for a diverse array of resident pelagic seabirds; many of them are long-range visitors coming from sub-Antarctic islands off New Zealand and even from Antarctic latiudes. This remote archipelago attracts the attention of the experienced sea birder, as it is renowned as the nesting location of some of the world’s rarest petrels and shearwaters. We will be looking for pelagic birds including four species of Pterodroma or gadfly petrels including the Juan Fernandez, De Filippi’s, Stejneger’s and Kermadec. To seek the Pink-footed Shearwater, we shall visit the coastal cliffs during the afternoon when these birds return from their long daily feeding trip to attend to their nestlings. Other seabirds will include Antipodean Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant Petrel, White-bellied Storm-Petrel and Sooty Tern. Our trip along the coastline will provide excellent opportunities to observe the endemic, and formerly almost extinct Juan Fernandez Fur Seal. This eared seal, endemic to the islands, was literally at the edge of extinction. Since the late XVIII until the beginning of the XIX centuries, several million individuals of this seal were hunted for its fur, and eventually in 1824, was considered extinct. Fortunately, a small colony was discovered in 1965 and to this date, its population has steadily increased in numbers, now being regarded at a low conservation risk.
Overnight at Refugio Nautico, San Juan Bautista. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

We will keep exploring the Fernandezian forests to study its wealth of endemic plants. We will walk this time to the dense and pristine woodlands of Plazoleta El Yunque, with commanding views to the impressive mountain that surround this flank of the island.
Overnight at Refugio Nautico, San Juan Bautista. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)(Guide).

Today our adventure in Robinson Crusoe ends. We will head back to El Padre Bay by boat and from there we will fly back to Santiago. A transfer to your hotel in Santiago will be provided. (Breakfast, Lunch)(Guide)

Flights scheduled may vary depending on weather conditions and trip participants should be prepared to extend their stay in the island if weather conditions prevent return flights; consider this fact if you have flight combinations or additional trips after this program. Juan Fernandez Islands nature tour