Magellanstrasse Francisco Coloane Meeresschutzgebiet

Birding the Magellan Straits |

Patagonian Sierra-Finch © Claudio F. Vidal, Far South Expeditions

Birding the Magellan Straits |

Magellan Straits birding tour | Day tours from Punta Arenas, Chile

Magellan Straits Birding Tour. During this full day in Patagonia, we will concentrate on the birds and wildlife of the Sub-Antarctic woodlands, the wetlands and coastal areas of the Magellan Straits and the fringes of the Patagonian fjordland. Key areas to be visited include: San Juan Bay, Tres Puentes Reserve and Rio Verde.

If you have time in the area, why don’t you join our Birding the Patagonian Steppes day trip, encompassing a totally different array of birds, wildlife and scenery.

On this full day birding journey along the mythical Straits of Magellan, we will explore a great variety of habitats; from the Patagonian shorelines and wetlands, to sub-Antarctic woodlands and part of the western Patagonian Fjordland. We will discover the birdlife of Patagonia and its many endemic species, including the Lesser Rhea, Andean Condor and Magellanic Woodpecker plus a large array of waterfowl and range-restricted passerines. This trip includes private transportation and the services of an experienced birding guide. This tour is highly recommended for cruise passengers with limited time at the port of Punta Arenas. Magellan straits birding tour.

Day tour from Punta Arenas, Chile

Patagonia birdwatching trips

Detailed Itinerary and Activities

Your birding guide will be meeting you at your hotel in Punta Arenas or at the docks, in case you are a cruise passenger. Right after, you will be heading south along the coastal road in direction to San Juan Bay. On route we will survey some freshwater ponds where we will be rewarded by a wealth of waterbirds including Great and White-tufted Grebes, Crested Duck, Chiloe Wigeon, Yellow-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Red-gartered and White-winged Coots, among several others. Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Aplomado Falcon are sometimes seen hovering in these places in search of its prey; carrion-eaters such as Chimango and Southern Caracaras will be a common sight throughout the day as well. Magellan straits birding tour

At San Juan Bay we will explore the southern beech (Nothofagus) forests searching for some of its specialties including Austral Parakeet, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, White-throated Treerunner, Magellanic Tapaculo, Patagonian Sierra-Finch, Austral Blackbird and the striking Magellanic Woodpecker. From the shoreline, we will be scanning the waters of the Magellan Straits; it is very likely that we will see Black-browed Albatrosses, Southern Giant Petrels, Flightless and Flying Steamer-Ducks, Chilean Skuas, Dolphin, Kelp and Brown-hooded Gulls as well as South American Terns. Peale’s Dolphins, South American Sea Lion and Southern Fur Seal are potential marine mammals to observe today. Also, there is a great chance that we will see all the southern Chloephaga geese species, including Upland, Kelp. Ashy-headed and the local and scarce Ruddy-headed Goose.

Later, we will head back to Punta Arenas and explore in direction north-west towards the scenic area of Rio Verde, the beginning of the western Patagonian Fjordland. Our main goal here will be to see Andean Condors literally soaring above the Fitz Roy Channel. Black-necked Swans, Imperial Cormorant and Magellanic Oystercatcher are usually seen here. Back to Punta Arenas, we will be driving across the steppe and we will stop along the way for Chilean Flamingo and Guanaco, the wild ancestor of the Llama.

Note: Your guide will bring a spotting scope for your use during the trip. Magellan straits birding tour

Rates & Conditions

Rates

Day Tour

Available year-round.

Meet/Depart

Daily departures from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Duration

Approximately 10-12 hours | Pick-up time at the hotel / Punta Arenas port 7-9 am.

Trip Code	PUQ03
No. of Guests	2	3	4	5	6+
Price per person (USD)	$378	$278	$350	$298	$250
Trips are guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 participants. Maximum group size of 7 participants. Ask for price for 1 single passenger.

The above prices are per person in US Dollars. All payments are in US Dollars.

What the trip includes/excludes

The trip price includes: Private transportation and guide services during the tour, packed-lunch and mineral water. VAT of the tour is also included.

The trip price excludes: Tipping, travel insurance, a la carte dishes, alcoholic drinks, and anything else of a purely personal nature.

Tour Registration

To book this tour, please complete the online registration form and pay a deposit of US$100 per person. Full payment of the tour fee is due 60 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$ 100 is refundable.

• If cancellation is made between 120 and 60 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 60 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.