Custom Trip
Birding the Magellan Straits
Available year-round
TRIP TYPE
Full day
DURATION
10 hours
DEPARTING FROM
Punta Arenas
GROUP SIZE (MAX)
8 Guests
ABOUT THIS TRIP
Day trip from Punta Arenas
During this full day trip 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.
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.
If you have time in the area, why don’t you join our Birding the Patagonian Steppes day trip? This trip encompasses a totally different array of birds, wildlife and scenery.
PRICING FROM
USD 311
per person for 3+ guests · max 8 · custom departures
rEADY FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?
Itinerary in brief
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.
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.
We continue our journey exploring the Tres Puentes Wetland Reserve (Humedal Tres Puentes), a key area for waterbird observation in the Punta Arenas region. This wetland system provides exceptional habitat for a diverse array of waterfowl and aquatic species. Here we will survey freshwater ponds and marshy areas where we can expect to find Great and White-tufted Grebes, Crested Duck, Chiloe Wigeon, Yellow-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, and both Red-gartered and White-winged Coots.
The open skies above the wetlands are regularly patrolled by raptors including Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Aplomado Falcon. Carrion-eaters such as Chimango and Southern Caracaras are a common sight throughout the day, scanning the landscape for prey.
Later, we head in a northwesterly direction towards the scenic area of Río 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 towards 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.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP SPECIAL
Trip Highlights
Take in breathtaking views across the open water towards Tierra del Fuego Island as you travel along the shores of the mythical Strait of Magellan.
Search for two of the most iconic species of this tour: the spectacular Magellanic Woodpecker in the sub-Antarctic forest, and the Ruddy-headed Goose in its last stronghold on the South American continent.
Discover the diverse ecosystems surrounding the Strait of Magellan, from the sub-Antarctic forest to the wind-swept Patagonian steppe.
Enjoy an exceptional variety of landbirds, waterbirds, seabirds and Patagonian steppe birds throughout the day, as the route passes through a remarkable mosaic of coastal, wetland and woodland habitats.
PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Dates & Rates
| No. of Guests | Price per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| $684 | |
| $367 | |
| $311 |
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Trip inclusions & exclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Expert guide services throughout
- Private ground transportation during the tour
- Packed lunch
- Bottled water
- Spotting scope for guest use
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Tipping for restaurants and guides
- Travel insurance
- À la carte dishes, snacks, drinks
- Anything of a purely personal nature
- Alcoholic drinks
GALLERY
Wildlife & landscapes
Need help planning?
Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you prepare for this unforgettable expedition.