Punta Arenas: Whale & Glacier Watching Cruise, Francisco Coloane

Summary

Whale watching, glaciers and wild Patagonia from Punta Arenas

You’ll feel Patagonia’s raw edge as you sail from Punta Arenas into Francisco Coloane Marine Park—spotting whales so close you can hear them breathe, watching glaciers spill into icy water, sharing hot coffee with fellow travelers and hearing local stories over lunch. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about feeling small—in a good way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d ever see a whale’s breath hanging in the cold morning air, but that’s what happened somewhere south of Punta Arenas, way before my second cup of coffee. We’d left town early—too early for my usual self—and by the time we reached the pier, my hands were already stiff from the wind. Our guide, Camila, handed out steaming mugs and grinned at our sleepy faces. “It’s always like this,” she said. I believed her.

The boat felt small compared to the open water—Strait of Magellan is no joke—but somehow cozy with everyone huddled in borrowed jackets. The sky was low and gray, and there was this salty tang in the air that stuck to your lips. We passed Fort Bulnes (Camila pointed it out; I almost missed it because a dolphin popped up right then) and then just… silence for a while except for gulls and someone quietly eating their sandwich too early. Suddenly, humpback whales—huge and weirdly gentle—surfaced so close you could hear them exhale. I got goosebumps (not just from the cold). The keyword “whale watching punta arenas” doesn’t really cover what it feels like when you lock eyes with something that old.

Later we drifted near Santa Inés Island, where blue-white glaciers slid down into dark water. It smelled sharp and mineral somehow—like snow melting on rocks. Magellanic penguins waddled along the shore looking like they owned the place (maybe they do). We saw sea lions too, all lazy confidence piled on black rocks. Lunch was simple but tasted good after hours outside—a hot meal with bread that steamed when you tore it open. Camila told us stories about Tierra del Fuego; I only caught half because I was watching cormorants dive for fish.

I still think about how quiet everything felt out there—just wind, water slapping against hull, sometimes nothing at all except your own thoughts running wild. If you’re looking for a day trip machu picchu cusco kind of rush but in Patagonia style, this is different: slower maybe, but it gets under your skin in its own way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whale and glacier watching cruise

• Travel by bus south of Punta Arenas
• Board the boat for full day cruise
• Sail through Strait of Magellan
• Visit Francisco Coloane Marine Park
• Observe humpback whales and sea lions
• See Magellan penguins and glaciers
• Enjoy fjords of Tierra del Fuego

Top questions

How long is the whale & glacier cruise from Punta Arenas?

The cruise lasts around 10 hours plus transfer time from Punta Arenas to the boarding point 50 km south of town.

Are meals included during the whale watching tour?

Yes, breakfast, coffee or tea, and lunch are included during your day on the boat.

What wildlife can I see on this tour?

You may spot humpback whales, sei whales, southern dolphins, oyster dolphins, sea lions, Magellanic penguins, petrels and cormorants.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from offices in Punta Arenas with bus transfer to boarding point included.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller and all fitness levels are welcome.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs about 50 kilometers south of Punta Arenas after a bus transfer from town.

Is this tour suitable for people with health conditions?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to remote location and conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes breakfast with coffee or tea as soon as you board near Punta Arenas after an early bus transfer; later there’s a hot lunch served onboard while sailing through Francisco Coloane Marine Park past glaciers and wildlife before returning in the evening.