




Kayak with Whales Punta Arenas
Paddle a kayak alongside humpback whales through the fjords and channels of Francisco Coloane Marine Park
New tour!
Briefing
Ready for an unforgettable kayaking adventure in Punta Arenas? Hop on the Kayak with Whales tour and paddle alongside humpback whales in the stunning Francisco Coloane Marine Park.
This one-of-a-kind experience is done in small groups and includes everything you need for safe kayaking in the legendary waters of the Strait of Magellan. We’ve got you covered with all the gear, navigation from Punta Arenas, transfers to the dock, and even breakfast and lunch on the boat.
With a bilingual guide and instructor (Spanish/English) leading the way, you’ll explore untouched landscapes teeming with marine life like sea lions, penguins, and southern birds. And the best part? Paddling right next to migrating humpback whales—your chances of seeing them up close are super high!
To top it all off, you’ll toast the day with a glass of whiskey chilled with ancient ice. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an epic day in Chilean Patagonia. Ready to paddle with the giants of the ocean? Let’s go!
Tour details
Included
- Complete kayak equipment (kayak, paddle, vest and waterproof overalls)
- Kayak instructor (Spanish/English)
- Sailing to the Francisco Coloane Marine Park sector.
- Onboard coffee service
- Bilingual Guide (Spanish/English)
- Breakfast and lunch
- Whiskey glass with millennial ice
- Roundtrip transportation from Punta Arenas
Not included
- Pick-up and Drop-off at the Hotel
- Other services not mentioned
Important information
🛶 Experience/Difficulty
The Punta Arenas Whale Kayaking tour is rated as medium-high difficulty. While previous kayaking experience is not required, it is recommended. When booking, please indicate your kayaking experience level so the instructor can tailor the experience to your needs:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Expert
🛑 Essential Requirements:
- Must know how to swim.
- Be in good physical shape.
- Participants must be over 18 years old.
🚫 Restrictions:
- Not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with reduced mobility.
- Maximum height: 6'6".
- Maximum weight: 220 lbs.
- Maximum hip diameter: 18".
📅 Season and Availability:
The Kayak with Whales Punta Arenas tour runs from October 1 to March 31, with departures scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
If you're visiting Punta Arenas on other days, contact us to check for available tours.
🌤 Weather Conditions:
Tour departures depend on weather conditions.
If the tour is canceled due to weather, refund policies outlined in the Cancellation Policy section will apply.
If weather conditions worsen during the tour after departure, the captain has the authority to cancel and return to the dock. In such cases, reaching Cape Froward is guaranteed.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Cancellation due to weather conditions
- If the activity is canceled prior to departure we will refund 100% of the amount paid.
- If the activity is canceled during the tour:
- If only the land transfer to the embarkation sector takes place and weather conditions prevent navigation, you will be refunded 90% of the amount paid.
- If the weather conditions allow sailing and after sailing, the weather worsens, the captain will have the power to decide to return to the point of disembarkation. In this situation, we will reimburse 50% of the amount paid.
Tour itinerary
Whale Kayaking Punta Arenas
Duration of tour: 12-14 hours.
Duration of navigation: 10 hours.
Duration of kayaking activity: 2 hours
Difficulty level: medium-high
Meeting in Punta Arenas
We’ll kick off the day at 4:00 a.m. at the designated meeting point in the port area of Punta Arenas, near Muelle Prat. You’ll receive the exact location with your reservation confirmation. Once there, you’ll complete your registration and hop on the minibus that will take you to the pier at Bahía Carrera—a ride that takes about 50 minutes.
Meeting at Bahía Carrera
If you’d rather drive yourself or have your own vehicle, you can meet us directly at the dock in Bahía Carrera. The meeting time there is 5:00 a.m., and the tour will start right from the pier.

Sailing Departure from Bahía Carrera
Once aboard the boat, your journey through the legendary Strait of Magellan to the Francisco Coloane Marine Park begins. Sit back, relax, and get ready for an incredible adventure.
Cape Froward
Your first landmarks include Fort Bulnes, San Isidro Lighthouse, Mount Tarn, and Indian Bay, as you sail toward Cape Froward, the southernmost point of mainland South America. This part of the trip takes about 1.5 hours.
From Cape Froward, the navigation continues for another 2 hours toward Francisco Coloane Marine Park. Along the way, you’ll pass Cape Holanda, Rupert Island, and Carlos III Island, offering glimpses of untouched Patagonian beauty.
And just like that—we’ve arrived!

Entrance to the Francisco Coloane Marine Park
As you enter the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Patagonian wilderness. From the boat, you’ll spot an array of wildlife, including sea lions, petrels, cormorants, and southern dolphins, all surrounded by dramatic landscapes of towering mountains, glaciers, and lush forests.
Shang Pass
Around 10:00 a.m., the boat will reach Shang Pass, where the adventure takes an exciting turn. Here, you’ll transfer from the catamaran to a zodiac boat, and the instructors will prepare all the equipment. It’s time to embark on one of the most incredible experiences imaginable—kayaking alongside humpback whales in the heart of Patagonia.

Kayaking with Humpback Whales
The entire kayaking experience lasts about three hours, including the time for disembarking from the catamaran to the zodiac at the start and returning at the end. Before getting into the kayaks, your instructors will give a detailed safety briefing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Once on the water, you’ll paddle for approximately two hours, surrounded by the breathtaking Patagonian landscape. Follow your instructor's guidance to make the most of this incredible activity.
The chances of seeing whales up close from your kayak are very high. This is because the tour is scheduled during the summer months, the peak migration season when humpback whales head to the South Pole in search of food. Get ready for an unforgettable encounter with these majestic giants!

Return to the Catamaran - Lunch
Around 1:30 p.m., you’ll return to the catamaran, still buzzing from the excitement of kayaking with whales. Once back on board, you’ll be treated to a delicious local lunch (included in the tour) to refuel and relax as you soak in the stunning surroundings.
After lunch, the journey back to the city begins. You’ll sail for approximately 3.5 hours through the iconic waters of the Strait of Magellan before arriving at Bahía Carrera, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Return to Punta Arenas
As you sail back, take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences of the day while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of this remote and untamed corner of Patagonia. You’ll arrive at Bahía Carrera around 4:30 p.m.
- If you started your tour in Bahía Carrera, this marks the end of your kayaking adventure in the Strait of Magellan.
- If your day began in Punta Arenas, you’ll board the minibus for the 50-minute drive back to the city. Expect to arrive in Punta Arenas around 5:30 p.m., concluding an unforgettable journey.

What to bring to Kayak with Whales Punta Arenas tour
The tour includes the complete kayaking equipment, which includes a life jacket and a waterproof suit. However, it is important that you also bring the appropriate warm clothing for the tour, as well as a hat and gloves. From Howlanders we recommend you to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Fleece type warm clothes (Polartec or similar)
- Hat
- Gloves (it is recommended that they are also waterproof)
- Sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Backpack or small bag
- Water
- Personal documentation
- Camera (we recommend to bring protection, especially if you are traveling with professional photographic equipment).
Where does the tour Kayak with Whales Punta Arenas start
The tour starts and ends at the meeting point located in the port area of Punta Arenas, near the Prat Pier. We will indicate the exact location in the confirmation of your reservation. The tour includes the transfer to and from the city of Punta Arenas to the pier located in Bahia Carrera, 50 km south of the city (50 minutes).
If you prefer and you have your own vehicle, you can start and end the tour directly in Bahia Carrera.
Plan your trip with this guide on how to get to Punta Arenas. Explore all routes and transport options.
Questions & Answers
Can I Do the Kayak with Whales Tour in Punta Arenas with children?
The minimum age to participate in the kayaking activity is 18 years old. However, children under 18 can still join the tour but will need to remain on the catamaran while the kayaking activity takes place.
If you’re traveling with children under 18 and would like to book this tour, please contact us for more details.
At Howlanders, we recommend considering the Whale Watching & Glaciers Punta Arenas - Full-Day Boat Tour that is suitable for all ages and perfect for families.
Is previous kayaking experience necessary for the Kayak Tour in Punta Arenas?
No, previous kayaking experience is not required. This tour is designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced paddlers. Before starting, you’ll receive clear instructions and safety guidelines, and you’ll be accompanied by expert guides throughout the experience to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
What’s included in the Punta Arenas Kayak with Whales Tour?
The tour includes everything you need for a safe and unforgettable experience:
- Complete kayaking equipment: Life jacket, waterproof suit, paddle, and double kayak.
- Transfers: From Punta Arenas to the pier and back.
- Meals on board: Breakfast and lunch.
- Navigation: To the Francisco Coloane Marine Park.
- Bilingual guide: Spanish/English.
- Instructor: Expert guidance throughout the activity.
- Special treat: A glass of whiskey with millenary ice to toast the adventure.
Do you provide all the necessary equipment, oncluding the Waterproof Suit?
Yes, we provide everything you need for a comfortable and safe experience, including a waterproof suit, life jacket, paddle, and double kayak. Just bring your sense of adventure!
What clothes should I bring or prepare in advance?
We recommend wearing the following to stay warm and comfortable:
- Thermal clothing (base layers).
- Thick socks.
- Gloves.
- A wool hat.
- Sunglasses to protect against glare.
- A waterproof jacket for added protection.
Additionally, bring a change of dry clothes to have on hand at the end of the tour, just in case.
What happens if the weather conditions are not favorable for kayaking?
If the weather conditions are not suitable for safely conducting the tour, we will:
- Reschedule your tour for another available date.
- Or, if rescheduling is not possible, offer a refund in accordance with our cancellation policy.
Your safety is our priority, and we’ll ensure you’re informed of any changes promptly.
Where and at what time is the meeting point?
The meeting point is located in the port area of Punta Arenas, near Muelle Prat, at 4:00 a.m.. The exact location will be provided upon confirmation of your reservation.
Are transfers to and from my accommodation in Punta Arenas included?
No, this tour does not include transfers to or from your accommodation in Punta Arenas. However, it does include transfers from the meeting point in Punta Arenas to the pier and back. You’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the meeting point on your own.
Can I go directly to the pier if I have my own transportation?
Yes, if you have your own vehicle, you can go directly to the dock at Carrera Bay. The meeting time at the pier is 5:00 a.m., and you’ll start the tour from there.
Is it safe to kayak near whales?
Yes, kayaking near whales is safe. The tour is conducted under strict safety measures, and our experienced guides ensure that participants maintain a safe distance from the animals at all times. This approach prioritizes both your safety and the well-being of the whales.
What is the total duration of the experience?
The entire experience lasts approximately 12 to 14 hours, depending on whether you start the tour in Punta Arenas or directly at Bahía Carrera. This includes all activities, transfers, and navigation.
Kayak with Whales Punta Arenas tour reviews with Howlanders
Other tours that might interest you from Chile
- NEW TOUR!(3 reviews)Punta Arenas, Chile1 daySpanish and EnglishFree cancellation!
- NEW TOUR!(1 reviews)Punta Arenas, Chile1 daySpanish and EnglishFree cancellation!
- NEW TOUR!(1 reviews)Punta Arenas, Chile1 daySpanish and EnglishFree cancellation!
- Punta Arenas, Chile1 daySpanish - EnglishFree cancellation!
Other travelers also booked
- TRAVELER´S CHOICE ✅(106 reviews)Puerto Natales, Chile5 daysSelf-guidedFree cancellation!
- TRAVELER´S CHOICE ✅(48 reviews)Puerto Natales, Chile1 daySpanish and EnglishFree cancellation!
- TRAVELER´S CHOICE ✅(97 reviews)Puerto Natales, Chile1 daySpanish and EnglishFree cancellation!
- RECOMMENDED 🥇(88 reviews)El Calafate, Argentina1 dayEnglish and SpanishFree cancellation!