Strait of Magellan, Natural sea passage in southern Chile.
The Strait of Magellan extends for 570 kilometers between mainland South America and Tierra del Fuego, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through Chilean territory.
Ferdinand Magellan led the first European expedition through this maritime route in 1520, initially naming it Estrecho de Todos los Santos before King Charles V renamed it.
Indigenous peoples including the Kawésqar, Tehuelche, Selk'nam, and Yaghan inhabited the lands adjacent to the strait for over 13,000 years before European contact.
Maritime piloting remains mandatory due to strong currents reaching 8 knots and varying depths from 28 to 1,080 meters throughout the passage.
The strait measures only 2 kilometers at its narrowest point while providing a shorter alternative to the Drake Passage for vessels traveling between oceans.
Location: Magellan and the Chilean Antarctic Region
GPS coordinates: -54.00000,-71.00000
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:09
Maritime straits are essential passages for navigation and global trade. These natural waterways between lands connect oceans and seas, allowing the movement of merchant ships and international maritime transport. From the English Channel to the Strait of Malacca, these passages are crucial for the maritime economy and commercial exchanges between continents.
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