Strait of Magellan

The Strait of Magellan is a sea passage in southern Chile that links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, running between the South American mainland and Tierra del Fuego. Numerous islands and fjords line both sides of this waterway, while depth varies considerably depending on the section.

Ferdinand Magellan reached this passage in 1520 during his circumnavigation and thereby found a new route for European ships. Later expeditions and trade routes used the way until the Panama Canal in the 20th century offered an alternative for many voyages.

Several towns along the shore carry Spanish names, while earlier inhabitants like the Kawésqar used their own terms for waterways and coastal sections. Some traditional routes of these communities followed the channels and passed through areas now navigated by ships.

Vessels require a pilot due to strong currents and shifting weather that make navigation demanding. Travelers aboard should prepare for cool temperatures and changeable winds, especially in narrower sections.

The narrowest point measures roughly 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) across and is called Carlos III. Despite this short distance between shores, water there remains deep enough for larger ships.