Outings and excursions · Puerto Raúl Marín Balmaceda

Sea Tour at Raúl Marín Balmaceda

Text: Mónica Pons · Photos: Eduardo Epifanio

We went to the sea and discovered its vastness, its birds, some sea lion reserves and let ourselves be rocked by its powerful swell.

The presence of the sea and its vastness, the swelling of the tides and the winds of Raúl Marín Balmaceda, made us subject to this particular feature.

Getting ready next to the boat on a pebble beach

A bridge over the water and boats on the shore

Pelicans flying past the beacon on the lighthouse island

The islands under a heavy sky, seen through the branches

The sea at Raúl Marín Balmaceda at a glance

WherePuerto Raúl Marín Balmaceda, on the Palena River delta, Cisnes commune (Aysén Region, Chile)

Type of tourMotorboat trip, for sightseeing or for a day of fishing

What to seeThe lighthouse island, the sea lion island, Los Leones Island and the Pitipalena Fjord

SpeciesPelicans, sea lions, dolphins and coastal birds

A village that follows the sea

All the inhabitants are used to practicing activities conditioned by the weather. If sailing conditions are good, they set sail. Otherwise, they wait. Simple and clever at the same time.

The fishing lodge

We arrived in the fishing lodge and immediately felt as if we were at home. We placed our luggage at one of its comfortable cabins. We were ready to go on some of the many tours available in this area.

Outside, the cabins look just like local houses, with a nice lawn. Inside, the comfort of the best hotels and the coziness of feeling as if we were at home.

Setting sail

It was a great idea to start with a sea tour on one of the many watercrafts ready to show visitors around. As we had expected, it was a little windy and we had to wear warm clothes.

We left the fishermen’s pier behind, went past the ferry ramp and got deep into the various nooks familiar to the motorboat.

Staying under the canopy and peeping out our nose at times, we saw small islands and channels appear before our sight.

The lighthouse island and its pelicans

On our first contact with the sea, we could reach the lighthouse island, dwelled by pelicans. As we approached this site, hundreds of these birds soared up into a cloud of wings in sign of shyness before our presence.

The strength of the wind and the waves prevented us from advancing but we could spot the sea lions island, accessible only when the weather conditions are favorable. However, our tour continued towards other snug places.

Among rocks and beaches

There are plenty of possibilities. We went around areas with large rocks, where Hugo, our expert helmsman, chose the best route to go through safely.

The color of the water changed according to the light and the wind. We could see its different shades during the ride. As a result of stormy weather, the sea deposited branches and logs on many beaches.

A thousand nooks waiting

There exist other possibilities to sail around safe sites getting to know wonderful retreats: Los Leones Island, the Pitipalena Fjord. Likewise, wildlife watching is also recommended by the locals.

A night by the sea

In the evening, when everything was quieter, very comfortably we watched the sea from inside a hot tub next to our cabin. We enjoyed the well-known murmur of the waves breaking on the shore.

Afterwards, we had dinner with our hosts. We had a nice conversation and learned more about this Patagonian destination with matchless quality and coziness.

Such is this sea village: wild at times. Charming and generous always.