Pelagics into the Humboldt Current
Murphy said “I now belong to the higher cult of mortals for I have seen the albatross!”
If you want to belong to this cult, and enjoy one of the best pelagic experiences in the world, then you have to go on a pelagic trip on the Humboldt Current!
Seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters are species with a unique biology. In their wandering through the seas of the world they only touch firm ground for breeding. Thus, to see them up close it is necessary to embark on offshore pelagic trips to reach their feeding areas.
Chile has more than 4,000 kilometers of coastline and is considered as one of the best places in the world to do pelagic trips. The Humboldt Current was named after its ‘discoverer’, the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt; a cold and low-salinity ocean current emerging from the seabed off the coast of southern Chile and moving northward dragging nutrients even as far up as Ecuador, creating one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.
This huge rise of nutrients notably favors the observation of marine fauna. Exceptional trips have produced roughly 60(!) species of seabirds. With over half a dozen species of albatrosses, and multiple species of petrels, shearwaters, terns, diving-petrels, cormorants, gulls and terns.
The abundance of different species vary throughout the year, depending on each species’ reproductive strategy. Among the most commonly seen species off the coast of Valparaiso are: Black-browed, Salvin’s and Royal (Northern and Southern) Albatrosses, Northern Giant-Petrel, Cape, Juan Fernandez, White-Chinned and Westland Petrels, Sooty and Pink-Footed Shearwaters, Peruvian Diving Petrel, Inca Tern, Wilson’s (Fuegian) Storm-Petrel, Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins, Peruvian Booby, Guanay Cormorant and Peruvian Pelican. Among the more uncommon species we may see, are Masatierra Petrel, Chatham and Buller’s Albatross, and Southern Fulmar.
Our pelagics into the Humboldt Current last roughly 6 hours and a shared boat is scheduled in our calendar. Please see below.
Visit this link to see what time of year different species are seen.
PRICE PER PERSON:
- VALPARAÍSO: US$160
- ARICA: US$160
- IQUIQUE: US$180
This tour can also be booked as a private trip. Please contact our office staff to enquire about pricing.
Our pelagics into the Humboldt Current can easily be extended to include other day trips from Valparaíso or Santiago.
NEXT VALPARAÍSO SHARED DEPARTURES:
- January 10th, 2026
- February 07th, 2026
- March 14th, 2026
- April 25th, 2026
- May and July: No departures due to winter conditions.
- June 20th, 2026
- August 22nd, 2026
- September 26th, 2026
- October 25th, 2026
- November 14th, 2026
- November 28th, 2026
- December 19th, 2026
- January 09th, 2027
- February 13th, 2027
- March 20th, 2027
- April 27th, 2027
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Dates may vary depending on availability. Please refer to the updated calendar below. If a tour is listed as “private,” it means that a company or an individual passenger has booked the entire navigation for a private tour.
Clothing Suggestions
Weather conditions can change quickly at sea. On clear days, the sun’s radiation can be quite strong, so wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen is highly recommended. Early in the morning, if it is windy before the sun rises, temperatures can feel cold, so bringing an extra warm layer is advisable. A waterproof or water-resistant jacket and pants are ideal, as they help protect against wind and occasional sea spray in windier conditions.
What to bring
Do not forget to bring your binoculars. Although using them on a moving boat can be challenging, they are essential for enjoying close and detailed views of albatrosses and other seabirds.
If you are a photographer, this trip offers an excellent opportunity to capture stunning images of seabirds in their natural habitat. We recommend using a lens of 400 mm or less, as maintaining stability on the boat can be difficult and most birds will be close enough for this focal length to work perfectly.
For best results, shoot at shutter speeds above 1/1000 to ensure sharp images.
Keep in mind that offshore conditions can be unpredictable, and sea spray may occasionally reach the boat. Please take precautions to protect your optical and photographic equipment from moisture.
On the boat
The boat is open, with seating for all passengers, a small cabin where you can store backpacks and luggage, and a basic bathroom on board.
Life jackets are provided for every participant, and wearing them at all times is mandatory for your personal safety. The boat is also equipped with an additional lifeboat.
During the trip, we will use several buckets with bait (chum) and fish oil to attract seabirds closer to the boat, allowing for better viewing and photographic opportunities.
Dizziness/Sea Sickness
Even experienced sailors can sometimes feel dizzy at sea. Motion sickness is common, but there are several simple ways to reduce or prevent it:
Arrive well-rested.
Avoid alcohol the night before departure.
Eat light meals the night before and have only a light breakfast on the day of the trip.
Consider preventive medication. Options such as Dramamine or Mareamin can help, but we recommend consulting a doctor regarding proper dosage and possible side effects (such as drowsiness).
If you start feeling seasick, lying down or taking a short nap often helps relieve the symptoms.
Date change
If weather conditions are unsafe (heavy rain, dense fog, high waves, or strong winds), the vessel’s captain may decide to postpone the trip.
Participants have the option to request a full refund of their payment up to 10 days before the rescheduled departure date.
If we anticipate weather issues in advance, participants will be notified by email the day before departure, no later than 6:00 pm.
Cancellations due to lack of participants
If a trip does not meet the minimum number of participants, departures may be cancelled two days before the scheduled departure. In such cases, participants will be informed by email.
By following these tips, you can minimize discomfort and fully enjoy this unforgettable pelagic experience. Have a great trip!
We will depart from Pratt Port between 06:30 am to 7:00 am and return to the port around 12:00 hours to 13:00hrs, The trip lasts between 5 to 6 hours (depending on weather conditions). We appreciate being punctual as we cannot wait for late comers.
*Please check your email before 48hrs for final confirmation for the pelagic trip.
We will meet at the Muelle Arica docks (see map). The departure is scheduled between 6:30 am to 7:30 am (note this may vary depending on time of sunrise) and returning to port around 13:00 pm, depending on weather conditions. We ask everyone to be punctual in order to avoid delaying the departure and out of respect for the other participants (We cannot wait for latecomers).
*Please check your email before 48hrs for final confirmation for the pelagic trip.
We will meet at the Iquique’s port. The departure schedule is set for 6:30 am (note this may vary depending on time of sunrise) and returning to port at roughly 12:30 pm, depending on weather conditions.
*Please check your email before 48hrs for final confirmation for the pelagic trip.
Pelagic Calendar
Gallery
