Wildlife & Photography

Summary

Chile and Argentina boast rich marine ecosystems that support a diverse marine life and in Patagonia the vast grasslands and rugged terrain is home to iconic species such as the majestic Andean condor and the elusive puma.

Despite its incredible diversity of animal life, the animal we are most often asked about is penguins. Penguins’ distinctive tuxedo-like plumage, waddling gait and comical antics make them endearing and charismatic. Their adaptation to life in extreme environments, such as the icy waters of Antarctica or the rocky shores of remote islands, captivates people’s imaginations and inspires admiration for their resilience and survival skills. Additionally, penguins exhibit fascinating social behaviors, such as mate selection, parental care and communal nesting which offer insights into complex social dynamics and relationships. 

The coastlines in the south offer opportunities to see various penguin species including the cute Magellanic ‘burrowing’ penguins, the statuesque King Penguins and further north in Chiloe the Humboldt penguin. You can even see gentoo penguins off the coast of the Argentine Tierra del Fuego. Many of these colonies are inhabited seasonally so if seeing penguins in the wild is important to you, we can discuss the best location and trip timing to maximise sightings.

For other marine life in Chile, visitors can encounter an array of species including sea lions, fur seals and South American sea otters. The waters around Chile are also frequented by various species of dolphins, such as the Chilean dolphin and Peale’s dolphin, as well as majestic whales like humpbacks, blue whales and the critically endangered Chilean blue whale.

In Argentina, the coastal areas offer opportunities to see an equally diverse range of marine species. Peninsula Valdes, in particular, is famous for its concentrations of southern right whales during their breeding season from June to December. Visitors can take boat tours to observe these gentle giants breaching and nursing their young in the sheltered waters of the peninsula. It is also well known for its population of Orcas or Killer Whales that are present in the waters all year but which can be found indulging in their peculiar hunting strategies of intentional beaching to catch seal pups during certain months of the year.

Additionally, elephant seals and sea lions can be found along the Argentine coast, particularly in areas like Punta Tombo and the Beagle Channel. The region also supports a rich diversity of seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels and terns, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

As for Antarctica, despite its harsh and extreme conditions the continent teems with life offering a glimpse into one of the most unique ecosystems on earth. Iconic species such as emperor penguins, Adélie penguins and chinstrap penguins thrive in the icy expanses where they brave the elements to breed and raise their young. Additionally, seals, including Weddell seals, crabeater seals and leopard seals inhabit the surrounding sea ice, while orcas and minke whales patrol the frigid waters in search of prey. Southern elephant seals  congregate on Antarctic beaches forming bustling colonies during the breeding season. Birds such as skuas, Antarctic petrels and albatross soar above the icy landscapes, adding to the region’s rich biodiversity.

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