Animals in Patagonia: The wildlife you can see on your trip

September 17, 2026

Chilean Patagonia is one of the few places in the world where you can see, on a single trip, dolphins swimming beside the ship, condors soaring over the mountains and penguins in their natural habitat. Its geographic isolation and low human population density have kept much of its biodiversity practically intact.

Chilean Patagonia is home to a great diversity of terrestrial species, birds, and marine fauna. During your trip, you may encounter some of the most representative species of this region, although sightings may vary depending on the time of year, location, and travel conditions.

- Huemul, a native deer species endangered and the symbol of Chile's national coat of arms.

- Puma, found in steppe and pre-Andean areas, although sightings are infrequent.

- Guanaco, common in the Patagonian steppe, especially in the Magallanes region.

- Culpeo fox and chilla fox, both common in various southern ecosystems.

- Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world.

- Wandering albatross, common in the open sea sections of the Patagonian route.

- Petrels, visible flying over the channels for much of the journey.

- Black-necked swan, common in wetlands and protected coastal areas.

- Southern right whales and porpoises, frequently sighted in the Patagonian channels.

- Sea lions, present on rocky shores along the entire route.

- Whales (humpback, sei, and, to a lesser extent, blue), especially in seasonal feeding areas.

- Magellanic penguins, in coastal colonies of southern Chile.

Wildlife viewing in Patagonia doesn't depend on a single location, but rather on the type of ecosystem you explore: the Magellanic steppe for guanacos and condors, the wetlands for waterfowl, and the channels and fjords for marine life.

Traveling by boat, as on the Navimag route between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales, allows you to experience several of these ecosystems in a single journey, with sightings possible from deck for much of the day.

Ecosystems present in Patagonia

- Native and temperate rainforests: Species such as the pudú and a high diversity of woodland birds.

- Patagonian steppe: Guanacos, condors, and birds of prey.

- Wetlands, lakes, and rivers: Swans, wild ducks, and other waterfowl.

- Marine and coastal ecosystems: Dolphins, sea lions, whales, and penguins.

Observing wildlife in its natural habitat also means being mindful of your presence and ensuring it doesn't disturb their behavior. Here are some basic practices we recommend following during your trip:

- Always observe from a distance, without trying to approach or feed the animals.

- Avoid making loud noises in areas with marine life or bird colonies.

- Use binoculars or a camera zoom lens instead of physically approaching the animals.

- Always follow the instructions of the crew or guides during the trip.

The huemul, featured on Chile's national coat of arms, is classified as Endangered according to the Ministry of the Environment's Species Classification Regulations, with an estimated population of around 1,500 individuals nationwide, according to CONAF figures. A large part of this population is concentrated in protected wilderness areas of Aysén and Magallanes, including the area surrounding Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, where Puerto Edén is located.

Added to this is the retreat of glaciers in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, documented by research centers such as the Center for Scientific Studies (CECs), which is altering the freshwater ecosystems on which some of this fauna depends.

Organizations like Rewilding Chile actively work to protect Patagonian species and restore their habitats. As a traveler, the most direct way to contribute is to practice responsible tourism: maintain a safe distance, do not feed wild animals, and respect the protected areas along your route.

These are the most common questions about the wildlife you might encounter on your trip to Chilean Patagonia.

From mammals like the huemul, the guanaco and the puma, to birds like the Andean condor and marine species like dolphins, sea lions and whales.

Yes, especially in seasonal feeding areas within the Patagonian channels, although sightings are not guaranteed on all trips.

Primarily in coastal colonies in southern Chile and Magallanes, in specific nesting areas.

During the journey through the Patagonian channels, it is common to spot dolphins, sea lions, seabirds and, occasionally, whales, all from the ship's outer decks.

The best way to experience this biodiversity in its natural habitat is by sailing through its ecosystems. Discover the Navimag route between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales and join a journey where wildlife is an integral part of the everyday landscape.