Ferries & Boat Connections
Chile by Ship
Chile's rugged coastline, fjords, and islands make ferries an essential mode of transport — especially in the south, where roads often end and only boats can continue.
Important Ferry Connections
| Route | Operator | Duration | Price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pargua → Chacao (Chiloé) | Cruz del Sur / Transmarchilay | 30 Min. | Passengers free, car 30,000 CLP | Every 30 Min., no reservation needed |
| Puerto Montt → Chaitén | Naviera Austral | 10h (night ferry) | From 20,000 CLP (passenger) | 3x/week, cabins bookable. Book in advance! |
| La Arena → Caleta Puelche (Carretera Austral) | Naviera Austral | 30 Min. | Car + passengers 25,000 CLP | Every 45 Min. in summer |
| Puerto Natales → Puerto Montt | Navimag | 3–4 days | From 350,000 CLP (shared cabin) | Legendary fjord journey! Every 2 weeks |
| Punta Arenas → Porvenir (Tierra del Fuego) | Tabsa | 2h | From 8,000 CLP (passenger) | Daily, weather-dependent |
Navimag Ferry: Puerto Natales → Puerto Montt
The Navimag fjord journey is one of Chile's great adventures: 3–4 days through the Chilean fjords, past glaciers, uninhabited islands, and dolphins. It's not a cruise (more like a cargo ship with passenger cabins), but that's what adds to its charm: simple food, communal areas, views of one of the most untouched coastlines in the world. The route passes through the Golfo de Penas (Gulf of Sorrows — the name says it all, rough seas!), the Canal White, and the Canal Messier. Book months in advance — especially the shared cabins sell out quickly.