Blue Whales in Chiloé

Conservation status of the blue whale

Unfortunately, despite being so admired, these whales are still one of the most endangered species. Although they are protected by law in many countries, they face a number of threats that endanger their long-term survival.

One of the main threats to blue whales is by-catch. This occurs when whales become trapped in fishing nets and cannot escape. This situation can be especially dangerous for them, as they can die from suffocation or from serious injuries.

Another threat to blue whales is increased maritime traffic. As boat traffic increases, whales run the risk of colliding with them, which can result in serious injury or even death. In addition, the noise produced by ships can disrupt the whales’ communication and hinder their ability to find food and reproduce.

What other cetaceans can be seen in Chiloé?

Cetaceans are a diverse group of marine mammals that include several species. They are divided into two subgroups: odontocetes (dolphins, porpoises, orcas, Chilean dolphins, etc.) and mysticetes (blue whales, humpback whales, southern right whales, etc.).

The coasts of southern Chile, in particular the Chiloé archipelago, are areas where several species of cetaceans are usually found, in addition to the enormous blue whale.

• Chilean Dolphin (Tonina): a small and thin dolphin species. Permanent residents along the shores of Chiloé, you can see them year round.
• Peale’s dolphin: A type of dolphin that is found in the cold and temperate waters of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. They are also permanent residents of the area, so they can be seen during different seasons.
• Narwhal porpoise: A cetacean that lives alone or in small groups in the cold and temperate waters of Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. Porpoises are similar to dolphins, but they are smaller, thinner and elongated with a small, distinctive protrusion on the head.

It is important to mention that these are just some of the cetacean species that can be found on the coasts of the Chiloé archipelago, and the presence of each species can vary depending on the season and the conditions of the marine ecosystem.

If you want the experience of watching these and other animals, Refugia Chiloé is an excellent option. Combine an all-inclusive stay with personalized excursions, luxurious cuisine and a full spa. When making your reservation, you can indicate your goal of wildlife spotting and getting to know the wonders of southern Chile.

Book now or contact our reservations team to start planning your stay.