Chañaral Island

Island Offshore island in Atacama Region, wildlife habitat

Off Chile’s Atacama coast, Chañaral Island receives boat trips for seabird and marine-mammal watching and short coastal excursions from the port town.

Main image
Chañaral Island
-29.0333, -71.5779

How to Get to Chañaral Island #

Boat access from coastal ports in the Atacama Region is the usual route. Trips are weather-dependent; small charter operators run excursions in calmer months.

Tips for Visiting Chañaral Island #

  • Bring sun protection and water - there are no facilities on smaller Atacama islands.
  • Be cautious of local wildlife-sea lions and seabirds may be aggressive when defending young.
  • Check with regional authorities about permitted landing zones-some islands are protected for breeding colonies.

Best Time to Visit Chañaral Island #

Best in the austral summer when sea conditions are most favorable for small-boat visits.

Southern Hemisphere Summer
December-March · 18-25°C
Warmer waters and calmer seas for boat access.
Autumn/Winter
April-November · 12-18°C
Cooler and windier with fewer tourist boat services.

Weather & Climate near Chañaral Island #

Climate

Chañaral Island's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 22°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
15° 22°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
15° 22°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
12° 19°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 17°

Weather

15 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 17°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
12° 19°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 21°

Weather

0 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Chañaral Island