Desventuradas Islands

The Desventuradas Islands are a remote pair of small islands in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, administered from Chile. The two main islands are San Félix and San Ambrosio and they are notable for their isolation and colonial-era naming.

Both islands are largely uninhabited except for occasional Chilean naval or scientific presence and are important for seabird colonies and marine life. Visits are infrequent and generally regulated by Chilean authorities because of conservation and logistical constraints.

The Desventuradas lie several hundred to around eight hundred kilometres offshore from northern Chile in the Pacific and are among the country’s most remote territories.

• Access and wildlife: The islands are largely uninhabited, host important seabird colonies and are accessible only with permission from Chilean authorities due to their remoteness and conservation status.

What to See #

• San Félix: San Félix is the larger and more frequently visited of the pair, with steep cliffs and seabird nesting sites.
• San Ambrosio: San Ambrosio is smaller, more remote and similarly important for seabirds and marine life; both islands have no permanent civilian population apart from occasional Chilean personnel.