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Stan Shebs CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park

National Park

Chile's remote Diego Ramírez Islands and surrounding Drake Passage are protected for seabird colonies, penguins and marine life; visitors reach them on expedition cruises for high-latitude wildlife viewing and ocean crossings.

Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park SantiagoSan Pedro de AtacamaTorres del Paine National ParkValparaísoPucónPuerto VarasDiego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park
In this guide

Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park essentials

Country: Chile
Pay in: Peso ($)
Emergency: 133

Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park at a Glance

Things to Do

Nearby Attractions to Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park

If logistics allow, austral summer (Dec-Mar) is the only practical visiting season.

Austral Summer
December-March · -2-5°C
Least sea ice and best window for expedition vessels; long daylight hours.
Austral Winter
June-August · -10-0°C
Extreme conditions; access is effectively impossible for most visitors.

Weather & Climate near Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park

Climate
Air Quality: AQI 15 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-5°
Coldest Month
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park

Diego Ramirez Islands are remote and reached only by specialized expedition vessels sailing from southern Chile. Travel requires careful planning with licensed polar expedition operators and coordination with Chilean authorities for permits and transport.

Tips for Visiting Diego Ramirez Islands & Drake Passage National Park

  • This park is extremely remote-expedition-level planning, permits and marine safety measures are essential.
  • Sea conditions in the Drake Passage are notoriously rough; only experienced operators should attempt transit.
  • Wildlife watching is seasonal; polar birds and marine mammals are most easily seen during austral summer.