Hermite Islands

The Hermite Islands are a small group of subantarctic islands at the southern tip of Chile, within the Cape Horn Archipelago in the Region of Magallanes. They form part of Chile’s extreme southern archipelago and lie in a remote, windswept maritime zone.

The islands are visited mainly as part of expedition cruises and scientific outings rather than by casual tourists. Sea cliffs, rocky shores and nearby waters support seabird colonies and marine mammals; there are no developed visitor facilities.

The islands have been part of Chilean territory since the 19th century and were charted during European exploration of the southern seas. They have long been used only intermittently by sailors and researchers due to their exposed location and harsh weather.

Situated within the Cape Horn Archipelago off the southern coast of Tierra del Fuego, the Hermite Islands lie in the Drake Passage / Southern Ocean region at the southern extremity of South America. The nearest inhabited landing points require sea travel from settlements in southern Chile.

• Access: Accessible only by sea; most visits arrive on expedition or local supply boats rather than regular ferries.
• Wildlife: Part of the Cape Horn maritime environment and important for seabirds and marine mammals, including breeding seabird colonies and nearby penguin and seal sites.

Access only by expedition cruise from southern Chilean ports such as Punta Arenas; voyages run in the austral summer when weather and sea ice are at their mildest.

• Visit as part of a specially arranged expedition or cruise-weather and sea conditions govern access
• Bring layered, windproof clothing-the Southern Ocean has little patience for unprepared visitors
• Allow extra days in the itinerary for the inevitable weather delays in extreme southern latitudes