San Félix Island
Island Uninhabited Pacific island off northern Chile
San Félix Island, one of Chile’s Desventuradas in the Atacama Region, is remote and lightly visited-known for seabird colonies, rich marine life and strict access controls to protect its ecosystem.
San Félix Island is one of the two main islands in Chile’s Desventuradas archipelago in the southeast Pacific Ocean, located off the northern Chilean coast. The island is remote, sparsely developed and not permanently populated by civilians, though Chile maintains a naval presence on the islands.
The island is volcanic in origin and important for seabird colonies and marine life in surrounding waters. There are no tourist facilities and landings are rare, typically limited to scientific, conservation or naval operations.
San Félix sits several hundred kilometres offshore of northern Chile in the Atacama/Valparaíso maritime region; the nearest major Chilean port cities are many hundreds of kilometres to the southeast on the mainland. Travel to the island is by military or research vessel on infrequent voyages.
- Administration and population: Part of the Desventuradas archipelago, the island is remote from the Chilean mainland and is administered from continental Chile with a small naval presence rather than a civilian settlement.
- Wildlife and access: The island supports nesting seabirds and marine biodiversity; access is irregular and generally limited to scientific or military visits rather than tourism.
How to Get to San Félix Island #
Access only by private or research vessel from ports in the Atacama Region (e.g., Caldera); trips require coordination with Chilean authorities and usually local fishing or research operators.
Tips for Visiting San Félix Island #
- If planning a landing, coordinate with Chile's Servicio Nacional de Pesca (SERNAPESCA) or local authorities - the island is remote and permits apply.
- Bring shelter: the Atacama's offshore islands are exposed to strong winds and cold marine air even in summer.
- Look for seabird colonies at dawn or dusk; many species roost on cliffs and offshore islets.
Best Time to Visit San Félix Island #
Best visited in southern summer when seas are calmer and access via charter boats from northern Chile is more reliable.
Weather & Climate near San Félix Island #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 13°C to 21°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with 44 mm of rain.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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