San Félix Island

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.

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.

• 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.