The Fin Whales in Northern Chile: The Spirit of Chile’s Ocean

Chañaral de Aceituno: Home of the Fin Whale

The crew of Explorasub is on the boat
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @26mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 200 - f2.8 - 1/3200 sec

Chañaral de Aceituno is a small town located in the Atacama Region of northern Chile. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby ocean and desert landscapes. The town is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of birds and marine life. Visitors to Chañaral de Aceituno can enjoy a range of activities, camping, birdwatching, and whale watching. Overall, this unique destination offers a chance to experience the natural beauty of Chile's northern coast in a peaceful and secluded setting.

In addition to its stunning natural scenery, Chañaral de Aceituno is also home to a marine reserve which is dedicated to the conservation of the region's marine life. The reserve covers an area of approximately 10,000 hectares and is home to a variety of marine animals, including sea lions, dolphins, and the majestic Finn whale. The reserve was established in 1990 to protect the natural habitats of these animals and to ensure their long-term survival. Visitors to the reserve can take boat tours to see the marine life up close and learn more about the efforts being made to protect these incredible creatures. It's amazing to witness the Fin Whales in their natural habitat, and these tours provide an unforgettable experience that is both educational and inspiring.

The Importance of a Marine Reserve

Fin Whale
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm @500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/8 - 1/1600 sec

The establishment of marine reserves like the one in Chañaral de Aceituno is essential for the conservation of marine life. These reserves offer a safe and protected environment for marine animals to thrive and for their habitats to remain undisturbed. Without these reserves, marine life faces a range of threats, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. By establishing protected areas like the marine reserve in Chañaral de Aceituno, we can help to mitigate these threats and ensure the long-term survival of these incredible creatures.

In addition to providing a safe haven for marine life, marine reserves also offer a range of benefits for humans. They offer a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of our oceans up close, giving us a greater appreciation for the natural world and the need to protect it. By visiting and supporting marine reserves like the one in Chañaral de Aceituno, we can also help to support local communities and economies, as these reserves often provide a significant source of income through tourism.

Ultimately, the establishment of marine reserves like the one in Chañaral de Aceituno is crucial for the conservation of our oceans and the creatures that call them home. By supporting these reserves and raising awareness about their importance, we can all play a role in preserving the natural beauty and diversity of our planet's oceans for generations to come.

Location and Geography

Dunes near the marine reserve
DJI Mavic 2 pro - ISO 200 - f/8 - 1/400

Chañaral de Aceituno is located on the coast of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions in the world. Despite the arid landscape, the region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a variety of cacti and succulents, as well as various species of birds and marine life. The town itself is situated on a rocky coastline, with rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

One of the best spot for diving in Chile

Our captain César Villarroel
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/5 - 1/320 sec

Chañaral de Aceituno is also known for being one of the best spots for diving in Chile. The crystal-clear waters provide an incredible opportunity to explore the diverse marine life that inhabits the region. Visitors can see a range of species, including colorful fish, sea lions, sea otters (chungungos) and octopuses. Experienced divers can explore the nearby shipwrecks and underwater caves, while beginners can take lessons and explore the shallower waters (in Explorasub with César Villaroel). Regardless of your experience level, diving in Chañaral de Aceituno is a truly unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

César speaking with the scientist in our crew
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/4 - 1/320 sec

Leonie after diving
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 400 - f/5.6 - 1/800 sec

The Fin Whale is the Spirit of Chile’s Ocean

Three fin whales swimming together
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm @135mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/8 - 1/1600 sec

The fin whale is the second-largest animal on the planet and is considered (by me) to be the spirit of Chile's ocean. These majestic creatures migrate to the waters off the coast of Chañaral de Aceituno every year, making this marine reserve one of the best places in the world to see them up close. Observing these incredible animals in their natural habitat is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime and is a testament to the importance of protecting our oceans and the creatures that call them home.

This year, I had the opportunity to join a couple of diving trips with César. The tour took us near the natural habitat of magnificent creatures, giving us the chance to observe them closely. It was an unforgettable experience to witness these free whales up close, looking them in the eye. The sight of these gentle giants swimming gracefully in their natural habitat was truly awe-inspiring. Their majestic presence and purity left a deep impression on me.

The experience has also made me more aware of the importance of preserving the natural habitats of these magnificent creatures, and of the need to protect them from the negative impacts of human activities.

How to Photograph Fin Whales from a Boat

Fin Whale
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm @176mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/8 - 1/1600 sec

If you want to get great photographs of whales from a boat, there are a few tips that can help. First, it's important to have a good camera with a zoom lens that can capture the whales from a distance. Second, it's important to be patient and wait for the perfect moment to take the shot. Finally, it's important to respect the whales and their natural habitat, and to avoid getting too close to them or disturbing them in any way. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to capture some truly breathtaking photographs of these incredible creatures.

Finn whales typically do not breach, so you are likely to capture photos of them when they are swimming close to the boat. I used a 15-35mm and a 100-500mm lens, but I believe the optimal lens is the 24-70mm, which I did not have with me. However, other animals such as orcas, humpback whales, seals, and penguins may breach, and in these cases, a telephoto lens is necessary. The challenge is that you cannot predict where the whales will surface, so it may be best to use two camera bodies: one with a 24-70mm lens and the other with a 100-400mm or 100-500mm lens. If I could only choose one, I would prefer the 24-70mm lens.

Humboldt penguin
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm @400mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/9 - 1/1250 sec

Wildlife in Chañaral de Aceituno

Chañaral de Aceituno is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of birds and marine life. Visitors can see sea lions, dolphins, and a variety of colorful fish while diving. The region is also home to a variety of land animals, including foxes and guanacos. Overall, Chañaral de Aceituno is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and the natural world.