Magellan Strait

The Magellan Strait is a natural waterway located in southern Chile, separating the mainland of South America from Tierra del Fuego, an island to the south. It is named after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who navigated the strait in the 16th century. The strait serves as a crucial maritime passage, allowing ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without having to navigate the treacherous waters around Cape Horn. It is about 570 kilometers (354 miles) long and is rich in biodiversity, featuring numerous islands and a range of ecosystems.