AnnaThe most popular entry to Chiloé, the mystical island of northern Patagonia in Chile, is by ferry. Chiloé is linked to the Chilean mainland by a scenic but short ferry route through the Chacao Canal. There is a bridge being built over the canal (expected to be finished in 2028), but until that, the ferry remains.
Ferry route to Chiloé island
All ferries run through the Chacao Canal (or Canal de Chacao in Spanish). On the mainland side, the gateway port is situated in Pargua (about 60km/37mi southwest from Puerto Montt). In Chiloé, the port town is called Chacao. Both towns are part of Los Lagos region (Lake District) of Chile.
Puerto Montt to Chiloé
Most visitors travel from Puerto Montt directly to Chiloé island. Although this route includes 2 legs on the road + 1 leg on the ferry, it’s really uncomplicated, thanks to the frequent ferry departures and the short ride. These are the options to get from Puerto Montt to Chiloé:
- Car (or bike): drive southwest about 40mins to Pargua, then take the ferry to Chiloé. From here, you can easily reach Ancud – the 2nd largest town in Chiloé, or alternatively, continue to Castro – the largest town. Ancud is 30km/18mi, Castro is 106km/65mi.
- Bus: Take the bus at Puerto Montt main bus station directly to Chiloé – Ancud or Castro. The bus will board the ferry, no need to get off. The bus ticket already includes the ferry ride.
Ferry operators
Currently, there are 2 ferry operators that transport passengers, cars, buses and goods between Chile mainland and Chiloé island. All operators ride the waves on the same route. These 2 ferry companies are the below:
Transmarchilay
This company operates this route since 1971. They have 4 boats transporting passengers, cars, and cargo 24/7 all year round. Departures are about every 20mins from 06:50 until 22:40, then every 1 or 2 hrs. Ships are conveniently equipped with cafe, passenger lounge, bathrooms, television, on-board WI-FI service and electronic billing service. You can buy tickets online on the Transmarchilay website (in Spanish only).
Naviera Cruz del Sur
It’s a company with much history of transportation: they have been in the transportation sector since 1958. Currently, they transport passengers, cars, buses and cargo from Pargua to Chacao with 4 yellow boats. Departures are between 06:30 and 00:00 every day of the year. Tickets can be bought in person.
Schedule and timetable
Both Transmarchilay and Naviera Cruz del Sur operate ferries frequently during the day – departures are in every 20-30mins. At night, only Transmarchilay runs every 1-2 hours. The ferry ride itself takes 35mins. Find the schedules at the below links, and make sure that you check online the most up-to-date departure times before making plans.
No matter with which company you are traveling with, arrive at the ferry port at least 10mins before departure time to leave enough time for boarding.
Ferry tickets and costs to/from Chiloé
Because there are plenty of ferries running frequently, there is no reservation needed – you can buy your ticket on the spot. Both companies accept cash, credit and debit cards. Transmarchilay also sells tickets online on Transmarchilay website (in Spanish only), which can conveniently be presented on smartphone for check.
Ferry ticket prices as of November 2024
| Transmarchilay | Naviera Cruz del Sur | |
| Person only | N/A | 600 CLP |
| Bicycle | 3500 CLP | 3000 CLP |
| Motorcycle | 11,000 CLP | 10,000 CLP |
| Small car* | 15,500 CLP | 14,500 CLP |
| Bigger car* | 16,500 CLP | 19,000 CLP |
| Minibus | 31,500 CLP | 29,500 CLP |
*Both companies list various car types with different prices, so best to check on their website. However, both companies have around the same price, Naviera Cruz del Sur being slightly cheaper.
Check up-to-date prices:
Our experience crossing from/to Chiloé island by ferry
I travelled to Chiloé in 2019 with Anthony, as part of our almost year-long backpacking trip in South America. We did the ferry ride to and from Chiloé island. First, by bus travelling from Puerto Montt to Castro and back by car, hitchhiking.
Travelling with the bus was really easy. After a short waiting at the port at Pargua, the bus boarded the ferry and we crossed the canal inside the bus – passengers weren’t allowed to get off. At Chiloé, the first stop was Ancud, but we continued to Castro. We heard first time that delicious Chilota dialect on this bus, and we had a hard time understanding it.
At the time of our travels, we didn’t know anything about Chiloé island, but it quickly became one of our absolute favourite places not only in Chile, but in South America. You can ready it why, in our post about Chiloé.
On the way back from Ancud we hitchhiked, and sailed the Chacao Canal at the pickup of a car. This time, we got out of the car and marvelled at the gorgeous sunset from the ferry deck. There was hardly anyone there with us, as the route is so short, that most people didn’t get out of their cars. Unfortunately, it’s true, the trip was really short (and slightly windy).
