The 2026-2027 cruise season in Chiloé includes 15 international port calls at Castro, with 4,497 passengers and 2,417 crew members: close to 7,000 people on board. The Port Authority of Puerto Montt (Empormontt) officially launched the season in Castro on 23 October 2026, according to PortalPortuario and Ladevi.
That is three ships fewer than the previous season, according to Ladevi. "The start of this season means much more than the arrival of cruise ships," said Andrés Gómez, general manager of Empormontt, at an event attended by Chiloé's provincial presidential delegate, Fernando Bórquez, and the mayors of Quinchao, Quellón, Chonchi and Ancud.
The figures of the Chiloé cruise season
| Indicator | 2026-2027 season | Source |
|---|---|---|
| International port calls at Castro | 15 | Empormontt |
| Passengers | 4,497 | Empormontt |
| Crew | 2,417 | Empormontt |
| Total people on board | About 7,000 | Empormontt |
| Change from the previous season | Three ships fewer | Ladevi |
Source: Port Authority of Puerto Montt, launch of 23 October 2026, according to PortalPortuario and Ladevi. Empormontt did not release the names of the ships or the dates of each call.
What cruise passengers see in Castro
Castro is the capital of Chiloé province and the port where cruise ships sailing the southern channels anchor. For passengers, a one-day call is enough for the Gamboa and Pedro Montt stilt houses, the church of San Francisco (one of the 16 churches of Chiloé listed as World Heritage by UNESCO) and the craft market by the pier. Those with more time cross to Dalcahue or to Quinchao Island.
Empormontt said the figures represent "an opportunity to boost sectors such as tourism, gastronomy and trade", and also mentioned transport and services. To get to know the island before you arrive, read our guides to Chiloé's mythology, stilt houses and food, to curanto and to Chiloé's oysters and seafood.
Do you run an agency, a restaurant or a craft shop in Chiloé? Reach travellers preparing their visit to the island.
See advertising optionsHow Chiloé compares with the rest of the cruise season
The cruise season in Chile runs from October 2026 to April 2027. Forecasts are mixed: Magallanes and Valparaíso are growing, while Iquique and Antofagasta expect fewer calls than last year, according to Ladevi.
| Port or region | Projected calls 2026-2027 | Projected passengers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magallanes (Punta Arenas, Puerto Natales, Puerto Williams) | About 158 | About 70,000 | EPAustral, via Zona Zero (15 Oct 2026) |
| Valparaíso | 30 (25% more than the previous season) | n/a | Port of Valparaíso |
| Castro (Chiloé) | 15 | 4,497 | Empormontt (23 Oct 2026) |
| Iquique and Antofagasta | Fewer than the previous season | n/a | Ladevi |
In Magallanes the season began in September with the Chilean cruise ship Ventus Australis, and the busiest months will be March, with about 28 calls, and November to January, with about 27 a month, according to Zona Zero. The details for Valparaíso are in our story on the Valparaíso cruise season.
Tips for visiting Chiloé during the cruise season
- Get to the stilt houses early: on days with a ship in port, central Castro receives hundreds of visitors at once.
- Bring rain gear: it rains in Chiloé for much of the year, even in summer.
- Plan the ferry crossing: if you drive from Puerto Montt, the Chacao channel is crossed by ferry; in summer there are queues at weekends.
- Combine with the mainland: Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas are a few hours away; our guides to what to do in Puerto Montt and Puerto Varas help plan the route.
Frequently asked questions
How many cruise ships will visit Chiloé in the 2026-2027 season?
Empormontt expects 15 international calls at Castro, with 4,497 passengers and 2,417 crew members.
When is the cruise season in Chile?
From October to April. In Magallanes it started in September 2026 and runs until mid-April 2027.
Are more or fewer ships coming to Castro than last year?
Fewer: three ships fewer than the previous season, according to Ladevi.
