Where do the mussels you eat in southern Chile come from? We head out by boat with Alejandro, from the Caleta Rollizo Fishermen’s Union, to see the answer up close.
The Reloncaví Estuary is one of the main areas for small-scale aquaculture in southern Chile. Beneath the surface, entire farms grow suspended in the water.
Alejandro is a member of the Caleta Rollizo Fishermen’s Union and has worked on one of these farms for years. We travel across the estuary by boat and board the raft—the floating platform used to inspect and maintain the lines holding mussels, oysters, and clams.
There you´ll learn how the farm is managed: how shellfish seed is collected, how the shellfish grow attached to the structures, how long each species takes to reach harvest size, and how local conditions in the estuary guide day-to-day decisions. It is a first hand immersion into the world of aquaculture and the estuary´s biodiversity, guided by people whose lives and work are closely connected to this unique ecosystem.
Depending on the conditions that day, you may also have the opportunity to go for a swim.
Back on shore, you´ll enjoy a tasting of seafood and other local preparations.
- Comfortable clothing.
- Footwear that can get wet.
- Waterproof jacket.
- Getting into the water is possible, depending on weather conditions.
- Minimum 4 guests.
- The boat ride back is an optional additional experience — please inquire.
- Guide
- Boat and floating raft.
- Generous tasting of local seafood.
- Life jacket.
- Please inquire about transportation costs.
Information
Destination:
Reloncaví Estuary, Rollizo.
Price:
4-8 pax: $115.000/person
9-15 pax: $60.000/person
Start Time:
10:00
Duration:
5 hours, excluding transportation time
Capacity:
4-15 people
Season:
October to March (possibly April)
Difficulty:
Low difficulty — suitable for all ages.
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