A delightful way to explore the Valdivia region is with one of the many boat tours that depart from the pier Muelle Schuster at the waterfront, including yachts, catamarans, and an antique steamer. Tours are in full swing during the summer, and although there's limited service during off season, it's possible for a group to hire a launch for a private trip. The most interesting journeys sail through the Carlos Anwandter Nature Sanctuary to the San Luis de Alba de Cruces Fort and to Isla Mancera and Corral to visit other 17th-century historic forts; both tours run about 5 to 6 hours round-trip and usually include meals. The Nature Sanctuary was created after the 1960 earthquake sank the banks of the Río Cruces, thereby spawning aquatic flora that, with the surrounding evergreen forest, is now home to more than 80 species of birds, including black-neck swans, red-gartered coots, and buff-necked ibis. Boating here is an excellent attraction for kids.
Embarcaciones Bahía (tel. 63/348727; sergiosalgado60@yahoo.es) operates throughout the year with quick trips around Isla Teja ($6/£3 per person), and tours to Isla Mancera and Corral can be arranged during the off season with a negotiated price or when there are enough passengers; children under 10 ride free. Other trips to Isla Mancera and Corral are offered by Orión III (tel./fax 63/247896; hetours@telsur.cl), which also includes a stop at the Isla Huapi Natural Park (also a Convention Center; www.islahuapi.cl); the price is $28 (£14) for adults, $15 (£7.50) for children ages 3 to 12. Prices including the trip, lunch on Isla Huapi, and afternoon tea on board. By far the most luxurious is the Catamarán Marqués de Mancera (tel. 63/249191; www.marquesdemancera.cl), which offers Isla Mancera and Corral tours with lunch and snacks included, and evening dinner cruises (only specially organized for large groups); both cost from $20 (£10) per person.
The Vapor Collico, a completely restored 1907 German steamer, with tours to the Nature Sanctuary and historical sightseeing journeys along the Río Calle Calle and the Collico area, unfortunately is currently out of service. Sernatur has further information.
