Guafo Island
Guafo Island is a Chilean island located southwest of Chiloé Island and northwest of Chile's Chonos Archipelago. This location and the prevailing westerly winds bring frequent rainstorms to the island. Ocean currents bring an abundance of fish into this area, making it one of the most productive marine areas in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Because of this, numerous marine vertebrates such as fur seals, sea lions and penguins come to the island to feed and reproduce.
In June 2025, Guafo Island was purchased by Rewild Organization, to preserve it from mining and timber logging and to ensure biodiversity preservation.
Biodiversity
Guafo Island is characterized by a high biodiversity that includes the largest breeding colony of South American fur seals on Chilean coasts, a large population of South American sea lions, and a reproductively active population of marine otters, a critically endangered species. The coasts of the island have been indicated as an important feeding area of blue whales, Southern right whale, humpback whales and transient killer whales. Among seabird highlights is the largest breeding colony of sooty shearwater in the world, as well as important nesting sites of Magellanic penguins and occasional sightings of Humboldt penguins. Historical data also shows that the island was within the itinerary of HMS Beagle in 1835, during its second voyage. Guafo Island has been considered within areas that are important for marine conservation by the Wildlife Conservation Society and World Wildlife Fund.Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1907 by George Slight. Its rotating four-man crews who serve four months at the station make up the only permanent population in the island.The lighthouse itself is only 8 meters tall, but the light is 144 meters above the sea.