Antofagasta Fish Market

Danny Catt — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 13:10:00 -0800

Fish for Sale, Antofagasta Fish Market, Chile

Ships filled with tourists rarely stop in Antofagasta, Chile but when they do they are welcomed with open arms. Antofagasta, is the largest city in northern Chile, and is a modern, clean and progressive coastal metropolis. It is also within the Atacama Desert and if you are looking for a place that receives very little rain, Antofagasta is it… the average annual rainfall is less than 4 mm.

Our plan for the day was to do a bit of shopping (I needed to pick up a field guide to the birds of Chile) and wander around town. Our meandering led us to the fish market… and where there are fish, there are often animals that feed on fish!

Sea Lions, Antofagasta, Chile

For a wildlife enthusiast the foreshore next to the Antofagasta fish market was a virtual Serengeti! Not only were there birds (pelicans, gulls, herons, etc) but also sea lions and even sea turtles.

Sea Turtle & Gull, Antofagasta, Chile

We went for a wander into the market itself where fish sellers were showing there catch and fish filleters (is that what you call someone who fillets fish?) were preparing the best cuts for sale. The place was also filled with cats waiting for a scrap to fall between the cracks. We were even allowed to sneak back into the area where the fish were stored and had a chance to get some fabulous photos of the birds looking to catch a free meal.

Black-crowned Night-Heron

It goes to show that you don’t always have to go far, or pay big bucks, to experience something special. The hour or two we spent at the Antofagasta fish market were as good as they come.

We boarded the ship in late afternoon and as we were led out of the harbour by the local port pilot boats the passengers and crew of the MS Prinsendam were treated to something I have never experienced before. A crowd of well over a thousand, all residents of Antofagasta, were lined up shoulder to shoulder along the shore waving and shouting goodbye (or adios!). It was a heart-warming gesture.

Residents of Antofagasta, Chile Saying Adios to the MS Prinsendam

Catt-Trax 2 - Fish

Antofagasta Fish Market