The Strait of Magellan is a 356-mile (570 km) navigable sea route in southern Chile linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, this dangerous, narrow passage separates mainland South America from Tierra del Fuego, featuring treacherous winds and strong currents. It remains a vital, mandatory-piloted shipping lane and a scenic, historic tourist destination, notes VisitChile.com.