Le Maire Strait facts for kids
The Le Maire Strait (which is also called the Straits Lemaire) is a narrow waterway in South America. It lies between Isla de los Estados (which means "Staten Island") and the eastern tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. This strait connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Discovery and Name
The Le Maire Strait was found in 1616 by two Dutch explorers, Jacob Le Maire and Willem Schouten. They were on a journey to find a new way to sail between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They discovered this strait just before they found Cape Horn. The strait was named in honor of Jacob Le Maire.
Sailing Challenges
The waters around the Le Maire Strait are known for their rough weather and strong currents. These are the same conditions that make sailing near Cape Horn very difficult. Because of the risk of being pushed onto the shore of Tierra del Fuego, many old sailing ships chose a different route. They would often sail around the east side of Isla de los Estados instead of going through the strait.
Wildlife in the Strait
The Le Maire Strait is home to the Magellanic penguin. These penguins have a large group, called a colony, that lives and breeds on Isla de los Estados. This island is one of the most southerly places in the Atlantic Ocean where these penguins raise their young.
See also
- Garcia de Nodal expedition
- In Spanish: Estrecho de Le Maire para niños
