The Strait of Magellan is a natural waterway located at the southern tip of South America, separating the mainland from the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and is approximately 570 kilometers (350 miles) long. The strait is named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who was the first European to navigate it in 1520. This strait serves as an important shipping route, especially for vessels that cannot pass through the Panama Canal. Its waters are often challenging due to strong winds and currents, but it remains a vital passage for maritime trade and exploration in the region.