Why was sailing through the Strait of Magellan difficult for Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet?

Navigating the Strait of Magellan was a difficult undertaking for Ferdinand Magellan and his fleet due to the challenging physical and environmental conditions of the passage. The route follows a tortuous course that winds among numerous islands and channels, making it complex to navigate. Additionally, the region is characterized by a cold, foggy climate, which further complicated the journey for the expedition.1

Beyond these environmental hazards, the fleet faced internal instability; during the expedition's earlier search for the strait, the crew endured a serious mutiny led by Spanish captains at Port Saint Julian. By the time the fleet reached the western end of the passage, the San Antonio had deserted, leaving only three of the original ships to complete the transit.2