The Bryde’s whale has been difficult to study in several regions of the world due to its similarity with the sei whale. Whaling stations in the eastern South Pacific continued to confuse both species until 1973 (Peru) and 1983 (Chile). As a consequence information on the biology and distribution of this species in this ocean basin, is scarce. In this study we examined the information on sightings and catches of confirmed Bryde’s whales to investigate its pattern of distribution in Chilean waters. In addition we conducted a preliminary genetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of ten animals with the aim to confirm species identity and compare its genetic composition with Bryde’s whale from other regions, including Peru. Furthermore some general biological information based on the analysis of catches, is provided. A total of 135 animals (122 sighted and 13 caught) were confirmed as Bryde’s whales in the period 1960-2000. They were distributed in the latitudinal range 18º43’-37º58’S. Records were made between approximately 29ºS and 38ºS in summer (December-February) and between approximately 18ºS and 33ºS in spring (September-November). Results of the phylogenetic analysis identified the Bryde’s whales in Chilean waters as Wada et al. (2003)’s Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei). No statistically significant genetic differentiation was found between Bryde’s whales in Chile and Peru. Striking genetic differences were found between whales from Peru and Chile and those from the western North Pacific, Fiji and Java. These results therefore are not inconsistent with a north (Peru)-south (till latitude 38ºS) movement of Bryde’s whales in the eastern South Pacific in spring-summer. However this hypothesis should be further examined through the analysis of former ‘sei’ whale catches in Chile and larger number of genetic samples. Most of the whales caught had stomach contents composed of commercially-important fish species in Chile.