Francisco Hudson Cárdenas (July 1, 1826 in Curaco de Vélez, Chile – March, 1859) was a Chilean naval officer and hydrographer notable for his explorations of Southern Chile and Chilean Patagonia. Hudson sailed on behalf of the Chilean government to Peru and Ecuador several times, and assisted with the immigration of German colonists to Valdivia. He gained notoriety for his exploration of the Maullín River, Roca Remolinos, and the channels of Aysén Region. Hudson was interested in investigating the possible existence of a sailing route through internal waters from the Chiloé Archipelago to the Straits of Magellan, but came to realize that the Isthmus of Ofqui made this impossible. His hydrographic works laid the groundwork for Hans Steffen's exploration of Aysén Region in late 19th century.