Humboldt Penguin National Reserve visit – private

General information

Destination	Category
La Serena, Chile	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Come along on a voyage of discovery and exploration and see one of the most beautiful sights in nature with this private tour to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. This protected area comprises three Pacific islands a few kilometres off the Chilean coast, though only one, Isla Damas, is open to the general public.


Even the journey to the islands is an adventure in itself as you head north along the Pan-American Highway, cross dramatic semi-desert landscapes. The road continues along a slope from where we can enjoy several views of the rocky coast. From the road we will be able to see a common dense glaze called camanchaca, a phenomena occurring just a few months each year when the desert fills with flowers.


Arrive at Los Choros fishermen’s wharf, a natural harbour, where you can observe the islands of Chañaral, Choros and Damas. Board a motor launch carrying us to Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. From the boat you might be lucky and catch the sight bottlenose dolphins making jumps and pirouettes. Disembark on one of the paradisiacal beaches of Isla Damas and appreciate the fine, white sands and, of course, the colony of Humboldt penguins. The reserve is a breeding site of the Humboldt Penguin and is a habitat for sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, Magellan penguins, sea turtles, whales, albatrosses and cormorants. There are also dozens of species of plants.


Return to the mainland and enjoy a lunch of seafood. Finally return to La Serena escorted by a spectacular sunset in the background.



Meeting/pick-up point: Collection from hotels in Coquimbo.

Duration: Full day.

Start/opening time: 8am.

Languages: English, German, Portuguese or Spanish.