Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt
Discover the enchanting Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt, a coastal paradise home to penguins, dolphins, and sea lions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Penguins are resident, but whale season is special.
Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt
Best Time
Penguins are resident, but whale season is special.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the enchanting Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt, a coastal paradise home to penguins, dolphins, and sea lions.
"A natural jewel offering an unforgettable wildlife experience with penguins, dolphins, and stunning island scenery."
Boat Tour Options
Tours depart from Punta de Choros or Chañaral de Aceituno. Compare prices and itineraries before booking. :boat:
Island Entry Fee
An additional fee is required for entry to the reserve, separate from the boat tour cost. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Humboldt Penguins
Isla Choros
Spot these charismatic penguins in their natural habitat, a truly special wildlife encounter.
Isla Damas
Archipiélago de Humboldt
Explore pristine beaches and turquoise waters on this beautiful island, a haven for diverse marine life.
Marine Mammal Sightings
Surrounding waters
Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, graceful sea lions, and even whales during their migration season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Tour in Advance
Respect Wildlife and Island Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Tour Options
Tours depart from Punta de Choros or Chañaral de Aceituno. Compare prices and itineraries before booking. 
Island Entry Fee
An additional fee is required for entry to the reserve, separate from the boat tour cost.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on trails and potentially uneven surfaces. Good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense in this region. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunny:
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Tour Options
Tours depart from Punta de Choros or Chañaral de Aceituno. Compare prices and itineraries before booking.
Island Entry Fee
An additional fee is required for entry to the reserve, separate from the boat tour cost.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on trails and potentially uneven surfaces. Good walking shoes are a must. :athletic_shoe:
Pack Sun Protection
The sun can be intense in this region. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. :sunny:
Bring Snacks & Water
Options for food and drinks are limited. Pack your own to stay refreshed during the day. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly the chance to see Humboldt Penguins, dolphins, and sea lions in their natural habitat. The beauty of Isla Damas and the overall experience are highly rated, though some find the allocated time on the island to be too short and note that penguin sightings can vary.
"Truly a fantastic experience! Although they have limited even more what you can do, you can no longer explore the island being the beach and small area where you get dropped off, as the trail that circles the greater island is now closed off... However, they have done an excellent job of preserving the natural beauty and nature of the island. While we didn't see any penguins, the boating experience was a blast, and the time spent on the island was magical. Be warned, they will yell at you if you try to just dip your toes in the water."
Patrick Dunlop
"Lovely remote place, but on the trip we did you only get 1 hour on Isla Damas, which just isn’t long enough to have a good look around and relax. Surprisingly few penguins there too, when I went. Lots of cormorants though."
lesley stones
"We saw lots of different birds, including the Penguins. We also saw sea lions and dolphins that put on a show for us. Tour guides were great."
Curtis Lesperance
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is accessible via boat tours departing from Punta de Choros or Chañaral de Aceituno. Punta de Choros is about a 2-hour drive from La Serena, with the last 40km on unpaved roads. :car:
Renting a car is a popular option for flexibility, allowing you to reach the departure points. Alternatively, organized tours from La Serena often include transportation. :car:
Public transport to Punta de Choros can be infrequent. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or opt for a tour that includes transfers for a more convenient experience.
Both are departure points for tours. Punta de Choros is closer to La Serena, while Chañaral de Aceituno is further north. The choice may depend on tour availability and personal preference.
No, a significant portion of the road leading to Punta de Choros is unpaved, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. :road:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost includes the boat tour fee and an additional entrance fee for the reserve. Expect around CLP15,000 for the tour and CLP3,700 for the reserve entry for locals, potentially more for foreigners.
It is highly recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.
Boat tours typically include navigation around the islands to spot wildlife like penguins, sea lions, and dolphins, with a stop on Isla Damas. +1 :camerawithflash:
Yes, there can be different pricing structures. Some visitors have reported paying local prices if accompanied by a Chilean national. :flag_cl:
Tours generally operate daily, but specific departure times vary by operator. It's best to confirm with your chosen tour company.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and a variety of bird species like cormorants and pelicans. Whales are also visible during migration season. +1 :bird:
Typically, tours allow about 1 hour on Isla Damas. Some visitors feel this isn't long enough to fully explore and relax. :hourglass:
Swimming might be restricted in certain areas to protect the ecosystem. Visitors have reported being cautioned against entering the water. :no_swimming:
There are interpretive trails on Isla Damas, but some areas, including trails that circle the greater island, may be closed for conservation. :hiking_boot:
While penguins are present, sightings are not guaranteed on every tour. Some visitors have reported seeing surprisingly few penguins. :penguin:
📸 📸 Photography
The boat tour offers excellent opportunities to photograph wildlife from the water. Isla Damas also provides scenic views and chances to capture birds and marine life. :camera:
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be good for landscapes on Isla Damas.
Yes, photography of the penguins and other wildlife is encouraged, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid flash photography that could disturb them.
Drone usage is generally prohibited in national parks and reserves to protect wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment. Always check local regulations. :noentrysign:
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for wildlife photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the trip smoother, pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited. Ensure everyone has sun protection, including hats and sunscreen. Consider booking a tour that allows for a bit more time on Isla Damas if your children have shorter attention spans, or if you want to allow for more relaxed exploration.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
If visiting during the migration season (December-April), whale watching adds another layer of excitement. The islands themselves are ecologically significant, and understanding the role of the Humboldt Current in supporting this biodiversity adds depth to the visit. Respecting the reserve's rules and sticking to designated paths ensures the preservation of this delicate ecosystem for future generations.
📸 Photographers
Isla Damas provides scenic backdrops for landscape shots and opportunities to photograph various bird species. The early morning and late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful for capturing the coastal scenery and wildlife. Remember to be patient and respectful, allowing the animals to behave naturally while you capture their moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Humboldt Penguin
Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of the Humboldt Penguin. Threats include overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. Zoos and conservation organizations worldwide participate in breeding programs and research to help protect these fascinating birds.
Seeing them in their natural environment at the Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt offers a unique opportunity to witness their behavior, from diving for food to interacting with each other on the shore. It's a privilege to observe them in a protected setting.
Navigating Your Boat Tour Experience
During the tour, you'll likely spend time cruising around the islands to spot marine life. Guides are knowledgeable and will point out penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and various bird species. A significant part of the tour involves a stop at Isla Damas, where you can disembark and explore the island's beaches and short trails. However, some visitors have noted that the time allocated on the island can feel brief, and certain areas might be off-limits for conservation purposes.
When choosing a tour operator, consider factors like price, duration, and what's included. Some tours might offer more time on the island or focus on specific wildlife viewing opportunities. It's also worth noting that an entrance fee for the national reserve is usually separate from the boat tour cost.
+1Wildlife Encounters Beyond Penguins
The islands are a vital habitat for numerous bird species. You'll likely see various types of cormorants, pelicans, and seagulls. During the migration season, from December to April, the waters become a prime spot for whale watching, with humpback whales being a frequent sight.
Even the drive to the departure points can offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Some visitors have reported spotting llamas and foxes in the wild along the way, adding to the overall natural richness of the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit