Full Day to Isla Damas & Humboldt Penguin National Reserve

Exploring the diverse marine life and breathtaking coastal scenery of Isla Damas and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Chile’s northern regions. This full-day excursion offers a seamless and convenient way to take in the captivating world of Humboldt penguins, playful dolphins, and majestic sea lions, all while savoring a delectable seafood lunch and taking in the striking desert landscapes. With flexible booking options and hassle-free transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of the region’s natural wonders.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Full-Day Tours In La Serena.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion to Isla Damas and Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, priced from $145 per person, with hotel pickup/drop-off and seafood lunch.
• Opportunity to spot diverse marine wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and sea lions, as well as seasonal desert wildflowers.
• Flexible booking process allows securing a spot now and paying later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Scenic drives, boat cruises, and guided experience in Spanish provide a comprehensive and hassle-free nature exploration.
• Highlights include encountering Humboldt penguins in their natural habitat, relaxing on white sand beaches, and learning about the region’s wildlife and ecology.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full day excursion to Isla Damas and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve. Priced from $145 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a seafood lunch, and a guided experience in Spanish.

Visitors can expect to see Humboldt penguins, dolphins, and sea lions during the cruise around the islands. Seasonal highlights include a scenic drive past vibrant desert wildflowers.

The tour provides flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. It’s an ideal choice for families and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an immersive day exploring these natural wonders.

Booking Information

To check availability and reserve a spot, visitors can do so directly on the tour’s website.

The booking process is flexible, allowing travelers to secure their place now and pay later. This option is ideal for those with flexible travel plans.

Once booked, visitors can easily manage their reservation, including making any necessary changes or cancellations.

Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, providing peace of mind for last-minute plan adjustments.

Experience Highlights

Visitors to the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve can expect an exhilarating encounter with a variety of marine wildlife. The tour includes a scenic drive past vibrant fields of desert wildflowers, depending on the season. Cruising around Gull, Choros, and Damas islands offers potential sightings of dolphins and whales. Guests can relax on the white sand beaches of the islands and spot iconic Humboldt penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and sea lions.

Wildlife Sightings	Landscapes	Activities	Facilities
Humboldt Penguins	Desert Wildflowers	Cruise around Islands	White Sand Beaches
Bottlenose Dolphins	Gull, Choros, Damas Islands	Spot Wildlife	Optional Gratuities
Sea Lions	–	Relax on Beaches	–
Whales	–	–	–

Included Features

This tour typically includes a complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off service from La Serena and Coquimbo, making it convenient for guests.

A delicious seafood lunch is also provided, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the local cuisine.

Although gratuities for the driver and guide are optional, they’re a great way to show appreciation for the exceptional service.

The tour’s all-inclusive nature ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on the remarkable wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and the unique opportunity to explore the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve and the surrounding islands.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Wildlife Interaction

One of the primary draws of this tour is the opportunity to spot an array of captivating wildlife. As you cruise around the islands, keep your eyes peeled for the friendly bottlenose dolphins that often make an appearance, as well as the playful sea lions basking on the white sand beaches. Of course, the main attraction is the colony of Humboldt penguins, which you’ll have ample time to observe in their natural habitat. This unique experience is sure to delight wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.

Wildlife	Likelihood of Sighting
Penguins	Very High
Dolphins	High
Sea Lions	High
Whales	Moderate

Getting There

The journey to Isla Damas and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve begins with a scenic drive from La Serena or Coquimbo. Guests are picked up from their hotels and transported to the boat launch, where they’ll board a vessel to explore the islands.

The drive offers views of the region’s vibrant desert wildflowers, which bloom seasonally. Once at the launch, the boat cruise takes visitors around Gull, Choros, and Damas islands, providing opportunities to spot wildlife like bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and, of course, the famous Humboldt penguins.

The entire excursion lasts around 8 hours, including a seafood lunch, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive experience in this natural wonder.

What to Expect

Upon arrival at the boat launch, visitors are ushered aboard a vessel that will take them on a scenic cruise around the Gull, Choros, and Damas islands.

The tour offers a chance to spot a variety of marine wildlife, including:

• Bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the waves
• Playful sea lions lounging on the rocky shores
• The iconic Humboldt penguins, endemic to the region
• Potential sightings of majestic whales (seasonal)
• Vibrant fields of desert wildflowers lining the coastline

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, where guests can observe these charismatic seabirds in their natural habitat and learn about their fascinating behaviors from the knowledgeable guide.

Additional Information

Visitors often have several questions regarding logistics and requirements for this tour. The tour operator provides pickup and drop-off from La Serena and Coquimbo, ensuring a convenient start and end to the day. While a seafood lunch is included, guests can choose to add gratuities for the driver and guide. To assist with planning, the following information is provided:

Item	Details
Duration	8 hours
Language	Live tour guide in Spanish
Cancellation	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Payment	Reserve now, pay later

This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve and the surrounding islands, providing a chance to spot marine wildlife and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, making it an ideal choice for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Children are welcome to join the excursion.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a seafood lunch is already included in the tour price, so guests may prefer to enjoy the provided meal.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour company doesn’t offer an option to extend the tour duration beyond the standard 8-hour itinerary. However, travelers can inquire about adding additional experiences or activities for an extra fee if they want to extend their time on the islands.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, casual clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Layering is advised as the weather can be changeable on the islands.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Based on the tour overview, visitors can purchase souvenirs during the excursion. The tour includes a cruise around the islands, allowing ample opportunity to browse any available shops or vendors for local crafts and mementos.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of Isla Damas and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve on this unforgettable full-day excursion. With a hassle-free experience, flexible booking options, and the opportunity to encounter diverse marine life, this tour offers an unparalleled adventure amidst stunning coastal scenery. Don’t miss the chance to learn about the natural wonders of this remarkable destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: