La Serena: Full Day to Damas Island & Humboldt Penguin National Reserve

La Serena, a picturesque coastal city in Chile, offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. A full-day tour to Damas Island and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve promises to captivate visitors with its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. From a scenic drive along the Panamerican Highway to a boat ride where playful dolphins and charming Humboldt penguins can be observed, this tour promises an immersive experience. With a perfect 5.0 rating from satisfied guests, this tour is an ideal choice for families and nature lovers alike. But the true allure lies in the journey itself, where stunning vistas and intimate encounters with the local ecosystem await those who embark on this remarkable expedition.

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

Key Points

• A full-day tour from La Serena to Damas Island and Humboldt Penguin National Reserve, suitable for families and nature enthusiasts, priced from $140 per person.
• The tour includes a boat ride to Isla Damas, where visitors can observe Humboldt penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and sea lions in their natural habitat.
• The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a seafood lunch, and navigational services, ensuring a comprehensive and seamless experience.
• The itinerary highlights the scenic Panamerican Highway, the Punta Choros Fishermen’s Wharf, and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region.
• The tour has received excellent customer reviews, with a 5.0 rating, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview

According to the article, this full-day tour from La Serena takes visitors to Damas Island and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.

The tour is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts, with a duration of a full day and a price starting from $140 per person. The tour has received excellent reviews, with an overall 5.0 rating from 8 reviews.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour. The itinerary includes visiting Punta Choros to observe the rocky coast and desert wildflowers, and then boarding a motorboat to Isla Damas to see Humboldt penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and sea lions, as well as enjoying the white sand beaches.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour traverses the Panamerican Highway through a semi-desert area, where guests can observe the rocky coast and seasonal desert wildflowers.

Arriving at the Los Choros Fishermen’s Wharf, visitors have the chance to take in natural viewpoints.

The highlight of the day is the boat ride to the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve on Damas Island. Here, guests may spot bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and, of course, the unique Humboldt penguins.

After the boat trip, the group enjoys a local seafood lunch before returning to their hotels.

Punta Choros

The tour begins with a drive along the Panamerican Highway, traversing a semi-desert area. Guests will observe the rocky coast and seasonal desert wildflowers along the way. Upon arrival at Los Choros Fishermen’s Wharf, they’ll find natural viewpoints to take in the scenic landscape.

Duration	Admission
2 hours	Free

The Punta Choros portion of the tour offers a chance to explore the region’s natural beauty before embarking on the boat ride to Isla Damas and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.

Isla Damas

Guests then board a motorboat to access the Humboldt Penguins National Reserve on Isla Damas. This island offers the opportunity to see bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and the iconic Humboldt penguins.

After the boat trip, visitors can disembark on the white sand beaches of Damas Island to enjoy the scenic surroundings.

The itinerary includes:

• Observation of diverse marine wildlife
• Disembarking on Damas Island
• Lunch at a local seafood restaurant
• A 4-hour duration for the Isla Damas portion of the tour

Following the boat excursion, guests will savor a seafood and fish lunch at a nearby restaurant, capping off the immersive nature experience on Isla Damas.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels in La Serena and Av. del Mar, Coquimbo. Lunch at a local seafood restaurant is also provided after the boat trip. Navigational services around Gull, Choros, and Damas Islands are included as well. Gratuities for the driver and guide are optional.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meals	Seafood and fish lunch
Boat Trip	Navigational services
Gratuities	Optional for driver and guide

Additional Information

Confirmation is required at the time of booking. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so it may not be suitable for all travelers.

Passport information is needed for all participants, as the tour involves visits to islands and a national reserve. Plus, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, as the boat ride and hike on Damas Island may be challenging.

The tour has a minimum of 4 people per booking, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience. These additional details help set expectations and ensure the tour meets the needs and abilities of each guest.

• Confirmation required at time of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Passport information needed for all participants
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Guest Reviews

Many guests praised the ease of booking and the knowledgeable guides, highlighting the diverse wildlife sightings, which included dolphins and various birds. While some noted variability in wildlife visibility and experiences on Damas Island, a few expressed disappointment over not being able to disembark. However, the majority of reviews highlight a memorable experience with nature and excellent service from the guides.

Positive Feedback	Constructive Feedback
Ease of booking	Variability in wildlife visibility
Knowledgeable guides	Disappointment over not disembarking
Diverse wildlife sightings	–
Dolphins and birds	–

Booking Details

Guests can book this full-day tour to Damas Island and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve directly through the tour provider’s website or by contacting them.

The tour requires a minimum of 4 people per booking, and confirmation is needed at the time of booking. Participants must provide their passport information, as it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems.

Additionally:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels in La Serena and Av. del Mar, Coquimbo, are included.
• Lunch at a local seafood restaurant is provided.
• Navigational services around Gull, Choros, and Damas Islands are part of the tour.
• Gratuities for the driver and guide are optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Food or Drinks?

The tour allows guests to bring their own food and drinks. However, a complimentary seafood lunch is included in the tour price. Guests are advised to check with the tour operator for any specific restrictions on outside food and beverages.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve?

The best time to visit the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve is during the breeding season from September to March, when visitors can see the penguins nesting and raising their young on the island’s rocky shores.

Can Participants Swim or Snorkel During the Boat Tour?

Participants cannot swim or snorkel during the boat tour. The tour focuses on observing wildlife from the boat, with no opportunities for water activities. Guides prioritize environmental protection and visitor safety throughout the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary doesn’t explicitly mention swimming or snorkeling options. However, guests can likely inquire about customizing the tour to include additional activities, though this may incur additional costs. The basic itinerary appears fixed without flexibility to extend.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Information About the Local Culture and History?

The tour guides typically provide insights into the local culture and history of the region. They share details about the indigenous communities, traditional practices, and the significance of the natural sites visited during the tour.

Recap

This full-day tour to Damas Island and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the breathtaking beauty of La Serena. With a scenic drive, boat ride to observe wildlife, and delectable seafood lunch, this highly-rated adventure promises an unforgettable experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Priced at $140 per person, it’s an adventure not to be missed.