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Nature reserve · La Serena, Coquimbo
Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt
A CONAF reserve with three islands in the Pacific, between the Coquimbo and Atacama regions. Boats depart from Caleta Punta de Choros, circle Isla Choros and stop at Isla Damas, where you can disembark. Penguins, sea lions and dolphins live in the area.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt
The Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt protects the islands Choros, Damas and Chañaral, totaling about 860 hectares, between the Coquimbo and Atacama regions. It is managed by CONAF, the Chilean forestry service, and is named after the Humboldt penguin, a bird that lives on these islands. The departure point for tours is Caleta Punta de Choros, a fishing village about 130 km by road from La Serena.
Boats from the cove depart with life jackets and circle Isla Choros, where landing is not allowed. From the sea you can see birds on the cliffs, such as penguins, guanays and patos-yunco, and sea lions on the rocks. A group of bottlenose dolphins lives in the surrounding waters, and sometimes marine otters, the chungungo, and whales appear. Animal presence varies by day, and nothing is certain.
On the return, the boat stops at Isla Damas for about an hour. Two short, easy trails lead to a lookout and to the white-sand beach area. Swimming and camping are not permitted, and Playa Las Tijeras is closed to the public.
Departures depend on sea conditions: when the Port Captaincy closes navigation due to waves or wind, there is no tour. The reserve is open only on certain days of the week, which change with the season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A full day from La Serena: about two hours by road each way and two to three hours by boat with the stop at Isla Damas.
Best time
In the morning, when the sea is usually calmer; the last boarding is in the early afternoon. CONAF indicates October to April as the period with the most marine life. In January and February there are more boats and longer lines.
How to get there
From La Serena, follow 87 km on Ruta 5 Norte and turn left onto road D-110-C, passing Los Choros to Caleta Punta de Choros, another 42 km. There is no regular public transport: agencies and vans from La Serena sell the tour with transport and boat.
Tip
Bring warm clothing, a windbreaker, a hat and sunscreen, and wear closed shoes for the trails on Isla Damas. Those who get seasick should take precautions before boarding. On the island, no fires are allowed, no smoking, and do not feed the animals.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt
Is it guaranteed to see penguins at the Reserva Nacional Pingüino de Humboldt?
No. The penguins live on the islands, but the animals' presence varies by season and by day. CONAF cites October to April as the period with the most marine life.
Can you land on the islands?
Only on Isla Damas, for about an hour, with two short trails. On Isla Choros, the boat just circles the coast.
Can you swim at Isla Damas?
No. Swimming and camping are prohibited on the island.
Does the boat tour run every day?
No. The reserve is open only on certain days of the week, and departures depend on sea conditions and authorization from the Capitanía de Puerto. Check before you go.