Penguin Island Boat Tour from Zapallar - Small Group Experience
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Experience one of Chile’s most unique wildlife encounters on a small group boat tour to Penguin Island. Cruise the coast and observe Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
Guided by a local expert, you’ll navigate around this protected natural monument while learning about marine wildlife and conservation, always keeping a respectful distance. Ideal for photos and suitable for all ages.
Good to know before you go : Duration 50–60 minutes. Smalls and private groups. Weather dependent activity. Operated by a local conservation focused company.
Book now and enjoy a responsible local penguin experience.
WHO TRAVELERS LOVE THIS TOUR?
- Small group experience for a personal and relaxed atmosphere
- Guaranteed wildlife sightings (seasonal variations apply)
- Local guides with deep knowledge of the area
- Protected natural monument and responsible tourism practices
- Ideal for families, couples and nature lovers
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Zapallar Beach
We will embark to sail south from this location. Speaking and highlighting the natural and cultural attributes of the area.
Isla Cachagua
Here we will enjoy the Isla de los Penguinos natural monument, a protected area for its relevance in diversity. We will have the opportunity to see a colony of Humboldt penguins up close to photograph them and learn from them. We will also go around the island as conditions allow.
Options
Penguin Island Boat Tour from Zapallar - Small Group Experience
What‘s Included
chelco lifeguard, graphic material
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
jancL7568NA,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience for our family of five (kids ages 17, 15, and 11). Our guide was knowledgable, and it was so much fun to see the penguins and other amazing birds. The water was rough (which my kids loved!), but we stayed dry -- and had a wonderful time!
Penguin boat trip - amazing!
kreggl,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Manuel as a guide was extremely knowledgeable and kind. My 6 year old loved the cruise, but my 3 year old was a little scared. Manuel and the driver of the boat, Charly, helped calm him down and make sure the family had a great time. We cannot recommend enough. Our Spanish is bad, but Manuel's English was impeccable. A must do!
Highly recommend!
Bradley B,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Manuel was a fantastic host, and Carlitos was an awesome captain. Can’t recommend this penguin experience enough!! Everything about it was amazing! Loved every part of Chile, but this was our favorite experience.
Great discovery
67arnaudk,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Communication for the organization was very easy. The boat tour shows the coast from a different angle and what a magnificent sight once arrived at the nature reserve! The explanations were also very good in an easy to understand Spanish, again thank you!
We were late but it was great, penguin viewing.
jillmQ2830SS,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Manuel and Charlie were extremely gracious. They waited for us at the dock while traffic made us nearly an hour late. Despite our delay, Charlie drove the boat with skill, keeping us from losing our breakfast. Manuel was highly knowledgeable about local history, fauna, and flora. We learned a lot and saw a ton of Humboldt Penguins. This was one of the best short tours we took during our 3 weeks in Chile. Lastly, Zapallar was beautiful and worth a visit.
Penguin tour with Manuel
Amy B,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our penquin viewing with Manuel was very fun and very informative. Manuel knew many facts about the penquin and got us close up to see them and many other birds. Manuel contacted me right away after booking to answer all questions and ensure that we knew where to park and how to meet up with him. He even contacted us to see if we wanted to change our departure time to a time of better weather and wind conditions. We went later in the day than we originally planned so it was clear and beautiful and less wind. Manuel was a wonderful guide and made to experience very enjoyable.
Amazing nature experience for the family
Jostein R,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! Manu and his team were great, and we got to see penguins, pelicans, sea otters and a sea lion, in addition to beautiful nature :)
Great experience!
Pavan A,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Manuel the tour guide was awesome. He checked with us a day before, arrived sharp on time at the pick up spot and took us to the boat ride. The ride was very nice and we saw different birds and fishes,the jellyfish was a big hit. But the best part was the penguins. The tour guide was knowledgeable and spent enough time explaining everything about the landscape, the penguins and taking pictures. Highly recommend 👍
Great experience
Laurens M,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip and even better guide, beautiful views, good shipper, amazing environment and people to spend the day!
Absolutely perfect excursion
502landonm,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot recommend this excursion enough! Manuel is a fantastic and personable guide. He shows great care for you during the excursion and explains things thoroughly. I would seriously recommend this trip to anybody who can do it!
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Operated by Turismo Mar y Tierra