Chiloe Island Penguin Colony
Chiloe Island Penguin Colony
Chiloe Island Penguin Colony
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
145 reviews
Excellent
87
Very good
46
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
1
wendy
Toronto, Canada25 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
My boyfriend and I were in Chiloe over the Christmas holidays and desperate to see the penguins and something to do on Christmas Day. Our hotel host sent us a screenshot of a tour company called Quilun doing penguin and dolphin tours on Christmas Day. We booked with them since they were the only ones open and I was worried as I had only seen tours from Ancud and the meeting point was in Queilen (about 1 hour south of Castro by car). We got there and boarded a small boat that had indoor seating and a deck fit for about 16. The water was super calm where we went as I was worried about getting sea sick/choppy waters from the Ancud area. They had 2 guides, 1 Spanish and 1 English speaking and as we went out they explained the penguin and dolphin types with pictures and pointed out things as we passed
By. They answered tons of my questions and seemed to have great passion. They had a spotter who pointed out the wildlife and we got to see dolphins (mama and baby was so special) and sealions and then we can upon the penguin island full of penguins (only Megellan here) pelicans and other birds (forgot the name) It was fantastic! They split the group into 2 and each went downstairs for what they said was a “snack”, to my surprise it was a big bowl of the freshest mussels and clams served with 3 superb sauces, cracks and chilean white wine (they had soft drinks for kids) It was so good and beyond my expectation. As we returned we passed a closed salmon fishery with sea lions basking everywhere! The tour was about 2.5 hours and 22.000 pesos each. Loved it, and highly recommend this tour company!! I noticed they’re #1 for Queilin city but not getting the love they deserve as a penguin operator for Chiloé! Apparently they were closed all last
Year due to pandemic so give this small family run operator some business! As a friendly Canadian I love to share info and I already passed on their info to some American/Canadians. Hope this helps anyone trying to find penguin tour companies!
By. They answered tons of my questions and seemed to have great passion. They had a spotter who pointed out the wildlife and we got to see dolphins (mama and baby was so special) and sealions and then we can upon the penguin island full of penguins (only Megellan here) pelicans and other birds (forgot the name) It was fantastic! They split the group into 2 and each went downstairs for what they said was a “snack”, to my surprise it was a big bowl of the freshest mussels and clams served with 3 superb sauces, cracks and chilean white wine (they had soft drinks for kids) It was so good and beyond my expectation. As we returned we passed a closed salmon fishery with sea lions basking everywhere! The tour was about 2.5 hours and 22.000 pesos each. Loved it, and highly recommend this tour company!! I noticed they’re #1 for Queilin city but not getting the love they deserve as a penguin operator for Chiloé! Apparently they were closed all last
Year due to pandemic so give this small family run operator some business! As a friendly Canadian I love to share info and I already passed on their info to some American/Canadians. Hope this helps anyone trying to find penguin tour companies!
Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dcindc2003
Washington DC57 contributions
Jan 2020
No need to arrange a tour in advance, simply drive to Punihuil and there are multiple people that will take you out to see the penguin colonies. Note that google maps is a little misleading as it appears the road does not connect to Punihuil and is completely paved.
We went out with Bote Huailhuen III which is towards the end of the beach. One of our favorite experiences of our entire trip to Chile. Guides were knowledgeable, spoke English and we did not have to wait more than 15 minutes to get on the boat. Cost was 7500 CLP (roughly $10) per person.
We went out with Bote Huailhuen III which is towards the end of the beach. One of our favorite experiences of our entire trip to Chile. Guides were knowledgeable, spoke English and we did not have to wait more than 15 minutes to get on the boat. Cost was 7500 CLP (roughly $10) per person.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShortStack12
Hope, NJ449 contributions
Mar 2020
We drove from Castro up to Ancud, then west to Punihuil. It wasn't very busy so we easily parked on the hard sand. The boats didn't look very appealing so we just walked to the far end of the beach and out toward the water (it must have been near low tide) and watched some penguins through binoculars. We spent only about 45 minutes there.
I think there may be a more adventurous way to see the penguins if you like walking/hiking: drive to Chepu, to the marina, then continue past the parking lot on a gravel road. Go as far as you can - until the road is impassable. Park there and walk to the bottom of the hill. Turn right where the sand dunes meet the woods. Continue along this border until you get to the Pacific Ocean. At that location there will be a long wide beach to your left. There is a rocky outcropping on the right side. At low tide you may be able to hike for a very long way, and may see some penguins or other birds. Google Maps shows this very clearly. There is a large triangle of sand; one side is the Chepu river, one side is the Pacific Ocean, and the third side is the walk I described along the sand/woods border.
I think there may be a more adventurous way to see the penguins if you like walking/hiking: drive to Chepu, to the marina, then continue past the parking lot on a gravel road. Go as far as you can - until the road is impassable. Park there and walk to the bottom of the hill. Turn right where the sand dunes meet the woods. Continue along this border until you get to the Pacific Ocean. At that location there will be a long wide beach to your left. There is a rocky outcropping on the right side. At low tide you may be able to hike for a very long way, and may see some penguins or other birds. Google Maps shows this very clearly. There is a large triangle of sand; one side is the Chepu river, one side is the Pacific Ocean, and the third side is the walk I described along the sand/woods border.
Written April 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth S
Phoenix, AZ129 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
In an effort to not repeat other reviews I will share a few things I wanted to know about the trip but didn't see mentioned in the posts on this site.
The week we were here it was rainy and I wasn't sure the boats would run in the rain. I learned they do and they provide the guests ponchos to stay dry. That said the boat is not covered so if it's rainy, it will be wet but you can go!
What hours do they run? Our guide said this time of year people typically show up around 10ish and they run the first tours at 11. But they will go whenever they have a good size group (20 or more people). The last run is around 430 or 5. Our guide said that is when the dolphins came into the bay and could be seen late afternoon. Sharing in case that is a factor in your planning.
How long is the trip and will you need sea sickness medication? The boats stay close to shore. There are 3-4 small rock islands you can see from shore and that is where you go. Our boat did not go past the breaking point for the big waves so it was a calm trip. You're only off the shore for maybe 30 minutes.
Sounds like other times of the year (December) there are more tour operators out there but when we went (October 8) there appeared to be only one. They timed it so there was enough time to grab lunch and I have to say the restaurant was really yummy.
One suggestion- on your way out don't drive out the beach route if that is how you came in- take the scenic dirt road off the beach and you'll see some terrific vistas and views on your way back. May add 20 minutes to the drive but really enjoyable!!
The week we were here it was rainy and I wasn't sure the boats would run in the rain. I learned they do and they provide the guests ponchos to stay dry. That said the boat is not covered so if it's rainy, it will be wet but you can go!
What hours do they run? Our guide said this time of year people typically show up around 10ish and they run the first tours at 11. But they will go whenever they have a good size group (20 or more people). The last run is around 430 or 5. Our guide said that is when the dolphins came into the bay and could be seen late afternoon. Sharing in case that is a factor in your planning.
How long is the trip and will you need sea sickness medication? The boats stay close to shore. There are 3-4 small rock islands you can see from shore and that is where you go. Our boat did not go past the breaking point for the big waves so it was a calm trip. You're only off the shore for maybe 30 minutes.
Sounds like other times of the year (December) there are more tour operators out there but when we went (October 8) there appeared to be only one. They timed it so there was enough time to grab lunch and I have to say the restaurant was really yummy.
One suggestion- on your way out don't drive out the beach route if that is how you came in- take the scenic dirt road off the beach and you'll see some terrific vistas and views on your way back. May add 20 minutes to the drive but really enjoyable!!
Written October 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ATW2012
Sydney82 contributions
Feb 2012 • Couples
The penguin colony on Chiloe Island is a great way to see these amazing creatures. We took an afternoon tour from Ancud which drove us down to the colony. Here we boarded a small boat and were taken on a 40 minute tour to see the Humbolt and Magellan penguins in their habitat. We were also able to see an otter and diverse bird life. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke enough English to explain what we were seeing and to answer any questions. The only downside to the trip was the roadworks on the way to/from the penguins which makes for a long and bumpy journey.
Written February 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
solarios
paris39 contributions
Bought a tour in Castro at 'turismo Corcovado'. Included à stop in Ancud city, a typical 'curanto' dish in Qetalmahue and the Penguin visit.
Ancud: not much to see
Qetalmahue curanto restaurant: a must see and eat! You can see the preparation of this typical Chilote dish and eat huge portion of it. A hole is dug and filled with hot stones, then filled with clams, a layer of nalca leaves, a layer of pork and sausages, nalca, potato bread, nalca. Then cook for 45min.
Penguins: you start from an isolated beautiful beach, the boat and team is really profesionnal and can explain a lot about penguins and all other animals in english. We saw lots of funny penguins, cormorans, see duck, and even a see otter eating a crab floating on her back in front of us!!
Ancud: not much to see
Qetalmahue curanto restaurant: a must see and eat! You can see the preparation of this typical Chilote dish and eat huge portion of it. A hole is dug and filled with hot stones, then filled with clams, a layer of nalca leaves, a layer of pork and sausages, nalca, potato bread, nalca. Then cook for 45min.
Penguins: you start from an isolated beautiful beach, the boat and team is really profesionnal and can explain a lot about penguins and all other animals in english. We saw lots of funny penguins, cormorans, see duck, and even a see otter eating a crab floating on her back in front of us!!
Written January 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin C
Sheffield, UK592 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
We were staying in Puerto Varas but had a hire car so decided to do this trip to Chiloe Island as it was recommended by our tour company and in the Rough Guide. You have to get the car ferry across to the island which is about a 35 minute ride but the ferries are frequent and very well organised so there was no long wait in a queue. The crossing itself was great and we saw loads of sea lions and other wild life. the drive to Punihuil was fun and lovely scenery. We arrived on the beach which appeared very crowded with boats, cars and people and we were almost put off. However we booked to go on a boat with an English speaking guide. It was very well organised and regulated. There are only 7 boats licensed and they have strict timings so they are not all out at the same time. The penguins nest and breed on 3 islands just off shore and we saw plenty of them on the rocks together with many different types of sea bird. The guide was very good and knowledgeable. the boat trip lasts about 35-40 minutes. Very enjoyable.
Written February 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OneOfTheSisters
Canmore125 contributions
Dec 2013 • Family
We arrived and were escorted to the far end of the beach - it was strange to drive past all the other services but it turned out that the company with the next departure has a staff person at the entrance to maximise the number of people in each departure. There are 6 companies offering tours and the number of boats and the schedule is controlled by the parks and municipal services. The tour operators are diligent about sticking to the rules which is best for the penguins no doubt!
We put on the big ponchos provided and were wheeled out to the boat on an elevated platform so we didn't get wet feet! Our guide was excellent, explaining in Spanish the nesting and feeding patterns of the 2 different penguins in the reserve (Humbolt and Magellanic) and also about the 4 species of cormorants, the sea lions, Magellanic flightless duck and numerous fish species. We saw most of these animals on our tour and then returned to the beach to play in the sand and waves - the water is cold so swimming even on a hot sunny day is a challenge but the location is nothing short of spectacular. We were also exceptionally lucky to see a miniature Chilote deer (Pudu) making it's way up the hill behind the beach. Rating 10/10!
We put on the big ponchos provided and were wheeled out to the boat on an elevated platform so we didn't get wet feet! Our guide was excellent, explaining in Spanish the nesting and feeding patterns of the 2 different penguins in the reserve (Humbolt and Magellanic) and also about the 4 species of cormorants, the sea lions, Magellanic flightless duck and numerous fish species. We saw most of these animals on our tour and then returned to the beach to play in the sand and waves - the water is cold so swimming even on a hot sunny day is a challenge but the location is nothing short of spectacular. We were also exceptionally lucky to see a miniature Chilote deer (Pudu) making it's way up the hill behind the beach. Rating 10/10!
Written January 1, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave's_reviews
Philadelphia, PA2,094 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
I've seen penguins in various places before, and this isn't the world's best penguin colony, but it's still a lot of fun. The boat operators seem to coordinate with each other and the service is well organized. We were there in late November, and you didn't need a reservation; we just drove ourselves to this small beach town 20 minutes from Ancud. it seemed like boats went out every 30 or 40 minutes. For a family of 4, we paid about US$40 total for the short boat ride, and it was both fun and interesting. We probably saw almost 100 penguins, and lots of interesting birds. Definitely a "must see" on Chiloe.
Written December 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kfpainemilla
Washington DC, DC35 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
We read the reviews on tripvisor about tours to the penguin colony so looked for one. An Ancud resident noticed we had a car and told us to just drive there from Ancud. It was less the 30 minutes and the road litterally ends at the beach.
There are small tour operators rights there and the price is 1/3 of what a tour would costs. The tour operators were all local and seemed to take turns when random tourists would show up with their car. There are about 3-4 little operators and it's a protected area so all is regulated.
The penguin islands are just off shore and the trip is about 30 -40 minutes. We saw a ton penguins, otters and plenty of other bird species.
The beach area is really beaufitul and there are a handful of local resturants nothing outstanding but good fish, wine and an excellent view.
There are small tour operators rights there and the price is 1/3 of what a tour would costs. The tour operators were all local and seemed to take turns when random tourists would show up with their car. There are about 3-4 little operators and it's a protected area so all is regulated.
The penguin islands are just off shore and the trip is about 30 -40 minutes. We saw a ton penguins, otters and plenty of other bird species.
The beach area is really beaufitul and there are a handful of local resturants nothing outstanding but good fish, wine and an excellent view.
Written January 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Qual o melhor horario para fazer o passeio?
Written November 5, 2018
From where do the boats leave to visit the penguin colonies - do any leave from Ancud itself or does one have to travel to Pumillahue?
Written October 18, 2018
Pretendo ir no inicio de novembro, corro o risco de não ver os pinguins?
Written September 13, 2018
Hi, I am interested in seeing the Humbolt and Magellanic penguins but I am somewhat confused whether is part of an organised tour that departs from Puerto Varas to Chiloe island or is it just a local tour operator that leaves from Chiloe island?
Thank you.
Regards,
Boon
Written December 24, 2017
We went on a tour from Puerto Varas to Chiloe but the office of the tour operator was in Ancud on Chiloe. So if you make your own way to Chiloe you will be able to get a tour to see the penguins. Also if you have a car you can make your own way to the penguin colony ( Punihuil) and then just buy tickets for the boat that takes you out to the penguins.
Written December 29, 2017
Es posible ver nutrias en enero-febrero?
Written January 19, 2017
Bonjour..Ou avez vous vu les pingouins : vers Ancud, Pumillahue, Teguaco ou autre ? Nous partons fin Février, et je suis en train d'organiser notre périple..Pouvez vous m'indiquer ? merci
Written December 31, 2016
We just booked a cruise and will arrive at Isla Chiloe on Feb. 3. Were you on a cruise when you were there? What tour company did you use? We normally hire a taxi and plan our own day. Do you think it would be better to reserve a tour or would we be able to replicate a similar experience to what you report? Thanks for your time!
Written December 28, 2016
lynbass2016
Greater London, United Kingdom
Is there a tour to the penguin colony which can start from the port?
My friend and I are cruising with Holland America's MS Zaandam. We will be docking in Isla Chiloe, Chile on Saturday 28 January 2017 at 8.00 The ship leaves at 17.00 the same day.
We would like to do a tour of the Penguin Colony as the ship does not offer this tour. Also interested in a tour of Cucao Chiloe National Park as an alternative. Do you offer these tours? If so what would be the cost for say a 3 hour tour with an English speaking guide?
Many thanks for your attention
Lyn & Judy
Written December 22, 2016
Will public buses and boats to the penguin colony be operating on January 1st?
Written December 23, 2015
We are planning to arrive to that part of Chile by March 10. Is that too late to see both species of penguins? Thanks from San Francisco travelers!
Written November 29, 2015
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