Puñihuil Islands tour: Chiloé penguin colonies and Ancud

Penguin colonies and wild coastline on Chiloé's northern shore

A full-day tour of northern Chiloé Island starting with a 30-minute crossing of Chacao Channel to reach Puñihuil Islands, a protected natural monument where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest. The route continues through Ancud, the island's second-largest city, visiting its market, craft fair and the historic San Antonio fort. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned minivan and a local guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese are included. Boat navigation to the penguin colonies is arranged separately at the site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore northern Chiloé Island and wildlife

• Navigate Chacao Channel for 30 minutes
• Observe birds and sea lions
• Arrive at town of Chacao
• Travel to Ancud city
• Drive 28 km southwest to Puñihuil islands
• Take boat to see penguin colonies (not included)
• Tour island along long beach
• Visit Ancud city square, market, and craft fair
• See San Antonio fort and churches foundation

The experience

The day begins with hotel pickup and a crossing of Chacao Channel, where you'll watch for sea lions and seabirds before arriving in Chacao. From there the route heads southwest toward Ancud, then continues 28 kilometers to Puñihuil Islands: a state-protected area where local fishermen now lead guided boat trips along the Pacific coast. The boat ride (booked on-site) is what brings you close to the penguin colonies. The minivan takes you through the island's interior and along a long, open beach where the ocean stretches unbroken.

Ancud, the second-largest settlement on Chiloé, is where the tour circles back. You'll walk through the city's main square, browse the market and craft fair, and visit the San Antonio fort: a landmark that anchors the island's colonial history. The friends of the churches foundation is also on the stop list, though the itinerary does not detail what that visit entails.

The full day runs 9 to 11 hours door-to-door. A minimum of three people per booking is required, and the tour operates in all weather. Bring layers and waterproof gear, especially if you plan to take the boat to the penguins. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you request them when booking. Children from age one are welcome, though they must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• local guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• access to Puñihuil Islands natural monument and the town of Ancud with its market, craft fair, San Antonio fort and historic sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:50

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Patagonia Austral

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you do not need a car or directions to a meeting point. The minivan collects you and handles the full route, which is essential on an island where rental transport and navigation can be complicated. The 30-minute channel crossing and the 28-kilometer drive to Puñihuil are distances that make sense only as part of a guided day. Attempting them independently would consume most of your time.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What are Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, and why do they nest at Puñihuil?

Humboldt penguins and Magellanic penguins both breed in southern Pacific waters, and Puñihuil Islands is one of the few places where both species nest in the same area. The islands are a state-protected natural monument specifically because of these colonies, and the local fishing community has developed boat tours so visitors can see them without disturbing the birds.

Is the boat ride to see the penguins included in the tour price?

The boat navigation to the penguin colonies is not included in the tour. You arrange and pay for it separately at Puñihuil. The minivan takes you to the islands, but the boat ticket is a separate purchase at the site.

How long is the Chacao Channel crossing, and what will I see?

The crossing takes about 30 minutes. During the journey you'll watch for sea lions and a variety of seabirds in the channel waters before the boat reaches Chacao on the northern shore of Chiloé.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the meeting point, or is pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price. The minivan collects you from your accommodation and returns you at the end of the day, so you do not need to arrange separate transport to the starting point.