Isla Damas is the only island in the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve where visitors can land: you reach it by boat from the fishing cove of Punta de Choros, in the La Higuera district (Coquimbo Region), and the visit on land lasts one hour. From October 14, 2026 until December, the reserve opens Wednesday to Sunday, from 8:30 to 17:30, with last entry at 14:00, according to Conaf, Chile's park service. On the way, the boats circle Isla Choros, where Humboldt penguins nest, and bottlenose dolphins and sea lions are a common sight.
*Updated on November 1, 2026.* The crossing depends on sea conditions: Conaf warns it cannot be guaranteed at all times and recommends checking with the Port Authority before traveling. Conaf tickets are sold only in person, on the day, at its office in Punta de Choros, and by card only.
Humboldt Penguin National Reserve key facts
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Created | January 3, 1990 | Conaf |
| Islands | Chañaral (Atacama), Choros and Damas (Coquimbo) | Conaf |
| Area | 859.30 ha (the same page also mentions 888.68 ha) | Conaf |
| Districts | Freirina and La Higuera | Conaf |
| Island open to landings | Isla Damas only, for one hour | Conaf |
| Species | 59 vascular plants and 68 land vertebrates | Conaf |
| Best time for whales | October to April | Conaf |
Source: the reserve's page on Conaf, checked on November 1, 2026. The page gives two different areas; we publish both. Isla Chañaral, in the Atacama Region, can only be circled by boat from the cove of Chañaral de Aceituno.
Isla Damas and reserve opening hours in 2026
| Period | Days | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 14 to December 2026 (current notice) | Wednesday to Sunday | 8:30 to 17:30 | 14:00 |
| Summer season (December 21 to March 15) | Tuesday to Sunday | 8:30 to 17:30 | 14:00 |
| Winter season (March 16 to December 20) | Thursday to Sunday | 8:30 to 17:30 | 14:00 |
Sources: Conaf and the reserve's listing on Pases Parques, checked on November 1, 2026. In practice, there are no landings on Mondays in any season. Conaf also reports that public areas damaged by a storm in July 2026 reopened on September 10. Hours may change because of weather or safety.
How much a trip to Isla Damas costs: boats and landing
The boats belong to fishermen and operators in Punta de Choros, not to Conaf. There are two charges: the boat trip (which circles Isla Choros and approaches Isla Damas) and the landing on Isla Damas, paid separately. According to a report in Los Andes on January 15, 2026, these were last season's prices:
| Item | Price per person (January 2026) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Boat trip, Monday to Wednesday | CLP 17,000 | About 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Boat trip, Thursday to Sunday | CLP 23,000 | Weekend price |
| Isla Damas landing ticket | CLP 10,000 | Bought at the port |
| Boat + landing package (Turismo Punta de Choros) | CLP 30,000 | One local operator |
Source: Los Andes (Mendoza, Argentina), January 15, 2026. These are reference prices reported by the media, not official fees: Conaf does not publish the entrance fee on its page; it is paid in Punta de Choros. Landings have a daily cap, so in summer it pays to arrive early or book your boat.
Do you run boats, cabins or a restaurant in Punta de Choros or La Higuera? Reach travelers planning northern Chile, in four languages.
See advertising optionsWhat to do on Isla Damas: trails and wildlife
| Isla Damas trail | Length | Time | Difficulty | Caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Tijeras | 1.8 km | 45 minutes | Easy | Gulls may attack during nesting season (December to March) |
| Lookout or Safe Zone | 800 m | 20 minutes | Easy | Rockfall on the climb, especially after rain or earthquakes |
Source: Conaf. The lookout is also the tsunami safe zone, above 40 meters. Swimming and camping are not allowed on Isla Damas, and Las Tijeras beach is closed to the public. From the boat, at Isla Choros you can see Humboldt penguins, Peruvian diving petrels, red-legged cormorants and guanay cormorants; Conaf also lists the marine otter (chungungo), the South American sea lion and the South American fur seal, plus dolphins and, occasionally, whales and sperm whales.
How to get to Punta de Choros and Isla Damas
| From | Route | Distance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Serena | Route 5 North for 87 km, then turn onto D-110-C | 22 km more to Los Choros and 42 km to Punta de Choros | Conaf |
| Vallenar | Route 5 to Domeyko and the road to Chañaral de Aceituno | Not recommended for low vehicles | Conaf |
| Public transport | No regulated service; private vans | — | Conaf |
Source: Conaf. The easiest option is to drive from La Serena or take a full-day tour. To combine it with beaches, the Elqui Valley or an observatory, see things to do in La Serena and Coquimbo. If you travel in spring, you may see the flowering desert along the way.
Rules and tips for visiting Isla Damas
- No fires, smoking, pets, drones without Conaf authorization, or feeding or disturbing wildlife.
- Wear hiking shoes with good grip: the pier is slippery and the island has loose rock.
- Bring warm clothes for the boat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
- Take your trash back and do not remove stones, seeds or plants.
- Check the avian flu notice on Conaf's page: special measures may apply near bird colonies.
Frequently asked questions
Can you land on Isla Choros?
No. Landings are only allowed on Isla Damas, for one hour. Isla Choros, where the penguins live, is circled by boat.
Which days is Isla Damas open?
Until December 2026, Wednesday to Sunday. Between December 21 and March 15, Tuesday to Sunday. Always from 8:30 to 17:30, with last entry at 14:00.
How much is the Isla Damas tour?
In January 2026 the boat trip cost CLP 17,000 to 23,000 per person and the landing CLP 10,000 extra, according to Los Andes. Confirm prices in Punta de Choros.
When can you see whales?
Conaf says the best time is from October to April.
