Will we see penguins?
The colony lives on the island all year round, and Humboldt penguins are usually seen from the boat — but they’re wild animals, so we can’t guarantee a sighting.
Can you see penguins near Santiago?
Yes. The colony we visit is on Isla Cachagua, off the coast near Zapallar, about 2 h 15 min from Santiago, so it works as a day trip. The colony lives on the island all year: mostly Humboldt penguins, and sometimes Magellanic penguins too. We watch them from a small local boat (about 1 hour, life jackets on, no landing). They’re wild animals, so we can’t guarantee a sighting, but they’re usually seen from the boat.
Do we land on the island?
No. Isla Cachagua is a protected Natural Monument, so we watch the colony from a small local boat, with life jackets on, and never land.
Is there a minimum number of travelers?
Yes — 2 travelers. A couple is all it takes: your day runs with 2. Traveling solo? Book a seat and we confirm your day as soon as a second traveler joins. If no one has joined 48 hours before, we offer you another date, another tour or a full refund.
What time do we leave and get back?
Pickup is at 8:00 AM and we drop you back at your hotel around 5:00 PM.
How long is the boat ride? Is it safe for kids?
About 1 hour. Each boat takes up to 8 people — larger groups go in more than one boat — and everyone wears a life jacket; we have them in children’s sizes too.
I get seasick — will I be OK?
We only go out to the island when the sea is calm. If you’re very prone to seasickness, or to motion sickness in general, we recommend bringing your usual medication.
Is lunch included?
No — lunch isn’t included. We stop at a seaside restaurant in Zapallar and you pay there; we suggest ocean-view places, with vegetarian options too.
How hard is the walk up Cerro La Cruz?
Easy. It’s a short trail with a gentle slope, about 30–45 minutes with your guide, up to the lookout with the lone cypress over Zapallar Bay. Comfortable sneakers are enough.
Can I check the sea conditions before my trip?
Yes. This page shows the live Windguru forecast for Cachagua (wind, gusts, wave height and period). It’s a planning guide, not a guarantee: conditions can change, the boat only goes out when the sea is calm, and the final call is always the local boat operator’s.
Where do you pick us up?
At your hotel, Airbnb or apartment in Santiago Centro, Providencia, Las Condes or Vitacura — included in the price. Staying somewhere else? We can pick you up there for an extra charge; just tell us where.
How do I book?
Pick your date in the calendar on this page — it shows the seats left — and book online: pay the full tour by card, or reserve with 30% and pay the rest in cash on the day. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before. Questions first? Message us on WhatsApp.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel up to 48 hours before your tour and it’s free. Later than that the day isn’t refundable, but tell us and we’ll try to move you to another date. If weather, sea or road conditions stop the tour, you choose: a new date or a full refund.
