Pingüineras de Puñihuil
Monumento Natural Islotes de Puñihuil
The only breeding ground where you can see both Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. You circle the small islands by landing craft for close views, and you may also spot sea otters.
The three small Puñihuil islands are a shared breeding ground for Magellanic and Humboldt penguins. As a protected natural monument, landing on the islands is not allowed. Visitors are pushed out to the small boats on the beach by hand-pushed carts. The boat circles the islands for about 30 to 45 minutes to watch penguins, cormorants and sea otters, and if you are lucky you may see sea lions. Boat tickets cost about 12,000 pesos. Boats depart roughly 10:00 to 18:00, and service stops in high winds and waves. The site is on the north of the island, about 100 km from Castro (about 1.5 hours by car), and can be combined with a day trip to Ancud.
Opening hours
Approx. September-March, boats depart 10:00-18:00 (weather permitting)
Nearby sights
- Chepu River & Sunken Forest
- Ancud & Fuerte San Antonio
- Museo de Arte Moderno Chiloé (MAM)
- Dalcahue Church & Market
- Palafitos de Castro
- Church of San Francisco, Castro
- Feria Lillo
- Church of Nercón