Cachagua

Isla de Cachagua lies a few hundred metres off the beach of the same name and is a national monument protecting a breeding colony of Humboldt penguins, along with Magellanic penguins that also nest here, cormorants, pelicans and sea lions. Humboldt penguins are classed as vulnerable and the population has been under pressure from fishing, guano extraction historically, and the effects of El Nino on the anchovy they depend on. Landing on the island is prohibited entirely; watching is from the shore path, which is close enough to see birds on the rocks with binoculars but not much more.

What's there

• A Humboldt penguin colony - with Magellanic penguins nesting too.
• Cormorants, pelicans and sea lions - sharing the island.
• No landing permitted - the island is a protected monument.
• Watching from the beach path - binoculars make the difference.

When to go

September to March for the breeding season. Half a day.

Practical notes

You watch from several hundred metres, so without binoculars the penguins are dots. Boats are not permitted to approach closely. The beach here has strong currents. Parking is limited in summer.

Nearby

Zapallar is north; Maitencillo is south along the coast.