Fr STGO: WILD PENGUINS, SEALION, SANDBOARD, PARAGLIDING & PICNIC

The penguins are the headline, but this is really a full Pacific coast adventure. You ride a small boat near penguin habitat, watch sea lions at the shore, eat empanadas above the ocean, and finish on the Concon dunes with a sandboard under your feet. Optional paragliding adds another burst of excitement, at an extra cost.

I like the mix of wildlife and active stops, especially the chance to see penguins, pelicans, sea lions, and possibly dolphins in one outing. I also like the picnic: empanadas, fruit, nuts, pebre, Chilean wine, and pisco sour make this feel more local than a standard packed lunch.

The catch is the length. At nine to 13 hours, this is a big day with a lot of driving, and the open-water boat can be rocky. Sandboarders should also prepare for strong sun and hot dunes. Sunscreen is not included, and paragliding depends on weather and costs extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Penguins by small boat: You observe them from the water, with binoculars supplied, rather than walking among them.
• A generous Chilean picnic: Empanadas, fruit, nuts, pebre, wine, pisco sour, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.
• Sandboarding is included: Boards are supplied, and you can ride standing up or sitting down.
• Paragliding costs extra: You can arrange a flight with an instructor at the coastal paragliding site, but it is not part of the $300 price.
• The day is weather-sensitive: Boat conditions, paragliding, and road access can change the plan.
• Small-group format: The maximum is 12 people, and the Santiago departure needs at least two participants.

Why this Santiago tour is more than a penguin trip

Many Santiago day tours head straight for one attraction and return. This one links several coastal experiences into a single outing. You get wildlife, beach towns, local food, a boat ride, and an active finish on the dunes.

That variety is the main reason to consider the $300 price. You are not paying only for a short penguin cruise. The cost also covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, the boat, binoculars, sandboards, lunch, drinks, WiFi on board, and an English or Spanish-speaking tour service.

I would think of it as a small-group coastal expedition rather than a relaxed sightseeing day. The pace can change as pickup arrangements change, but the full day gives you room for several different activities.

From Santiago to Valparaiso and the coast

The day may begin with a pickup in Santiago, followed by a drive toward Valparaiso. If other people need to be collected there, the vehicle may stop in Valparaiso before continuing. If nobody needs a Valparaiso pickup, the route can run from Santiago in the opposite order without that stop.

That detail matters because the exact sequence is not fixed. You should allow the full nine to 13 hours and avoid scheduling anything important in Santiago that evening.

If Valparaiso is part of the route, you pass through it and nearby Viña del Mar. The contrast is part of the appeal: Valparaiso is known for its hills and port setting, while Viña del Mar has a more polished resort feel. The drive also passes Reñaca, a popular beach area, and Concon, another coastal stop with a more relaxed seaside character.

These are mostly passing views rather than long city tours. If your main goal is Valparaiso’s street art, hills, and historic lifts, book a separate city outing. Here, the coastal towns provide context on the way to the wildlife and sandboarding.

Sea lions at the fishing market

One of the early short stops is for sea lions. The setting is connected to the local fishing community, which gives the wildlife encounter a useful sense of place. You are not simply stopping at a polished viewing platform. You see the animals in a working coastal setting.

The stop is brief, roughly 10 minutes. That is enough for a look and photographs, but not enough for a long nature walk. Bring your binoculars, though the animals may also be visible without them.

This quick stop works well because it breaks up the drive before the boat ride. If you want an unhurried visit with sea lions, you may find the timing short. The tour is built around seeing several things in one day, not lingering at every location.

Zapallar and the boat to the penguins

At Zapallar, you board a boat for the penguin outing. The area is one of Chile’s more prestigious coastal communities, with second homes associated with wealthy Chileans and public figures. Ancient volcanic rocks at Playa de Zapallar add a distinctive natural feature to the coast.

The boat ride is the key wildlife activity. You observe penguins from the water, with binoculars provided, and the boat may approach fairly close while respecting the protected area. This is important: you are not getting off to walk through a penguin colony. The experience is a respectful boat-based view.

You may also see other seabirds, including pelicans, and possibly dolphins. One outing even included views of large jellyfish. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the setting gives you a good range of possible sightings beyond the penguins.

The open ocean can be choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring the medicine you normally use. The boat ride is described as fun and scenic, but conditions can make it uncomfortable for some people. A light jacket is also sensible because the ride can feel chilly, even when the day is warm.

Allow about an hour for this stop. The penguins are usually the emotional highlight of the day, especially if seeing them is high on your Chile wish list. Keep your camera ready, but binoculars may be more useful than trying to rely only on a phone zoom.

A picnic above the Pacific

After the boat trip, the group heads to a paragliding school area on a cliff above the Pacific. This is where the day slows down for lunch, although the setting may still be lively with instructors and paragliders taking off nearby.

The meal is a generous Chilean picnic. You can expect empanadas, fruit, nuts, pebre, and drinks, with Chilean wine, pisco sour, soft drinks, and bottled water included. Empanada choices can vary, and crab empanadas were one memorable option on a past outing. Homemade salsa is also part of the meal on some days.

I like this part because food becomes part of the trip rather than an afterthought. You get a taste of familiar Chilean picnic food while looking over the ocean, and the meal gives you a chance to sit down between the boat and dune activities.

The paragliding school is not only a backdrop. You can pay extra to fly with a professional instructor. The activity is weather-dependent, and it is not included in the tour price. One past participant flew with an instructor connected to Chile’s Red Bull team, but you should treat that as an individual possibility, not a promised part of every departure.

If the weather does not cooperate, paragliding may be canceled. That can be disappointing if you booked mainly for the flight, so consider it an optional bonus rather than the core promise of the tour.

Sandboarding on the Concon dunes

The final major activity takes place at the Concon dunes. From the top, you get broad views over the coast before sliding down on the supplied boards.

You do not need to be an expert snowboarder. You can ride standing up or sitting down, and the guide can help you choose an approach that suits your confidence. Jimmy is described as a former snowboarding instructor and has helped first-time sandboarders make successful runs.

The dunes are fun, but they are also physically demanding. Climbing back up through loose sand takes effort, and the sun can make the area very hot. Wear light clothing, protect your skin, and bring more water than you think you need, even though bottled water is supplied.

This is a good activity for mixed groups because you can take it gently or try a faster descent. If you dislike exertion or slippery slopes, you can skip it. Some people have chosen to sit this stop out, while others called it the highlight of the day.

A road closure once forced the guide to replace the sandboarding plan with a visit to alpacas. That example shows the value of a flexible guide, but it also confirms that the advertised order and activities can change when local conditions interfere.

The guides and the feel of the day

The guiding team connected with this experience includes names such as Jimmy, Simona, Lily, Jay, and Simon, though your exact guide depends on the departure. The strongest reports describe a friendly host who handles food, equipment, timing, and changes without making the day feel stiff.

That matters on an outing with so many moving parts. You may have Santiago pickups, a Valparaiso transfer, a boat schedule, lunch setup, a possible paragliding booking, and a dune session all in one day.

The atmosphere appears social and informal. Solo participants can fit in well, while couples and families also have plenty to do together. English and Spanish are offered.

The group size is capped at 12. That is large enough for a social outing but small enough to avoid the feel of a coach tour. The tour runs from Santiago with a minimum of two people, so you should not assume a solo booking will operate unless that minimum is met.

Is the $300 price good value?

For a long coastal day, $300 per person is a serious price. But the inclusions are broad. You receive round-trip transport from Santiago, a boat trip, binoculars, sandboards, a substantial picnic, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and a guide.

The price makes the most sense if you plan to do several of these activities anyway. A separate wildlife outing, dune excursion, and coastal transfer could take more time and require more planning. Here, the operator connects them for you.

The value is weaker if you only want penguins. The boat portion lasts about an hour, while much of the day is spent on roads and at the other stops. It also makes less sense if you do not drink alcohol, do not want to sandboard, and have no interest in paragliding.

Paragliding is an extra charge, so budget separately if that is important to you. The $300 price does not include the flight or instructor.

Practical advice for a comfortable day

Bring sunscreen. It is specifically not supplied, and you will be exposed at the beach, on the boat, at the cliffside picnic, and on the dunes.

Wear shoes and clothing that can handle sand. A layer for the boat is useful because the open water can feel cold. If you are sensitive to motion, pack your preferred sea sickness medicine.

Keep your schedule open for the evening. The stated duration is nine to 13 hours, and road pickups can affect the return time. The vehicle has air conditioning and WiFi, which helps during the longer transfers.

The experience allows service animals, is near public transportation, and is suitable for most people. Still, the combination of boat motion, dune climbing, and a long day means you should consider your own comfort and fitness.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Who should book this coastal adventure?

I would recommend it to you if you want a packed day with several distinct experiences and do not mind spending many hours on the road. It suits couples, families with active older children, and solo visitors who like meeting people in a small group.

It is especially good for a first visit to the central Chilean coast. You see several beach communities, taste local food, and get both wildlife and outdoor activity without arranging separate transport.

I would be cautious if you want a slow coastal day, dislike small boats, or need a fixed return time. I would also avoid booking it mainly for paragliding, since that activity costs extra and depends on the weather.

For most people, the strongest reason to book is the combination: penguins by boat, a proper Chilean picnic, and included sandboarding. That is a lot of variety in one long day. If those three elements appeal to you, the price can be justified. If only one does, choose a more focused tour.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately nine to 13 hours, depending on the route, pickups, traffic, and conditions.

What is included in the price?

The price includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a boat ride, binoculars, sandboards, lunch, bottled water, Chilean wine, pisco sour, soft drinks, and WiFi on board.

Is paragliding included?

No. Paragliding and the instructor cost extra. The activity is also dependent on suitable weather.

Are the penguins seen from the boat?

Yes. You take a boat from Zapallar and observe the penguins from the water. Binoculars are supplied.

What food is served at lunch?

The picnic includes typical Chilean foods such as empanadas, pebre, fruit, and nuts. Drinks include Chilean wine, pisco sour, bottled water, and soft drinks.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English and Spanish.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 12 people. The Santiago departure requires a minimum of two participants.

Is sunscreen provided?

No. Sunscreen is not included, so you should bring your own.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can also lead to a different date or a full refund.