When we are contacted by families who wish to organize their trip to Chile, they often request a few beach days at the end of the vacation.
And we understand why! It is definitely tempting to want to offer some down time for the little ones, to rest after busy, active days traveling across Chile.
However, at the risk of disappointing you, Chile is not the ideal destination for idleness! In fact, the waters of the Pacific Ocean are crossed by the Humboldt Current, which makes them very cold and dangerous for swimming. But wait!
At TravelCoachChile, we don’t give up that easily! That’s why we still offer some beach destinations in Chile, making sure that the expectations of the whole family are realistically met so as not to disappoint anyone. The area of La Serena is one of our suggestions.
So, beaches in Chile with the family, where to go? Keep reading!
La Serena
Let’s start with a bit of history. La Serena was (re)built by Francisco de Aguirre in 1549. Even if the colonial architecture has not been super well preserved, we still find the traditional checkerboard organization of the city and many churches. After an industrial boom linked to the extraction of minerals (copper and silver), the city experienced an urban plan during which new public buildings were built, in a colonial style… Californian!
In short, this is all to say that even if we recognize that La Serena is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Chile, it is also not a must in terms of architecture. Instead, we visit for its coast, and because it is a good base from which to go whalewatching and observe the stars.
For those who would still like to incorporate some cultural discovery into their visit (and in case your children are lovers of city visits), we recommend the following places:
- The archaeological museum (free)
- Plaza de armas
- Some churches (Santo Domingo, San Francisco and Capilla San Juan de Dios)
- Casa Jiliberto
- Casa de la Providencia
- The lighthouse (ideal for children!)
La Serena Beach and Avenida del Mar
Now, let’s get down to business! Spring (November and December) and summer (January and February) are the ideal seasons to enjoy the beaches of La Serena. Walk along the grand Avenida del Mar and choose the best location to spread your towel. You can also go to the Recova for a bit of shopping. It is the most famous market in the area with an enjoyable craft fair.
The main beach of La Serena is very wide and large. Of course, the background composed of towering apartment buildings does not exactly make you feel like you are in paradise, but it is still a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
Beaches around La Serena
In Coquimbo, don’t miss the Herradura beach and the nightlife of the Barrio Ingles (English Quarter).
A little further away is Totoralillo, nicknamed the pearl of the Caribbean. Although it is crowded in summer, we appreciate a beach with calm waters where it is actually possible to swim (assuming you can stand the icy-cold water). Parking (for a fee) and small beach restaurant are available.
Still a little further south, Tongoy, located nearly 40 miles from La Serena, is a fishing village landlocked in a beautiful landscape. Not only will you be well-fed there, but it is also an old whaling port, which makes it possible to experience a bit of history for the children and to remind them of the importance of protecting marine animals.
Some beautiful beaches can be discovered in the area. Among the best known: Playa Grande (beautiful, to the north), Playa Socos, and El Estero de Tongoycillo.
Finally, a long 10-mile beach connects to the village of Guanaqueros, known for its seafood.
Astronomical observatories to spark your family's imagination
As you know, Chile’s sky is particularly conducive to stargazing. But what might be news to you is that the Elqui Valley, close to La Serena, is one of the best viewing areas, right up there with San Pedro de Atacama. The area has a very dry climate, little (if any) air pollution, and great stability. These factors promise many nights of clear skies, and therefore ideal conditions for astronomical observation.
The best observatories are in the Elqui Valley, but if you don’t have time to spend a few days there, two observatories are worth a visit near La Serena:
- La Silla (scientific observatory, specially adapted for children): visit on Saturday and Sunday with a prior reservation
- Collowara (organize your schedule accordingly to allow for a free evening to visit): ideal for a family visit
Punta de Choros, the ultimate family experience
Punta de Choros, located north of La Serena, is a protected nature reserve. It is home to a community of marine fauna that will delight young and old alike. In season, it is possible to observe, among others, seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Humboldt penguins, who form their colonies in this area and lend their name to the reserve. During the warm season, between April and October, you may have the chance to see the gigantic humpback whales and blue whales with your very own eyes.
In addition to admiring the beaches of Damascus Island, which are among the most beautiful in northern Chile, you can also rest, scuba dive, or simply take short walks at sunset.
The islands of Choros and Damascus are reached by boat (that trip in itself might appeal to some members of the family). The only island where you can disembark and explore is Isla Damas (for 1 hour). The water is emerald green, the sand an immaculate white… it’s breakthtaking! A trail goes around Isla Damas that takes an hour, the time limit to stay on the island in an attempt to preserve this wild area largely endangered by tourists over the years.
Practical information:
Reach Punta de Choros by car, which takes about 1.5 hours, an hour of which is a little chaotic. On the road from La Serena, take the Pan-American for 47 miles before turning left towards Choros Bajos, then Punta de Choros. A peaceful fishing village awaits you.
The entrance fee into the national reserve costs 6,000 CLP for foreign visitors (around $8 USD) to be paid on site. You can hop on a fishing boat that will take you on a 3-hour tour, including 1.75 hours of guided navigation (10,000 CLP per person, or 13,000 CLP if you take the tourist boat). The tours are subject to weather conditions.
In general, the weather is overcast in the morning, so bring a sweater and a rain jacket. You can’t swim on the island. There’s no ATM on site. Arrive in the morning because tickets sell on a first-come-first-served basis.
Chañaral de Aceituno for whale watching
Certainly less known to foreign tourists than Punta de Choros, Chañaral de Aceituno is worth a visit. Especially because every year the area welcomes several whales.
The place is ideal for adventurers, because the path to access it is not easy. We recommend you spend the night in Punta de Choros. The tours are organized by the fishermen, who wait in the small port for tourists to fill the boat. The rate is affordable, usually 15,000 CLP (approx. $20 USD) per person.
Between November and April, you might be able to observe blue whales. Minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, southern right whales, sperm whales, and bottlenose dolphins can also be seen. Don’t get your hopes up too much, though…if you see even one of these marine mammals you are already in luck! (We spotted blue whales!) It is also a favorite travel memory of Youtubers the Happy Family, who traveled across Chile in a van.
And further north in Chile?
If you push a little further north, Pan de Azucar Park and Bahia Inglesa Beach will delight children and parents looking for adventure. We talk more about it on our Travel Blog. Check it out!
Planning a family trip to Chile?
Discover our guide to learn everything you need to know to organize a successful family vacation
That’s it, we covered excursions to do with your children around La Serena. What do you think? Are you ready for a visit? Get in touch with our team for a personalized travel quote, suitable for the whole family and filled with unique experiences!
