A gritty, salt-sprayed port with sea lions at the fish market, the tallest cross on the continent looming over the bay, and two cities' worth of beaches, seafood, and star-gazing valley just beyond the gates.
Ships dock at the commercial Terminal Puerto Coquimbo — a mandatory shuttle runs from the gangway to the exit gate, where taxis and colectivos await.
💡 Pro move: Chile has strict agricultural customs. Do not carry fresh fruit, vegetables, or seeds off the ship — sniffer dogs are present and fines are steep.
All cruise ships dock at the modern Terminal Puerto Coquimbo — no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, etc.) | Terminal Puerto Coquimbo📍 | Docked |
| Expedition ships | Terminal Puerto Coquimbo📍 | Docked |
From sea-lion-filled fish markets to pisco distilleries deep in the Andes, Coquimbo punches well above its size for shore excursions.
Drive into the world's clearest-sky valley, visit a pisco distillery, and taste Chile's national spirit amid Andean scenery. The valley inspired Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral and draws astronomers from around the globe.
Find Elqui Valley tours →Ride an elevator inside South America's tallest monument — the 93-metre concrete Cruz del Tercer Milenio — for panoramic views of the bay and twin cities. Combine with a walk through Barrio Inglés.
Find Coquimbo city tours →Chile's second-oldest city is a 20-minute taxi ride away. Stroll the Plaza de Armas, admire Spanish colonial stone churches, browse La Recova market for lapis lazuli and alpaca crafts.
Find La Serena tours →The sweeping coastal avenue connects Coquimbo to La Serena along miles of white sand. A paved promenade borders the beach — ideal for a breezy walk, a coffee stop, or a sunbathe (bring a layer for the morning camanchaca fog).
Find La Serena beach tours →Walk five minutes from the port gate to Coquimbo's waterfront Caleta — where pelicans and sea lions jostle below the docks and the second-floor kitchens serve the freshest congrio and pastel de jaiba in Chile.
Find Coquimbo food tours →A little-known gem: the Mezquita de Coquimbo is a Moroccan-style mosque and cultural center gifted by the Kingdom of Morocco — a stunning replica of the Kutubiyya in Marrakesh, free to enter. Dress modestly.
Find Coquimbo tours →The port and Barrio Inglés are compact and walkable; add a taxi to reach the Cross or La Serena.
Exit the terminal gate, swing through the Caleta fish market to spot the sea lions, then follow the waterfront north into the Barrio Inglés for colourful 19th-century buildings and murals.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Take a taxi up El Vigía hill to the giant cross. The elevator inside rises into the cross arms for a 360° view of the twin cities and bay. Budget CLP 3,000 entry.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Coquimbo, Coquimbo Region, Chile (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 71°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 0 | 6:59 AM | 8:49 PM |
| Feb | 72°F / 22°C | 61°F / 16°C | 0 | 7:26 AM | 8:32 PM |
| Mar | 70°F / 21°C | 59°F / 15°C | 0 | 7:46 AM | 8:01 PM |
| Apr | 66°F / 19°C | 56°F / 13°C | 0 | 7:04 AM | 6:25 PM |
| May | 64°F / 18°C | 53°F / 12°C | 2 | 7:23 AM | 5:59 PM |
| Jun | 61°F / 16°C | 49°F / 9°C | 2 | 7:39 AM | 5:52 PM |
| Jul | 60°F / 16°C | 48°F / 9°C | 2 | 7:39 AM | 6:03 PM |
| Aug | 62°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 1 | 7:18 AM | 6:21 PM |
| Sep | 63°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C | 0 | 7:43 AM | 7:37 PM |
| Oct | 65°F / 18°C | 52°F / 11°C | 1 | 7:07 AM | 7:55 PM |
| Nov | 67°F / 19°C | 55°F / 13°C | 0 | 6:41 AM | 8:19 PM |
| Dec | 69°F / 21°C | 57°F / 14°C | 0 | 6:39 AM | 8:42 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The cruise pier sits at the edge of downtown Coquimbo — the city center is a 10–15 minute walk. No transport needed for the immediate waterfront area.
Taxis wait at the pier exit. Always agree on the fare before getting in — meters are not always used. Short hops within Coquimbo are inexpensive.
Both Uber and DiDi are confirmed available in Coquimbo. Apps show price before you confirm — a convenient option vs. negotiating taxi fares.
Local buses stop near the pier. Very cheap and good for reaching La Serena (neighboring city ~15 km north), but schedules can be infrequent.
Several operators offer guided Coquimbo + La Serena city tours from the port, including transport. A good option if you want to cover both cities with local commentary.
Upcoming cruises that call at Coquimbo, Coquimbo Region, Chile. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.