Mr. Pingüi tours — Local services in City Centre

We booked a glass boat tour package through this company. We were shopping in the grocery store that’s inside of the marina mall when we ran into Cesar. We knew we wanted to do a boat ride and Cesar at first seemed more honest and respectful than the hustlers on the marina dock. Cesar portrayed himself as an owner or someone of importance at Mr. pingüi. He told us we could basically do it all- go snorkeling, see sea lions, go to Lover’/s Divorce Beach, and move about as we wished until 5 pm. We paid $2,000 pesos for 2 people. In addition, at first we were promised a private boat ride, and then his family was going to come with. None of them ended up showing up on the day of, and we were with 1 other couple. The person leading us to the boat didn’t know who Cesar was.

The tour of the arch and beaches was good once we were out in the water. Simon was our captain for the first leg of the journey. I was under the impression we were getting a completely clear glass boat, but it ended up being an old boat with 1 window at the bottom. We were still able to see a variety of fish species. Once we finished the tour, we were dropped off at Pelican beach to do the snorkeling part of the trip. Our boat driver, Simon, told us we would not see him again so to tip now, and we had to catch another boat to get to Lover’s Beach. After snorkeling, we get on the other boat and told we either have to pay 20 US dollars to get to Lover’s Beach, or we had to go back to the marina. We tried to argue that we had already paid to go to this beach but he would not hear it. We barely had enough pesos to pay to go to Lover’s Beach because we had just tipped out first boat captain. Once we got to Lover’s Beach, it was nice and we had a good time. On the way back, we were surprised to see Simon again and so was everyone else he picked up. Seems he just wants to make sure he gets his tip before people face unexpected charges.

We messaged Cesar to see if we could set things straight with the extra charge but no response. It just left a bad taste in my mouth to be scammed like that. Otherwise, it was a good trip and I’m glad we did it. I’m not sure any of the hustlers at the marina are more trustworthy. Maybe booking directly at the Mr. Pingüi...

Paid for a round trip water taxi today from cruise terminal to sand bar on medano beach. Confirmed with original person who wrote it down and boat captain that pick up time we wanted was 1pm as last tender to cruise was 2pm. Even asked captains recommendation and he said 1pm is great as trip is only 5-8 min. Getting off boat he even said pick up right here (in front of sand bar) at 1pm. We got to the spot well before 1 and stood there till 1:25pm. Only 2 boats came into that spot in that time and neither matched the list of pengui boats they gave us names of. So at that point we took and paid for another water taxi. I went back to pengui office as it’s on the way to ship and asked for 1/2 my $30 back I paid for round trip. Only fair as they no showed. Lady in booth claimed she sent boat but “its busy”. Fine, it never came so refund money and we will part ways amicably. Instead she offered $3 per person. I shouldn’t have to pay more for one way cause u messed up. Finally after arguing, she gave me $10 of the $15 I was owed so that is why I’m leaving this review. I hate to be a “karen” but customer service is lacking when u know people are on a time crunch and leaving the country so they think they can treat customers rudely. $5 isn’t a lot in the grand scheme of things, but it’s the principle of the matter. If u only deliver half the promised service, give back 1/2 the fee. So my warning to u, be leery about any round trip fares (don’t prepay or prepay with someone else) and don’t expect customer service from the female owner in the booth (that’s who was working in booth according to the neighboring businesses...

Staff is a lot of young people who all work very hard to make it a fun, enjoyable experience for everyone (even non-spanish speaking people like myself, they took time to explain and translate everything for me which is way above and beyond). This is a second tour company I booked since the first (different company) wasn't so good. My experience with Mr. Penguin was 1000x better! They stop at each landmark and point out the names, stopping long enough so everyone could get their photos it didn't feel rushed. Then took the time to explain everything and had us get ready (attention and care for safety and personal belongings) before speeding across the ocean to get out and see the whales. They are very respectful and care a lot about the animals and ocean life (they took care to grab a plastic bag out of the water). Also they will drop you at any beach as long as they can safely dock and pick you up later (you just tell them how long you want to stay there). Paid the same fee as the bad tour yesterday (other company) and didn't get any of this, it was a quick speed around and back, the guy was on his phone and smoking a cigarette the whole time. Book with Mr. Penguin! You won't be disappointed! I also got to see Penguin Beach something I'd not have...