Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in Chile, offers an extraordinary opportunity to encounter the captivating wildlife of Patagonia. A popular day trip takes visitors on a scenic speedboat ride to Magdalena and Marta Islands, where they can walk among over 60,000 Magellanic penguins and observe more than 1,000 Patagonian sea lions. Led by expert bilingual guides, this five-hour excursion promises a unique and unforgettable experience, with chances to spot southern dolphins and sei whales along the way. With comfortable transportation and stunning natural vistas, this adventure allows travelers to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of southern Chile’s abundant marine life.
Key Points
- Tour departs from Punta Arenas, Chile, and includes visits to Magdalena and Marta Islands to observe Magellanic penguins and Patagonian sea lions.
- The 5-hour tour is priced starting from $150 per person and includes transportation, a bilingual guide, coffee, and entrance fees.
- Highlights include viewing the second-largest Magellanic penguin colony and over 1,000 Patagonian sea lions on the two islands.
- The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues or heart problems, and weather conditions may affect the tour.
- The tour includes a 50-minute speedboat ride to Magdalena Island and a 25-minute speedboat journey to Marta Island.
Tour Overview
The tour departs from Punta Arenas, taking visitors to the nearby Magdalena and Marta Islands, home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Priced from $150 per person, the 5-hour tour is available in English and Spanish. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve and pay later.
The excursion includes transportation, a bilingual guide, coffee, and entrance fees. It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or heart problems.
Visitors should bring their passport, comfortable shoes, and sun protection. Weather conditions may affect the tour, so it’s best to check before departure.
If you're enjoying exploring Punta Arenas on foot, you'll love these other walking tours we recommend
Itinerary
Starting from Solo Expediciones in Punta Arenas, the tour begins with a 30-minute bus or coach transfer to the Laredo Bay Port.
From there, a 50-minute speedboat ride takes visitors to Magdalena Island, home to over 60,000 Magellanic penguins. After an hour of wildlife viewing, the group boards the speedboat again for a 25-minute journey to Marta Island, where they’ll spend 30 minutes observing the over 1,000 Patagonian sea lions that reside there.
The return journey retraces the route, with the speedboat back to Laredo Bay and a final 30-minute transfer by bus or coach to Plaza Armas in Punta Arenas.
Wildlife Highlights
Magdalena Island plays host to the second largest Magellanic penguin colony in South America, welcoming over 120,000 penguins annually.
Nearby Marta Island is home to over 1000 Patagonian sea lions, as well as cormorants, skuas, austral seagulls, and Antarctic pigeons. Visitors may even spot the occasional elephant seal.
The area also offers opportunities to see southern dolphins, piebald dolphins, and sei whales.
The highlights of this tour include:
- Witnessing the massive Magellanic penguin colony on Magdalena Island.
- Observing the large Patagonian sea lion population on Marta Island.
- Potential sightings of various marine mammals in the surrounding waters.
Inclusion & Exclusions
This tour includes navigation to both Magdalena and Marta Islands, as well as a coffee service and bilingual guide. The entrance fee to Penguin Island and hotel pickup and drop-off are also included. However, food and gratuities are not covered.
Plus, this tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, heart problems, or wheelchair users.
| Includes | Excludes | Not Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation to Islands | Food | Mobility Impaired |
| Coffee Service | Gratuities | Heart Problems |
| Bilingual Guide | Wheelchair Users | |
| Entrance Fee | ||
| Hotel Transfer |
Important Information
Passengers should bring their passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and pack sunglasses and sunscreen. Oversize luggage is prohibited on this tour.
The weather conditions can impact the tour, so it’s essential to check before departure. The meeting point is the local partner’s office at José Nogueira 1255 in Punta Arenas, and passengers should arrive 10 minutes prior to the start time.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or heart problems, and wheelchair users may have difficulty. Participants should be aware of these limitations and plan accordingly.
- Punta Arenas & Strait of Magellan Park Value Excursion
- Whale and Glacier Watching From Punta Arenas Francisco Coloane Park
- Full Day Torres Del Paine
- Private Torres Del Paine & Milodon, Departing From Punta Arenas
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat From Punta Arenas
- Navigation Magdalena Island and Marta
Customer Reviews
The overall rating of the "Punta Arenas: Walk With Penguins" tour is 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 201 reviews. The ratings breakdown shows the tour scored well, with the guide receiving 4.2, transportation 4.4, value for money 4, and service 4 out of 5. Travelers reported positive experiences, including impressive wildlife sightings and knowledgeable guides. However, some suggested those prone to seasickness should take precautions, as the tour involves multiple boat rides.
| Ratings | Score |
|---|---|
| Guide | 4.2 |
| Transportation | 4.4 |
| Value for Money | 4.0 |
| Service | 4.0 |
Getting There
To get to the tour’s starting point, travelers will need to make their way to Punta Arenas, a city located in southern Chile.
From there, the tour departs from the local partner’s office at José Nogueira 1255, so visitors should plan to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
The journey includes:
- A 30-minute bus/coach transfer to the Laredo Bay Port.
- A 50-minute speedboat ride to Magdalena Island.
- A final 25-minute speedboat trip to reach Marta Island.
Travelers should ensure they’ve their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, and any necessary seasickness medication before setting off on this exciting Patagonian adventure.
What to Expect
What can visitors expect on this Punta Arenas penguin tour? From the departure in Punta Arenas, guests will take a 30-minute bus ride to the Laredo Bay port to board a speedboat. The 50-minute boat ride takes them to Magdalena Island, home to over 60,000 Magellanic penguins. After an hour of wildlife viewing, the tour continues to Marta Island, where over 1,000 Patagonian sea lions can be observed. The return journey retraces the route back to Punta Arenas. Visitors should come prepared with the essentials: passport/ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Weather conditions may impact the tour, so it’s best to check before departure.
| What’s Included | What’s Excluded | Not Suitable For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation to islands | Food | Mobility impairments | 60,000+ Magellanic penguins |
| Coffee service | Gratuities | Heart problems | 1,000+ Patagonian sea lions |
| Bilingual guide | – | Wheelchair users | Potential to see dolphins, whales |
| Entrance fee | – | – | – |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Interact With the Penguins During the Tour?
No, visitors cannot directly interact with the penguins during the tour. The tour provides opportunities to observe the penguins in their natural habitat, but touching or approaching the wildlife is not allowed to protect the animals and their environment.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for participants of all ages, though it’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments or heart problems. Wheelchair users may also find the tour challenging.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photographs throughout the tour, though the use of flash photography may be restricted in sensitive wildlife areas. Visitors are encouraged to check with their tour guides regarding any specific photography guidelines.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs on the Islands?
Souvenirs can’t be purchased on the islands, as they’re protected natural areas. However, the tour includes coffee service, and visitors can shop for souvenirs at the starting point in Punta Arenas before or after the excursion.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The tour group size typically ranges from 8 to 20 people, providing an intimate wildlife viewing experience. The small group allows for personalized attention from the guide and easier navigation around the islands.
The Sum Up
Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Punta Arenas to Magdalena and Marta Islands, where you’ll walk among over 60,000 Magellanic penguins and observe more than 1,000 Patagonian sea lions. With a scenic speedboat ride, expert guides, and opportunities to spot southern dolphins and sei whales, this excursion promises a unique encounter with the captivating wildlife of southern Chile.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tour Reviews in Punta Arenas
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Punta Arenas we have recnetly reviewed
- 2 Best Guided Tours In Punta Arenas
- 4 Best Full-Day Tours In Punta Arenas
- 5 Best Private Car With Driver Services In Punta Arenas
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat From Punta Arenas
- Full-day Estancia Visit and Condor Watching
- Navigation to South Fjords & Magdalena Island
- Torres Del Paine & Tierra Del Fuego ( King Penguis)
- Penguins Reserve at Magdalena in the Strait of Magellan
- Whales, Penguins & Glaciers Navigation From Punta Arenas
- 16 Best Tours In Punta Arenas
- 8 Days Expedition to the End of the World Southern Patagonia
- Punta Arenas: Dolphin & Wildlife Watching