Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Chile
Compare boat tours from Punta Arenas to the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. Walk a designated trail among 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins.
3.4 from 118 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare boat trips departing from Punta Arenas.
Most bookedSail through the Magellan Strait to Isla Magdalena, Natural Monument Los Pinguinos, which protects more than 120,000 penguins and also a small colony of sea...
Best valueWalk alongside penguins on Isla Magdalena and watch the diverse fauna of Isla Marta Cruise the Strait of Magellan to the Magdalene and Marta Islands. Magdalene Island...
Top ratedSail through one of the world’s most legendary sea passages and experience an authentic encounter with the wildlife of Chilean Patagonia. Stroll among thousands of...
Explore
Explore the designated trails and historic structures.
Penguins have the right of way on the island walking trail.
Stop and maintain a respectful distance if they cross the path.
Plan your visit
Boat trips take 1.5 to 2 hours each way. Total tour time is generally 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Tours run during the austral summer. The breeding season lasts from October to March.
Access is by boat from Punta Arenas. Most tours depart from Laredo Bay or Muelle Prat.
Guided tour tickets range from $100 to $140 USD. This includes the CONAF entrance fee.
Magdalena Island sits 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Punta Arenas in the Strait of Magellan. It forms the center of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, protected since 1982. The 85-hectare (210-acre) reserve limits human impact while allowing close observation of wildlife.
During the austral summer, an estimated 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins arrive to nest. Visitors use a designated 800-meter loop path to explore Penguin Colony. CONAF rangers strictly limit time ashore to one hour to protect the habitat.
The path leads to the 1902 Historic Lighthouse. Built in 1902 by Scottish engineer George Slight, it serves as an interpretive center and base for the park rangers.
We note whether tours use speedboats or more stable catamarans.
We check if hotel transfers and CONAF fees are included in the base price.
We highlight which operators offer refunds for weather-related port closures.
From Viator
118 reviews of the shore excursion from punta arenas on Viator
We had a great time viewing penguins and sea lions. The crew was very helpful and friendly. The ships were comfortable and well suited to the excursion and seas. Note: If you are on a cruise ship make sure the ship does not leave port near the estimated tour return time. We had a people on our tour that had a ship departing at 3:30 pm when the tour was scheduled to get back around the same time. Not smart.
This trip was awesome! Great boat ride out to Marta Island to see the thousands of sea lions and then another boat ride to see the penguins and lighthouse on Magdelina Island. There we were able to get out and walk among the many baby penguins! It was so cool to see! On the boat they gave us hot chocolate and cookies! Everyone was so nice, knowledgeable and accommodating.
What a wonderful experience! The team were attentive, informative and undeniably passionate about their work. It was a privilege to see the Magellanic penguins and sea lions, made better by the team’s own respect and awe of the wildlife.
Awesome experience. Got to see dolphins, sea lions, and penguins! Crew were super knowledgeable. Spoke English and Spanish well. They let us drive the boat!
Fantastic trip, brilliant service and really knowledgeable guide. Boat staff were incredibly helpful. Penquins, sea lions, birds, dolphins and whales- brilliant time. Can highly recommend
An amazing experience and a joy to see the penguins on the island.
Travel tips
Tour Cost BreakdownFind out exactly how much a Magdalena Island penguin tour costs.Read 
Speedboat vs CatamaranCompare vessel sizes for a smoother ride across the Strait of Magellan.Read 
Best time to visitFind out exactly when the penguins nest on Magdalena Island.Read 
Magdalena vs. MartaUnderstand the difference between the two islands on your boat tour.Read 
What to WearDress for fierce winds and cold weather on the island.Read 
Weather CancellationsFind out what happens if high winds cancel your penguin tour.Read You must take a boat tour from Punta Arenas. Catamarans and speedboats depart daily during the season from Laredo Bay or Muelle Prat. The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
The island is open to visitors from October to March during the austral summer. This is when the Magellanic penguins nest and breed. Best time to visit.
Tours range from $100 to $140 USD per person. This price generally includes round-trip boat transport and the CONAF entrance fee. Tour Cost Breakdown.
No. Touching, feeding, or disturbing the penguins is strictly prohibited. You must maintain a respectful distance and stay on the marked paths at all times.
It can be. The Strait of Magellan is famous for strong winds and choppy waters. Speedboat vs Catamaran.
Magdalena Island allows visitors to disembark and walk among the penguins for one hour. Marta Island is home to sea lions, and tours only view the animals from the boat without disembarking. Magdalena vs. Marta.
Book your boat transport early during the peak summer months.
