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An estimated 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins nest on Magdalena Island during the austral summer.
From October to March, the island hosts thousands of nesting birds. You can walk a marked trail through the colony to observe their behavior closely.
Conservation rules strictly limit visitor time on the island to one hour. You must stay behind roped paths at all times and never touch the wildlife.
800-meter loop40 minutes
An 800-meter loop path leads from the pier up to the lighthouse. This route allows close views of the wildlife without disturbing their habitat. Penguins always have the right of way. If one crosses the path, stop and let it pass.
Viewed along the trailChicks active Nov-Dec
The island is covered in small holes dug directly into the soil. Penguins use these burrows to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. Look closely near the burrows during November and December to spot fluffy gray chicks.
10 minutesNo flash allowed
The rocky beaches serve as the entry point where penguins waddle into the Strait of Magellan. They enter the freezing waters to hunt for fish. This is an excellent spot to photograph penguins gathering in groups and diving into the surf.
