In short
- You can walk on Isla Magdalena to see penguins.
- Isla Marta is for viewing sea lions from the boat only.
- Tours combine both islands depending on the daily weather.
In this article
When booking a boat trip from Punta Arenas, you will see tours offering both Isla Magdalena and Isla Marta. Understanding the difference helps set expectations for your day. Magdalena is the main attraction where you disembark, while Marta serves as a wildlife detour on the water.
Can you walk on both islands?
No, you can only disembark on Isla Magdalena.
Isla Magdalena features a designated 800-meter loop trail. Visitors get exactly 1 hour on land to walk among the Magellanic penguins. You are not allowed to step foot on Isla Marta.
What animals do you see at Isla Magdalena vs Isla Marta?
Magdalena is home to penguins, while Marta hosts a large sea lion colony.
Magdalena Island holds an estimated 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. You will walk right past their burrows. Isla Marta is populated by sea lions, which you observe from the deck of your boat.
| Feature | Isla Magdalena | Isla Marta |
|---|---|---|
| Main Wildlife | Magellanic penguins | Sea lions |
| Activity | Disembark and walk | View from boat only |
| Time Allocation | 1 hour on land | Brief boat viewing |
Is Isla Marta included in every tour?
No, visiting Isla Marta depends on the specific tour and the weather.
Some excursions, like standard catamaran trips, only sail directly to Isla Magdalena and back. Other speedboat tours include a detour to Isla Marta. However, high winds in the Strait of Magellan often cancel the Marta portion.
Why can you not get off the boat at Isla Marta?
Isla Marta lacks visitor infrastructure and is heavily protected.
Unlike Magdalena, which has a roped trail and a lighthouse, Marta has no paths. Strict conservation rules prevent boats from docking. This ensures the sea lions and local seabirds remain undisturbed by foot traffic.
How far apart are the two islands?
The islands are located close to each other in the Strait of Magellan.
Both islands form part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. The boat ride from Punta Arenas to Magdalena Island takes 1.5 to 2 hours. If your tour includes Marta, the boat will sail a short distance between the two before returning.
Do you pay separate entrance fees?
No, standard tour prices cover the necessary fees for the trip.
The National Forestry Corporation of Chile (CONAF) charges an entrance fee for Magdalena Island (recently listed at 8,000 CLP). This is typically included in your $100 to $140 USD tour ticket. You do not pay an extra entry fee for Marta.
Questions travellers ask
Can I touch the penguins on Magdalena Island?
No. Strict rules state you cannot touch, feed, or disturb the wildlife. You must stay on the marked path at all times.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The port authority may delay or cancel departures due to strong winds or rough seas. Trips to Isla Marta are frequently skipped if conditions are poor.
How long do I spend on Magdalena Island?
You are strictly limited to 1 hour on the island. This time is sufficient to walk the 800-meter trail to the lighthouse and back.
