Punta Tombo Penguin Colony Tour: Walk Among Penguins

Stand on the steppe among half a million penguins

A shore excursion from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo Protected Natural Area, where you walk among Magellanic penguins in the largest continental penguin colony in the world. The tour includes a bilingual naturalist guide, air-conditioned vehicle transport, and a visit to the Interpretation Center. Entrance to the reserve is available as an add-on. The route also passes through the steppe where guanacos, maras and other wildlife inhabit the landscape, and stops at a replica of the world's largest dinosaur near Trelew.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife and Punta Tombo visit

• See wildlife in steppe environment
• Walk among Magellanic Penguins
• Visit Punta Tombo Interpretation Center
• Photograph Largest Dinosaur replica

The experience

How close can you actually get to half a million penguins? At Punta Tombo, you walk among them. The reserve sits on the Patagonian steppe about an hour from Puerto Madryn, and the tour is built around one thing: getting you into the colony itself rather than viewing it from a distance. A bilingual naturalist guide leads the way, trained to spot the small details (the way penguins move between nesting sites, the other animals sharing the landscape) that make the difference between watching and understanding.

The drive out crosses open steppe where guanacos, maras, choiques and hares move through the scrub. Once at Punta Tombo, you descend into the colony on foot. The Interpretation Center sits at the reserve and explains what you're seeing: how Magellanic penguins breed here, what the ecosystem supports, why this place matters. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours total, timed so you're back to the ship on schedule. On the return, there's a stop at Trelew to photograph the replica of the world's largest dinosaur: a landmark at the city's entrance that marks the region's paleontological significance.

Air-conditioned transport means the long drive is comfortable, and the guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian depending on your group. Entrance to the reserve itself is optional at checkout, so you choose whether to add it when you book.

What’s included

• Bilingual naturalist guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport from your ship.
• visit to the Interpretation Center at Punta Tombo.
• return to the ship on schedule.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Kai Travel And Adventure

Is this one for you?The tour runs 6 to 7 hours and involves walking on open steppe among the penguins, so it suits travelers who are comfortable on their feet and want time to linger in the colony rather than a quick pass-through.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly are Magellanic penguins and why is Punta Tombo special?

Magellanic penguins breed at Punta Tombo in the largest continental penguin colony in the world, with roughly half a million birds nesting there. The reserve protects their breeding grounds on the Patagonian coast, and the Interpretation Center explains their life cycle, diet and role in the ecosystem.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

You walk among the penguins on the steppe itself, descending into the colony on foot. The terrain is open and the pace is set by the guide, who stops to point out wildlife and details you'd miss alone. Suitable for all physical fitness levels, and wheelchair accessible areas and surfaces are available.

What other animals will I see besides penguins?

The drive across the steppe passes through habitat where guanacos, maras, choiques and hares live. The guide uses expertise to spot these species as they blend into the landscape, and the Interpretation Center also covers other animals that share the environment with the penguins.

Is entrance to Punta Tombo Reserve included in the tour price?

Entrance to the reserve is available as an add-on at checkout, so you choose whether to include it when you book the tour.

What happens at the dinosaur stop on the way back?

The tour stops at Trelew to photograph a replica of the world's largest dinosaur, which stands at the city's entrance. It's a photo opportunity that marks the region's paleontological significance.