Punta Tombo Penguin Tour: Penguins, Sea Lions & Dolphins

Magellanic penguins, elephant seals and Patagonian dolphins in one Patagonian day

This full-day tour from Puerto Madryn visits three wildlife sites across Patagonia: Punta Tombo, home to the world's largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins; Isla Escondida, where elephant seals haul out on the beach; and Rawson, where you can optionally sail for Patagonian dolphins. A live guide in your language narrates the route, and pickup from your accommodation is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Punta Tombo and nearby sites

• Pick up from Puerto Madryn accommodation
• Drive south to Rawson city
• Optional sailing to spot Patagonian Dolphins
• Visit Escondida Island to observe sea lions
• Tour Punta Tombo penguin colony
• Return to Puerto Madryn

The experience

You start from Puerto Madryn and head south along National Route 3 toward Rawson, the capital of Chubut province. The first stop is the port of Rawson, where the Chubut River meets the sea. From here you have the option to board a semi-rigid boat to search for Patagonian dolphins (Tonina Overa), which travel in groups of two to ten and are known for riding waves and following boats. This sighting is optional and arranged separately. After Rawson, the route continues to Isla Escondida, a beach where you observe elephant seals: massive males up to four tons that develop a proboscis and produce loud roars during breeding season. By mid-November, younger seals and mothers take over the beaches as the adults depart.

The centerpiece is Punta Tombo Natural Protected Area, the largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins in the world. The penguins arrive annually to nest, mate, feed their young, shed their plumage and prepare for their journey back to northeastern South America. You walk through the reserve at a privileged distance, observing their natural behaviors across the breeding season. An expert guide provides information about the local wildlife and ecology throughout the day. The tour runs ten hours total, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water provided.

The return to Puerto Madryn follows the same route. Pickup is from your local accommodation, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language. The tour suits families and wildlife enthusiasts. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. All fitness levels can manage the walking and observation.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Puerto Madryn accommodation.
• transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or another language.
• admission to Punta Tombo Natural Protected Area.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 33 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 98

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by DIAGUES SRL

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see three wildlife sites (penguins, elephant seals, and dolphins) in one ten-hour loop rather than booking separate outings to each location.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): 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 are Magellanic penguins doing when I visit Punta Tombo?

Magellanic penguins arrive at Punta Tombo annually to nest, mate, feed their young, shed their plumage and prepare for their return journey to northeastern South America. The behaviors you observe depend on the season: early visits catch nesting and mating, later visits show chicks and molting.

Can I see dolphins on this tour?

Yes, an optional dolphin-sighting experience is available at Rawson. You board a semi-rigid boat to search for Patagonian dolphins (Tonina Overa), which typically travel in groups of two to ten and are known for riding waves and following boats. This is arranged separately from the main tour.

What wildlife besides penguins will I see?

Isla Escondida is home to elephant seals: massive males up to four tons that develop a proboscis and produce loud roars during breeding season. You observe them at a privileged distance. The route also passes through Patagonian landscape where other local fauna may be spotted.

How long is the full tour and what's included?

The tour runs ten hours from Puerto Madryn. Pickup from your accommodation, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and a live guide in your language are all included. Admission to Punta Tombo reserve is included. The optional dolphin sailing is an add-on.