Punta Tombo Penguins: Cruise Shore Excursion & Box Lunch

Penguin colony walks from puerto madryn cruise port with lunch

You’ll walk alongside thousands of Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo on this cruise shore excursion from Puerto Madryn, with a simple box lunch included and timing set so you’re back well before your ship departs. Expect real wildlife moments—calls, smells, even a curious chick or two—and stories from your local guide that stick with you long after.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup outside Puerto Madryn port after your ship docks, comfortable shared transport (van or minibus depending on group size), a box lunch tailored if you have dietary needs, guidance from either an English-speaking driver or professional guide depending on group size, plenty of time among the Magellanic penguin colony at Punta Tombo reserve (entrance fee extra), and return drop-off timed for easy reboarding before your ship departs.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Punta Tombo Penguin Reserve

• Meet outside Puerto Madryn port
• Depart 30 minutes after cruise arrival
• Arrive at Punta Tombo reserve
• Pay entrance fee at reserve
• Visit Interpretation Center
• Walk 1.5 km path among penguins
• Observe penguins and local wildlife
• Return to Puerto Madryn city

The Experience

I didn’t expect the wind to hit so hard when we stepped out of the van near Punta Tombo. It’s not cold exactly, just this dry Patagonian air that gets everywhere — in your hair, up your sleeves. Our guide, Valeria, was already laughing about it, saying “the penguins don’t mind.” She handed out our box lunches right away (mine had a veggie sandwich and an apple), but honestly I was too distracted by the idea that in a few minutes we’d be walking through thousands of Magellanic penguins. That’s not something you really picture until you’re there.

The walk from the entrance is longer than I thought — about 1.5 kilometers through scrubby steppe, with these little burrows everywhere. Valeria pointed out some tiny rodents darting between bushes; she called them cuis, and I tried to repeat it but probably butchered the word. Suddenly you start seeing penguins just… standing around. Some are napping right by the path, others shuffling along or making these surprisingly loud calls — kind of like braying? The smell is a mix of salt and earth and something fishy, but it’s not bad. I kept having to remind myself not to crouch down too close for photos (they warn you about that). At one point a chick wobbled right past my shoe and I froze — didn’t want to scare it.

We spent maybe an hour or so wandering slowly toward the coast, where the colony gets denser and you can see all these little trails leading back to the sea. There were a few guanacos in the distance — Valeria said they sometimes wander through looking for grass. The light was harsh but beautiful, bouncing off white feathers and dusty ground. Lunch tasted better than expected after all that walking; maybe it was just being outside with everyone quietly watching penguins do their thing. On the way back, people swapped stories about their favorite moments — mine was definitely that chick brushing past me. Still makes me smile thinking about it now.

Top questions

How far is Punta Tombo from Puerto Madryn cruise port?

It takes about two hours by vehicle each way from Puerto Madryn cruise port to Punta Tombo.

Is lunch included on this Punta Tombo shore excursion?

Yes, a box lunch is included for all cruise shore tours.

Are entrance tickets to Punta Tombo reserve included?

No, entrance tickets are not included; they cost USD 20 per person at the reserve.

Will I be back in time for my cruise ship departure?

Yes, departure times are set according to your ship’s schedule to guarantee timely return.

Is there a guide during the tour?

A professional tour guide joins groups of five or more; smaller groups have an English-speaking driver.

How much walking is involved at Punta Tombo?

The main path is about 1.5 kilometers each way through the reserve.

Can infants or people with limited mobility join?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What animals will I see besides penguins?

You may also spot cuis (small rodents), guanacos, and choiques (rhea birds).