Punta Tombo Shore Excursion: Magellanic Penguins Tour

The penguins are nesting and raising chicks year-round, so what you see depends on when you go.

This shore excursion from Puerto Madryn travels 180 kilometers south to Punta Tombo, one of the largest and most accessible Magellanic penguin colonies on the continent. You start at the Interpretation Center to learn about penguin behavior and the ecosystem, then walk a 1,500-meter trail through the reserve accompanied by a guide, where you'll observe penguins swimming, digging nests, fighting for territory, and caring for chicks depending on the season. The tour includes a box lunch with sandwich, fruit and dessert (vegetarian and vegan options available), bottled water, entrance fee, and air-conditioned transport with a licensed guide in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Punta Tombo Penguin Colony

• Travel 180 km to Punta Tombo
• Pay entrance fee to reserve
• Visit Interpretation Center
• Travel by bus to penguin trail
• Walk 1,500 m trail with guide
• Observe penguins in natural habitat

The experience

The drive covers mostly asphalt road with a small stretch of gravel, taking you deep into Patagonia to reach the reserve. Once you arrive and pay the entrance fee, the Interpretation Center orients you to penguin habits and the broader ecosystem before you head out. This preparation matters: the reserve spans a large area, and understanding what you're watching (whether penguins are breeding, molting, or preparing to leave for the season) shapes what the walk reveals.

The trail itself runs 1,500 meters and ends at the sea. You walk it with a guide who points out the penguins in their natural routines: some swimming offshore, others digging burrows or defending nesting territory, and during breeding season, adults feeding and tending chicks. The timing of your visit determines what behavior you'll witness, since the colony's activity shifts through the year as birds move through their reproductive cycle.

You'll need a moderate level of physical fitness for the walk, and the tour takes 6 to 7 hours total. A box lunch with sandwich, fruit and dessert (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available) and bottled water are included, so you eat on-site. The vehicle is air-conditioned for the long drive, and your guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
• licensed and certified guide in English or Spanish.
• entrance fee to Punta Tombo.
• box lunch with sandwich, fruit and dessert (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available).
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

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

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by ARNEZ TRAVEL

Is this one for you?The 6- to 7-hour commitment means this tour takes most of a port day, leaving limited time for other Puerto Madryn activities. Book it if the penguin colony is your priority and you're comfortable with a long drive to reach one of Patagonia's most active breeding sites.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How far is Punta Tombo from Puerto Madryn, and what's the road like?

Punta Tombo lies 180 kilometers south of Puerto Madryn. The route is mostly asphalt with a small section of gravel road, and the drive is part of the full 6- to 7-hour experience.

What will I actually see when I get to the penguin colony?

Punta Tombo is one of the continent's largest Magellanic penguin colonies. Depending on the season, you'll observe penguins swimming, digging nests, fighting for territory, and during breeding season, feeding and caring for their chicks. The Interpretation Center prepares you to understand what you're watching.

Is the walk difficult, and how long does it take?

The trail is 1,500 meters long and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You walk it with a guide, and it's part of the overall 6- to 7-hour tour that includes the drive and time at the Interpretation Center.

What's included in the box lunch, and are there options for dietary needs?

The box lunch includes a sandwich, fruit and dessert, plus bottled water. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free (No TACC) options are available. Let the operator know your preference when you book.