Magdalena Island Penguin Tour from Punta Arenas: Shore Excursion

Summary

See Magellanic Penguins & Sea Lions on a Patagonia Boat Trip

You’ll sail across the Magellan Strait to walk among thousands of Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island—plus spot sea lions at Marta Island—all with local guides who know every quirk of this wild place.

What’s the experience like?

The wind off the Magellan Strait hits you as soon as you step out of the van—sharp, salty, and colder than I expected, even with my jacket zipped up tight. We met our group near the docks in Punta Arenas just after sunrise. Our guide, Felipe, handed out bright orange life jackets and double-checked everyone’s names against his clipboard. He joked about the weather being “typical Patagonian summer,” which got a few laughs from folks shivering in borrowed hats.

The boat ride out is a bit choppy—if you’re prone to seasickness, bring something for it. We circled Marta Island first. You don’t get off here, but you can spot sea lions sprawled across the rocks, barking over each other like they’re arguing about who gets the sunniest spot. Gulls wheel overhead and sometimes you catch a whiff of fish on the breeze. It’s wild and noisy in a way that feels totally different from city life.

After about 45 minutes more on the water, Magdalena Island comes into view—a low bump covered in green grass and dotted with penguins everywhere you look. You get an hour on the island itself. The path is marked so you don’t disturb any nests (the rangers are strict about this), but honestly, the penguins come right up to you anyway. Some waddle by in pairs; others just stand there blinking at your boots like they’re sizing you up. I noticed one chick peeking out from under its parent’s belly fluff—tiny details like that stick with you long after you leave.

By noon we were back on the boat heading for Punta Arenas again, salt spray drying on our faces and camera cards full of penguin photos. If you’re hoping to make it back before mid-afternoon for your cruise ship, this tour might run too late—it usually wraps up around 3 PM depending on weather and sea conditions. But if you’ve got time to spare and want to see Patagonia’s wildlife up close, there’s nothing quite like it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Magellan Penguins and Island Tour

• Pick up point
• Navigation to and from Magdalena Island
• Circumnavigate Marta Island (no disembark)
• Visit penguins

Top questions

How much time do we spend with the penguins?

You’ll have about one hour on Magdalena Island to walk along marked paths among the penguin colonies.

Do we land on Marta Island?

No, we only circle Marta Island by boat for wildlife viewing—you won’t disembark there.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If conditions aren’t safe or there aren’t enough passengers, tours may be canceled—even last minute—for a full refund.

I need to return to my cruise ship by 3 PM—is this tour suitable?

This tour usually finishes around 3 PM or later; it isn’t recommended if your ship departs earlier.

What’s included

Your ticket covers transfer from our office to the dock, round-trip boat ride through the Magellan Strait, a guided visit with one hour among Magdalena Island’s penguins, plus views of sea lions at Marta Island (no landing). Bring your passport info when booking—local rules require it for all travelers.