Punta Arenas: Strait of Magellan wildlife cruise with lunch

Summary

Wake up early in Punta Arenas for a wild day among whales & penguins

You’ll set out before dawn from Punta Arenas for a full day exploring the Strait of Magellan by boat with a local guide. Expect close-up views of whales, dolphins, sea lions and Magellanic penguins around Magdalena Island, plus glimpses of glaciers and Cape Froward. With breakfast, lunch and snacks included, it’s an adventure that’ll stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you want to get up at 3:30?” my partner whispered in the dark, but honestly, I was already awake — nerves or excitement, who knows. We met our group outside this little building on Jose Nogueira street in Punta Arenas while the city was still asleep. The bus ride south felt like a dream; I kept nodding off and then waking up to see the sky turning blue over empty fields. By the time we reached the boarding spot, it was cold enough that my breath looked like smoke. Our guide, Diego, handed out coffee and made some joke about ‘penguin weather’ — he wasn’t wrong.

The boat ride through the Strait of Magellan is… hard to describe. It’s not just water and wind; it’s this feeling that you’re at the edge of everything. We passed Fuerte Bulnes as the sun came up — gold light on old stones — and Diego pointed out Cape Froward, which he called “the last tip of the continent.” There were moments when everyone went quiet except for the sound of waves slapping against the hull. Then someone would shout “whale!” and we’d all scramble to one side. We saw humpbacks (huge!), some dolphins that zipped by like they were showing off, and later these fat sea lions lounging on rocks like they owned the place.

I didn’t expect to care so much about birds but seeing albatrosses gliding overhead felt weirdly moving — maybe because they looked so calm while I was shivering in three layers. Lunch was simple but good (hot soup never tasted better), and there was this moment when Diego tried to teach us how to say ‘Magellanic penguin’ in Spanish — I definitely butchered it and he laughed. The air smelled salty and sharp; every now and then you’d catch a whiff of diesel from the boat mixed with something almost sweet from the seaweed. We stopped near Magdalena Island and watched penguins waddling around like tiny commuters late for work.

On the way back I sat outside even though my hands were numb, just watching Patagonia slide by under low clouds. It’s not a comfortable trip — long hours, cold wind, early start — but honestly? I still think about that sunrise over Tierra del Fuego whenever I need to remember what wild actually feels like.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whales, Penguins & Glaciers Tour

• Meet at Jose Nogueira #1255, Punta Arenas
• Sail Strait of Magellan, wildlife watching, and sightseeing
• Return to meeting point at Jose Nogueira #1255

Top questions

What time does the tour from Punta Arenas start?

The tour meets at 4:00AM at Jose Nogueira #1255 in Punta Arenas.

How long is the Strait of Magellan wildlife cruise?

The navigation lasts about 10 hours plus transfers.

Is food included on this day trip?

Yes, breakfast, lunch and snacks are included during the tour.

Will we see penguins on Magdalena Island?

You’ll have chances to see Magellanic penguins near Magdalena Island during the cruise.

Are hotel pickups available?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central point in Punta Arenas.

What wildlife can we expect to see?

You may spot humpback whales, dolphins (including Commerson’s), sea lions, albatrosses and more.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

A valid passport is required for all participants on this trip.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at a central point in Punta Arenas before heading south by bus to board your catamaran. Breakfast is served onboard along with coffee or tea as you sail through the Strait of Magellan with your local guide. Lunch and snacks are provided during your search for whales, dolphins and penguins before returning to town in late afternoon.