Magdalena Island Penguin Tour with Optional Marta Island Visit

Sail through one of the world’s most legendary sea passages and experience an authentic encounter with the wildlife of Chilean Patagonia. Stroll among thousands of penguins on Magdalena Island, home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins; you’ll also have the opportunity to choose whether you want to observe sea lions in their natural habitat on Marta Island; and marvel at the dolphins and whales in the Strait of Magellan. This isn’t just a tour—it’s an experience you’ll remember forever.

Itinerary

1. Early in the morning, we begin this unforgettable adventure. After check-in at our office, we head by transfer to Bahía Laredo, located 25 km north of the city, where we board fast boats to navigate the legendary Magellan Strait, a migratory route for Sei whales, Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins. After approximately 45 minutes of navigation, we arrive at Magdalena Island, where we disembark for one hour accompanied by our guide to explore the natural habitat of the Magellanic penguins. Magdalena Island is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Chilean Patagonia and home to the largest Magellanic penguin colony in Chile. Each year, more than 60,000 penguins return to the island to nest, breed and raise their chicks, using the same burrows generation after generation. (2h 0min) Admission included
2. After visiting Magdalena Island, we continue our navigation toward Marta Island, an important natural refuge located in the Magellan Strait and known for hosting one of the largest sea lion colonies in the region, with more than 1,500 individuals. From the boat, and weather conditions permitting, we enjoy a respectful wildlife viewing experience, observing sea lions in their natural environment as they rest on the rocks or interact in the water. Marta Island is also home to a wide variety of seabirds, including imperial cormorants and southern gulls, which thrive in this pristine Patagonian ecosystem. This stop offers a unique opportunity to observe marine wildlife in an untouched setting, surrounded by the historic waters of the Magellan Strait. (2h 0min) Admission included
3. Refresh and recharge with hot coffee and sweet cookies before boarding the boat for the return journey to the mainland. If you are lucky, you may capture photographs of sea lions and elephant seals resting along the shoreline before returning to Punta Arenas’ main square, where the tour comes to an end. (1h 0min)

Meeting & end point