penguin 1

FROM USD 188

Magdalena Island Penguins by Ferry

A guided ferry excursion from Punta Arenas to Magdalena Island, home to thousands of Magellanic penguins.

Why Choose This Activity?

  • Ferry navigation across the legendary Strait of Magellan
  • Guided visit to a protected Magellanic penguin colony
  • Includes entrance to Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
BOOK NOW

Navigate the Strait of Magellan and walk among Magellanic penguins at one of Patagonia’s most iconic wildlife sites.

Easy Cancellation

If you need to cancel or postpone, just send us an email and we will take care of everything.

Direct Communication With the Operator

You will have the WhatsApp for the operator of your choose excursion. No more lost pick ups!

English-Speaking Guide and Small Groups

Almost all of our tours are done in small groups. All of them have English speaking guides.

OVERVIEW

This half-day excursion offers a unique opportunity to experience Patagonia’s wildlife through a scenic navigation across the Strait of Magellan. Traveling by ferry from Punta Arenas, visitors reach Magdalena Island, a protected natural area that hosts one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in the region.

The tour combines maritime landscapes, environmental interpretation, and direct contact with nature, always following strict conservation guidelines. With a guided walk along designated paths, travelers can observe penguins during their breeding season while learning about the ecological importance of the island and its role in regional biodiversity.

Designed as a shared experience with professional guidance, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic wildlife encounter close to Punta Arenas, without requiring a full-day commitment.

About Us

PeritoMorenoGlacier.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.

ITINERARY

The experience begins at the designated meeting point in Punta Arenas, where passengers board the ferry for a scenic crossing of the Strait of Magellan. During navigation, the guide provides information about the region’s maritime routes, wildlife, and historical relevance.

Upon arrival at Magdalena Island, guests disembark and follow clearly marked paths through the Natural Monument. The walk allows close observation of thousands of Magellanic penguins during their nesting season, always respecting conservation guidelines. The island’s lighthouse and panoramic coastal views add historical and visual interest to the visit.

After free time for photography and exploration under guide supervision, passengers return to the ferry for the journey back to Punta Arenas. The tour concludes at the original departure point.

Duration: Half-Day
Cancellation Policy: 72 Hours Cancellation Policy
Availability: October to March
Starting Time: 9:30 AM
Finishing Time: 3:30 PM
Pick Up: From Your Hotel
Drop Off: At Your Hotel
Language: English, Spanish
Maximum Group Size: 15
Minimum Booking: 1

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Round-trip ferry navigation
  • Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
  • Entrance fee to Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal expenses

OPTIONALS

There's no optionals available for this excursions. Let us know if you need anything on your booking.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

FAQs

Is this tour available on December 24, 25, 31, or January 1?

Availability on holidays depends on operational schedules and weather conditions. Contact us for information.

Are there any age restrictions?

There are no specific age restrictions. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with disabilities?

No. The island visit involves walking on uneven terrain and does not offer full accessibility infrastructure.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations made up to 72 hours prior to the activity will access a full refund.

What should I wear for the excursion?

Warm, windproof clothing and comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended due to variable Patagonian weather.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?

No. Wildlife is observed in its natural habitat, so location, behavior and visibility vary. The excursion is designed around the best known viewing areas, but responsible operators never guarantee a specific sighting.

How close can visitors approach the animals?

Distances are determined by local conservation rules and guide instructions. The priority is to avoid disturbing feeding, breeding, resting or nesting behavior.

What is the best way to photograph wildlife responsibly?

Use zoom rather than approaching animals, keep movements slow, avoid flash when prohibited and follow the guide’s instructions. Patience usually produces better photographs than trying to get too close.

Are binoculars worth bringing?

Yes. Binoculars can significantly improve the experience, especially for birds, marine mammals or animals that remain at a respectful distance.

Does bad weather reduce the chance of seeing wildlife?

It can affect visibility and animal behavior, but cloudy or windy conditions do not automatically mean poor sightings. Local guides adapt the excursion to current conditions whenever possible.

Is this experience appropriate for children interested in nature?

Generally yes, provided they can follow safety and wildlife-distancing rules. These tours can be particularly engaging for families because they combine scenery, conservation and observation.

Why is it important not to feed wildlife?

Feeding changes natural behavior, can harm animal health and increases unsafe interactions with people. Responsible wildlife tourism depends on keeping animals wild.

Will there be a naturalist explanation during the visit?

Most guided wildlife experiences include information about species, habitat, migration or breeding behavior. The depth of interpretation varies by product and guide.

What should I expect if animals are farther away than anticipated?

That is normal in responsible wildlife tourism. Viewing points and routes are chosen for good opportunities, but animals decide where to move. A longer lens or binoculars can help.

How does this tour support conservation-minded travel?

By using regulated viewing areas, respecting distance rules and relying on local guides, visitors can enjoy wildlife while minimizing disturbance and supporting nature-based tourism.

Book Now!

Step 1 of 2

Booking Details (1/2)

BOOKING FAQS

How Do I Book?

Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.

What Happens After Booking?

Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.

If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.

I Have Other Questions...

Just head to our Contact Page and send us your enquiries.

Explore Similar Excursions & Tours

sunset kayak on lake argentino

FROM USD 269

Sunset Kayak on Lake Argentino

  • Duration: PM
  • Starting time: 6:00 PM / 8:30 PM
kayak and trekking at la leona river

FROM USD 279

Kayak and Trekking at La Leona River

  • Duration: Full Day
  • Starting time: 7:30 AM
04 1024x1280

FROM USD 139

Half-Day Excursion to Isla Martillo from Puerto Almanza

  • Duration: Half-Day
  • Starting time: 8:00 AM or 2:00 PM
upsala glacier express

FROM USD 160

Upsala Glacier Express Expedition

  • Duration: Full Day
  • Starting time: 8:30 AM
winter penguins 6

FROM USD 250

Winter Penguins in Martillo Island

  • Duration: PM
  • Starting time: 1:00 PM

FROM USD 350

Full Snow Day in Ushuaia

  • Duration: Full Day
  • Starting time: 8:30 AM
07153cc2 7f1c 43d4 af27 99b3cdc15045 605x465

FROM USD 240

Antarctic Experience in Ushuaia

  • Duration: Half-Day
  • Starting time: 8:30 AM

FROM USD 375

dsc08270

FROM USD 175

Half Day Kayak in El Chaltén

  • Duration: Half-Day
  • Starting time: 9:00
rafting

FROM USD 150

Half Day Rafting in El Chaltén

  • Duration: AM or PM
  • Starting time: 10:45 AM or 2:45 PM