Magdalena Island: Penguin Tour from Puerto Natales
Guided Tour to Magdalena Island's Penguin Colony with Private Transfer from Puerto Natales
Briefing
Join the Magdalena Island: Penguin Tour from Puerto Natales for an unforgettable day exploring the famous penguin colony. This guided tour includes admission to the "Los Pingüinos" Natural Monument, where you’ll have the chance to see these incredible birds up close in their natural habitat.
Travel comfortably with private transfers from Puerto Natales in modern, air-conditioned vehicles. At the end of the tour, you can choose to return to your hotel in Puerto Natales, or finish in Punta Arenas or at the Punta Arenas Airport—whatever works best for you!
With Howlanders, visiting Magdalena Island and returning to Puerto Natales in one day is easy. Don’t miss this incredible wildlife experience—book today and make the most of your trip!
💥 Daily departures from October to March! 💥
Tour details
Included
- Private transportation from Puerto Natales
- Pick up and Drop off at your accommodation
- Bilingual Guide (Spanish/English)
- Navigation to Magdalena Island
- Entrance to the Natural Monument "Los Pingüinos".
Not included
- Feeding
Important information
📲 When booking, please provide your pick-up location in Puerto Natales and a WhatsApp phone number so we can easily contact you during your trip.
📍 The tour offers two departure times and the option to end in Punta Arenas or return to Puerto Natales. You can choose your preferred option when booking.
☀️🛥️ At Howlanders, we recommend booking the earliest time slot, as morning sailings are more likely to have good weather.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
Cancel up to 96 hours before the tour starts and receive a full refund (100%) of the amount paid. Cancellations made after this period or no-shows will not be eligible for a refund.
Tour itinerary
Magdalena Island: Penguin Tour from Puerto Natales
Pick-Up in Puerto Natales
The tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation in Puerto Natales at the selected time.. Enjoy a comfortable 3-hour private transfer to Punta Arenas, arriving at Muelle Prat.
💡 Don’t forget to provide your pick-up location in Puerto Natales when booking!
Magdalena Island Boat tour
You will arrive at Muelle Prat in Punta Arenas, check in, and board the catamaran. We will set sail for Magdalena Island, where you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and, with some luck, sei whales. As we approach the island, our guides will explain the CONAF regulations (Chile’s park rangers) to ensure a safe and respectful visit.
Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
After an incredible one-and-a-half-hour journey through the Strait of Magellan, you’ll arrive at Magdalena Island, home to thousands of Magellanic penguins. You’ll have an hour to explore and observe them up close in their natural habitat.
You’ll walk 2,625 feet to an old lighthouse with breathtaking views of the strait, always surrounded by penguins.
At the end of your visit, you’ll board the catamaran again, and on the way back to Punta Arenas, the guides will share fascinating insights about the penguins' breeding season.
An unforgettable experience awaits you!
Muelle Prat - Punta Arenas
You will disembark at Muelle Prat, where your private transportation will be waiting for you. If you have chosen to end the tour in Punta Arenas or at Punta Arenas Airport, the transportation will take you directly to your requested location.
Return to Puerto Natales
If your tour starts and ends in Puerto Natales, you will still board the private minibus to return to the city. Since the transportation is exclusive, you can customize your trip: stop in Punta Arenas for lunch or a snack, or pause at a viewpoint with spectacular scenery along the way.
You will arrive in Puerto Natales at around 4:00 PM or 9:30 PM (depending on the selected schedule), after an unforgettable day exploring the incredible penguin colony on Magdalena Island. An experience you’ll remember forever!
What to bring to Magdalena Island: Penguin from Puerto Natales tour
To fully enjoy this tour from Puerto Natales, here’s what we recommend bringing:
- Warm, comfortable clothing: The weather can be unpredictable, so pack for cold and windy conditions. A waterproof jacket, thick socks, and layers are essential.
- Sturdy footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the island's uneven terrain.
- Sun protection: Even in cooler weather, the sun can be strong. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
- Camera: Capture stunning views and memorable moments with the penguins.
- Snacks and water: Feel free to bring something light to eat and drink during the navigation.
Howlanders Bonus Tip: Since transportation from Puerto Natales is private, you can leave your luggage or belongings in the vehicle during the navigation, allowing you to explore the island comfortably and worry-free.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure—everything you need to make the most of your day is covered!
Where does the tour Magdalena Island: Penguin from Puerto Natales start
The tour begins with pick-up from your hotel in Puerto Natales at 4:30 a.m. Please make sure to provide the name of your accommodation and a WhatsApp phone number where we can reach you during the tour when filling out the booking form.
At the end of the tour, you can choose from three options:
- End the tour in Punta Arenas.
- End the tour at Punta Arenas Airport.
- Return to Puerto Natales.
Be sure to share the name of your accommodation in Punta Arenas or Puerto Natales for your return, and provide your flight details if you choose to finish the tour at Punta Arenas Airport. This ensures we can organize everything perfectly for you!
Questions & Answers
How long is the tour to Magdalena Island from Puerto Natales?
The tour lasts approximately 11-12 hours if you start and end in Puerto Natales, or 8 hours if you start in Puerto Natales and end in Punta Arenas.
The itinerary is as follows:
- Transfer by road from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas: 3 hours.
- Check-in at Muelle Prat pier.
- Navigation from Punta Arenas to Magdalena Island: 1:30 hours.
- Visit to the Magdalena IslandPenguin Colony: 1 hour.
- Navigation back from Magdalena Island to Punta Arenas: 1:30 hours.
- Transfer by road from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: 3 hours.
- This tour offers a full day of adventure, with a well-organized itinerary to make the most of the experience!
Does the tour include transportation from Puerto Natales?
Yes! The tour includes a private transfer in new, air-conditioned vehicles from Puerto Natales, which makes your trip much more comfortable.
Can I return to my hotel in Puerto Natales at the end of the tour?
Of course! At the end of the tour, you have several options: you can return to your hotel in Puerto Natales, finish in Punta Arenas or even at the Punta Arenas Airport, you decide how to end your adventure!
Can I finish the tour in Punta Arenas or at the Punta Arenas Airport?
Yes! At the end of the tour, you can choose between three options for your return:
- End in Punta Arenas, to explore the city or continue your trip from there.
- End at Punta Arenas Airport, if you have a scheduled flight.
- Return to your hotel in Puerto Natales.
We adapt to your needs, so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest and continue your trip in comfort!
Are there any age restrictions for this tour from Puerto Natales?
The tour is suitable for all ages. However, it is recommended that young children or people with reduced mobility consult with us before booking to ensure that the tour is adapted to their needs.
Can I see other animals besides penguins on the island?
Yes! In addition to penguins, you can see other species of seabirds and, if you are lucky, even marine mammals such as sea lions. The island is a natural spectacle!
What are the available dates for the Magdalena Island tour from Puerto Natales?
The sailing to Magdalena Island starts on October 1st and is available until March 31st. Take advantage of this season to live a unique experience with the penguins!
Does the Magdalena Island Navigation tour from Puerto Natales include disembarkation?
Yes! Once you arrive at Magdalena Island, you will disembark from the boat and you will have one hour to tour the island. During this time, you will be able to enjoy a unique experience by getting close to the Magellanic penguins, always respecting CONAF regulations to ensure the conservation of the place, a perfect opportunity to enjoy nature at its best!
What type of vessel is used for the navigation?
The Isla Magdalena Navigation Tour from Puerto Natales is carried out aboard the Fiordos del Sur II (2012) or Fiordos del Sur III (2015) catamaran, depending on availability. These tourist vessels provide a comfortable and safe journey, with a capacity of 120 and 168 passengers, respectively.
Each catamaran features two decks and two restrooms, ensuring a pleasant experience as you sail toward the home of the Magellanic penguins. The navigation ticket is included in the tour price.
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