Magdalena Island lighthouse and penguin colony
pair of Magellanic penguins
ferry south fjords II sailing through the Magellan Straits
Tourists taking pictures of Magdalena Island penguins
tourists on the deck of the ship sailing to Magdalena Island
magallanic penguin of magdalena island
Guide and tourists at Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
penguin in front of Magdalena Island lighthouse
ferry departing from Punta Arenas port
magdalena island penguin colony with sea in the background
Interior premium cabin navigation Magdalena Island
Interior Standard Cabin sailing Magdalena Island
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Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour from Punta Arenas

Half-day boat tour from Punta Arenas to see penguins on Magdalena Island. Scenic 4-hour cruise

(2 reviews)
Punta Arenas
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From the Arturo Prat pier or from your accommodation in Punta Arenas at 7:00 AM or 1:30 PM (depending on option and time selected).
Ends: To the Arturo Prat dock or to your accommodation in Punta Arenas at 12:15 PM or 18:45 PM.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour from Punta Arenas has a total duration of 5 hours. You sail for an hour and a half through the Strait of Magellan to Magdalena Island, part of the "Los Pingüinos Natural Monument". We disembark and walk for an hour along the island's trails to observe the Magellanic penguins accompanied by a guide. At the end of the visit, you will sail back to the pier.

The tour has two daily departures, one at 7:00 AM and the other at 1:30 PM. It is offered in two options: Standard and Premium. With the Standard service, you must go directly to the port and will have access to the second floor of the boat. The Premium service includes pick-up at your accommodation and access to the second floor of the boat.

Unlike the Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour + Marta Island, this tour only visits Magdalena Island, so the duration is 5 hours and it offers two departure times, with the possibility of including transfers from your accommodation if you select the Premium option.

Tour details

Included

  • Navigation
  • Bilingual Guide (Spanish/English)
  • Port taxes

Not included

  • Pick up and drop off at your accommodation (included in premium option)
  • Snack on board (included in premium option)

Important information

⏰ Howlanders recommends selecting the first departure, as the weather is much more likely to be favorable and you will therefore enjoy the tour more. Afternoon sailing requires a minimum of 20 passengers to be confirmed. If the minimum number is not reached, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.

🛥️ The Standard option does not include pick-up at your accommodation; you will need to go on your own to Arturo Prat Pier.

🛥️ 🔝 The Premium option includes pick-up and return to your accommodation in Punta Arenas, access to the VIP lounge located on the second floor of the boat, plus a small snack and drink.

⛈️ To ensure passenger safety, the entire tour or the disembarkation at Magdalena Island may be canceled in case of bad weather.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

  • Reservations of 6 passengers or less: if you cancel at least 3 days before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid.
  • Reservations of 7 passengers or more: if you cancel at least 8 days before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid.

After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be made.

In case of no-show due to bad weather, you will be offered either a change of date or a full refund.

If the sailing takes place but disembarkation at Magdalena Island is not possible, 50% of the amount paid will be refunded.

Tour itinerary

Magdalena Island Navigation

🕗 Duration: 5 hours

✅ Departures: from October 1 to March 30

Punta Arenas

Depending on the schedule and the selected option, you will be picked up at your accommodation or will have to go directly to the Arturo Prat Pier around 7:00 AM. If you go directly to the pier, we advise you to be punctual in order to get good seats on the boat, as they are not assigned in advance.

Once all passengers are settled, at 8:00 AM or 2:30 PM the boat will set sail for Magdalena Island, part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, a protected area that is home to one of the largest penguin colonies in southern Chile.

ship leaving the port of Punta Arenas

Sailing through the Strait of Magellan

For an hour and a half, you will sail through the Strait of Magellan. During this trip, the guides will provide explanations about the area, and it is also very likely that you will see southern dolphins and sei whales, as well as sea lions and different types of birds. You can travel comfortably inside the cabin or go out on deck to enjoy the fresh air and the views.

ship sailing through the Strait of Magellan

Magdalena Island

Shortly before arriving at Magdalena Island, the guides will explain the rules that must be followed to ensure the visit is respectful of the environment and has the least possible impact on the local flora and fauna.

Finally, you will disembark, and for an hour you will walk around the island, where you can observe the penguins in their natural habitat. Throughout the visit, both the guides and the park rangers make sure it is as respectful as possible, always maintaining a minimum distance of approximately two meters—close enough to see the penguins from very near.

Tourists photographing penguins at Magdalena Island

Return to Punta Arenas

about the Magellanic penguin. Finally, you will arrive at the pier at 12:00 PM or 6:30 PM. If you have selected the standard option, the tour ends at the pier, but if you have chosen the premium option, a transfer will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation.

View from captain's cabin returning to Punta Arenas

What to bring to Magdalena Island Penguin Boat from Punta Arenas tour

Keep in mind that in Patagonia the weather is very changeable and the wind chill can vary greatly throughout the day. During the navigation you will be able to get out of the cabin to walk on the deck of the boat, so be prepared for wind and splashes. Also, you will be walking on Magdalena Island, so comfortable shoes are important. We advise you to bring:

  • Small backpack
  • Warm and waterproof clothing.
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Gloves.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Appropriate footwear for hiking

Where does the tour Magdalena Island Penguin Boat from Punta Arenas start

🚐 If you select the premium option, they will pick you up at your accommodation in Punta Arenas.

📍 If you select the standard option, you will have to go directly to Muelle Prat. We will indicate the exact location on your booking confirmation.

Plan your trip with this complete guide on how to get to Punta Arenas. Discover all the routes and transportation options.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the capacity of the vessel?

    The tour can be done on two boats, one has capacity for 120 people on the lower deck and 48 on the first deck, the other 96 seats on the lower deck and 24 on the upper deck.

  • How are seats assigned?

    Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so we advise you to be punctual when selecting the standard option.

  • Can the tour be cancelled due to bad weather?

    Yes, in case of unsafe weather conditions, especially due to wind, the tour will be cancelled before departure or even once the boat has sailed, before disembarking at Magdalena Island (as conditions can change quickly). In case of no sailing you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund, in case of sailing a 50% refund will be made.

  • Does the tour depart daily?

    No, the tour operates from October 1 to March 31, and the start of the season may be delayed if the penguin colony has not yet arrived on Magdalena Island, as it is a migrant population and is not established on the island year-round.

Magdalena Island Penguin Boat from Punta Arenas tour reviews with Howlanders

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