"MAGDALENA ISLAND NAVIGATION - LOS PINGÜINOS NATURAL MONUMENT (HALF DAY)" Tour

"MAGDALENA ISLAND NAVIGATION - LOS PINGÜINOS NATURAL MONUMENT (HALF DAY)" Tour

MAGDALENA ISLAND NAVIGATION – STRAIT OF MAGELLAN, CHILE. Magdalena Island is a remarkable natural treasure located in the legendary Strait of Magellan, southern Chile. Together with nearby Marta Islet, it forms one of the most important penguin sanctuaries in the region, officially protected as the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. Due to its ecological value, fishing is strictly prohibited around the island, ensuring the preservation of its fragile marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The site is supervised and administered by Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), which also maintains the historic Magdalena Island Lighthouse. This island is an essential wildlife refuge, home to an extraordinary diversity of species, including the iconic Magellanic penguin, cormorants, sea lions, and other seabirds. A census conducted between 2001 and 2002 recorded an estimated population of approximately 63,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins, highlighting the global importance of this protected area.

To safeguard this unique environment, ongoing monitoring programs are in place to assess the impact of tourism and to carry out scientific studies focused on the behavior and conservation of the island’s penguin population. These efforts ensure that visitors can enjoy an authentic and responsible wildlife experience while contributing to the long-term protection of this natural sanctuary. A visit to Magdalena Island offers a rare opportunity to observe penguins in their natural habitat, walk among thousands of these fascinating birds, and experience one of the most pristine and inspiring landscapes of southern Chile. This excursion is ideal for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and travelers seeking a truly memorable encounter with Patagonia’s rich biodiversity.

Itinerary

• Depart from your hotel in Punta Arenas and begin an unforgettable journey through the historic Strait of Magellan to the renowned LOS PINGÜINOS NATURAL MONUMENT. Passenger pick-up is included, with morning departures at 06:45 hrs and afternoon departures at 13:15 hrs. From there, we will head to Muelle Prat, complete the check-in process, and board our vessel for the adventure ahead.
• Depending on the selected departure, we will set sail toward Magdalena Island, home to the famous penguin colony. The boat ride across the Strait of Magellan lasts approximately 90 minutes, offering stunning panoramic views of Patagonia’s coastal landscapes and abundant marine wildlife.
• Upon arrival, we will disembark to explore the island and spend about one hour observing the penguin colony in its natural habitat. Magdalena Island is home to around 150,000 Magellanic penguins, which coexist with a rich variety of other wildlife, including Rock Cormorants, Southern Gulls, skuas, and marine mammals such as sea lions and South American fur seals.
• After fully enjoying this unique wildlife experience, we will reboard the boat for the return journey to Punta Arenas. Upon arrival at Muelle Prat, you will be transferred back to your hotel, concluding this extraordinary excursion (arrival times are approximately 12:00 hrs for the morning departure and 18:00 hrs for the afternoon departure).

Includes

• Guide service in Spanish and English.
• Entrance fees.
• Transfer included only in VIP cabin rate. (Tourist cabin rate can hire the transfer separately).

Does not include

• Tips and gratuities.
• Professional guide in French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. If you would like a guide in these languages, please request one in advance and pay an extra fee, subject to availability.
• Other services not described in the program.

Note:

• Shared excursion service (SIB) is available only from November to March.