Duration
5.5 Hours
Activity Level
High
Experience Details*
You’ll board your boat for the 2 hour journey across to Magdalena Island, designated a national nature reserve due to its importance as a penguin breeding site.
The Magellan Penguins return to Magdalena Island every year between October and March to lay their eggs and raise their young, burying their eggs in the sandy burrows and under shrubs. Your visit is therefore perfectly timed, as at this time of year most of the chicks should have hatched.
Relax onboard, as your Captain crosses the famous Strait of Magellan, the same waters navigated by a number of explorers including Sir Francis Drake and Charles Darwin. During the journey you’ll be provided with information about the charming Magellan Penguin that grow no larger than 2 feet tall, and can be very entertaining to watch as they mill about on the pebbly terrain. You’ll also be provided with instructions for your visit and a snackbox refreshment.
As you approach the island, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of these charismatic creatures. Enjoy approximately 1 hour on the island to explore independently, observing the penguins antics, as well as a variety of other birds.
Essential information
This excursion will operate by catamaran and on foot. Guests are strongly advised not to touch the penguins as their strong beaks can inflict serious wounds. As the island is a wildlife reserve, no visitor facilities are available. Smoking is not permitted. Please do not speak loudly or use flash photography, as this may distress the penguins. Walking is on mostly flat, marked pathways with approximately 30 minutes on uneven terrain. It is recommended you wear warm, waterproof clothing, a head covering and sturdy, enclosed shoes. The duration of the boat crossing is dependent on weather and navigational conditions, and may therefore take longer than advertised.