Enjoy the views from the lighthouse
Enjoy the views from the lighthouse

Isla Magdalena & Penguin Colony Boat Tour

Overview

Located on the Strait of Magellan, about 18 miles (30 km) northeast of the Patagonian city of Punta Arenas, is Isla Magdalena. On this island is Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, a protected area home to Chile's largest colony of penguins. A half-day boat excursion to Magdalena involves first stopping at Marta Island, located in the middle of the strait. It's home to a large colony of Patagonian sea lions whose numbers top a thousand. But these aren't the only residents on this rocky outpost. There are also many seabirds, including cormorants, skuas, arctic pigeons, and more.

The next stop is Isla Magdalena, where passengers will disembark and spend one hour on shore. There's an 800-meter (2,624-foot) path here that leads to an old lighthouse offering sweeping views of the Strait of Magellan. The trail passes right beside the island's residents: a Magellanic penguin colony that can reach up to 170,000 in number. There's no experience on earth quite like hiking alongside penguins near Patagonian waters first mapped by Magellan and made famous by Charles Darwin.

Itineraries with Isla Magdalena & Penguin Colony Boat Tour

Highlights of Chile & Argentina - 11 Days

In this nature-focused adventure, you get the best of both Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. First, travel to far south to Punta Arenas for a visit to an island inhabited by penguins. Next, spend a day exploring Torres del Paine - one of the world's most beautiful national parks. Top your Patagonian experience off with a glacier walk over the most impressive mass of ice in the region, Perito Moreno. Then, journey north for a visit to Iguazú Falls, the largest network of waterfalls in the world. These falls are located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, so you'll get to experience the majesty of the falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Finally, it's off to Buenos Aires where you'll enjoy some city time in the "Paris of South America" before your journey home.

Best of Southern Patagonia - 15 Days

This 15-day trip combines outdoor attractions around Chile and Argentina's spectacular far south, also known as Patagonia. You'll start with penguins, horses, and glaciers before entering Torres del Paine National Park for three days of guided tours. Then head across the border for Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll go ice trekking and partake in several jaw-dropping trails near Mount Fitz Roy.

Punta Arenas & Torres del Paine National Park - 7 Days

Begin your weeklong Patagonian journey in Chile's metropolitan capital city. Next, head south and walk with Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena. Top it off with a trip to Torres del Paine National Park. Here you'll be treated to breathtaking views of vast grasslands, glaciers, forests, and more. You'll even have the opportunity to hike to the base of the park's iconic towers.

Patagonia's W Trek & Marble Caves - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary packs a lot of punch for those keen on experiencing as much Chilean nature as possible. Start off with some urban culture before flying south to frolic with thousands of penguins. Next, you’ll spend several days trekking in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Finish in northern Patagonia's Aysén region for glaciers and marble cave formations you won't soon forget.

Adventure in Santiago & Torres del Paine National Park - 10 Days

Begin your journey in the metropolitan capital city of Santiago. Learn all about Chilean culture during your city tour and wine tasting, followed by a visit to the vibrant port cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Next, head south to Patagonia and walk with Magellanic penguins on Isla Magdalena. Top it all off with a trip to Torres del Paine National Park. Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of vast grasslands, glaciers, forests, and more. You'll even have the opportunity to hike to the base of the park's iconic towers.

Hike the "O" Trek in Torres del Paine National Park - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary in Chilean Patagonia is perfect for outdoor adventurers! After sightseeing in Santiago, fly to Punta Arenas, where you'll base yourself for a few days as you explore a penguin colony and Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. Continue to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. You'll spend the rest of the trip hiking and camping through remote sections of the park on the Paine Massif Circuit ("O"), a more challenging option than its famous sister trek (known as the "W").

Santiago, Valparaíso & Patagonia Nature Trip - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes and culture of Chile. Start your journey in Santiago and head to the Casablanca Valley to indulge in Chilean wine before traveling to the coastal city of Valparaíso to discover its beautiful murals and artsy vibe. Then, get an up-close look at a 150,000-strong penguin colony before heading to the famed Torres del Paine National Park to experience some of the best hiking trails and landscapes the region has to offer.

Patagonia Nature Trip - 6 Days

On this brisk excursion, you get to experience all the rugged beauty and unforgettable landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. You won't just see them from afar, either—you'll venture into the national parks and tour Patagonia's lakes by boat. The adventure starts with a visit to the town of Punta Arenas and then to Magdalena Island, which is home to a colony of over 150,000 penguins. Then you'll embark on a trek into the famed Torres del Paine National Park, a Patagonian Mecca for hikers. Finally, you'll tour lakes and rivers before finishing with a boat trip to Glacier Grey.