Magdalena Island penguin colony - Birdwatching Punta Arenas - Chile

Along with the islet of Marta, Magdalena Island forms the Monumento Natural Los Pingüinos, the natural habitat of over 100,000 thousand Magellanic penguins and one of the largest colonies of Southern Chile. Excursions to the small islands in the middle of the Strait of Megallan, 35km northeast of Punta Arenas, are great to observe the little fellows not only on land but also in the water. Tours leave Punta Arenas three times a week during penguin breeding season (November through February) and may offer sightings of whales and of Southern sea lions close to Isla Marta. While on Magdalena, take the chance to visit the solitary Faro Magdalena, a landmark red- and white-striped lighthouse which has been casting its light since 1902. The lighthouse has been a national monument since the Chilean navy handed it over to Conaf in 1981, and it displays exhibits on the local history and navigation of the Strait.

Location:
Contact Transbordadora Austral Broom in Punta Arenas for more info, Av. Bulnes 05075, Tel. 61-218100, E-mail: correo@tabsa.cl, URL: www.tabsa.cl. Comapa Turismo can also organize tours there, URL: www.comapa.com.
Punta Arenas, Chile

Birdwatching

Getting There
The ferry ride, on the Barcaza Melinka, lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours and costs US$35 (children pay half price).

Travel Tips: Tours only run during penguin breeding season from November to February

Price Description: From US$35

Relative price: Mid-Range

Travel Skills: None

About this Page

By Andrea Davoust
After more than two years of working and living out of a suitcase in Eastern Europe and in various improbable African countries that no-one has ever...

Updated: 25 May 2009