Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
Home of the Magellanic penguin
Los Pingüinos Natural Monument protects an island ecosystem accessible only by sea. Upon landing on Magdalena Island, you will walk along a trail surrounded by thousands of Magellanic penguins and their chicks, sharing the scenery with imperial cormorants, dolphin gulls, and skuas. The hike is crowned by its historic lighthouse, a National Monument.
The navigation continues toward Marta Island, where you can observe a large colony of sea lions from the deck. Throughout the journey, Commerson's dolphins often leap beside the boat, offering an unforgettable glimpse of Patagonian wildlife.
Plan your trip to Los Pingüinos Natural Monument
How to get there
How to get there by air
Land at Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport (PUQ) in Punta Arenas. From the air terminal, head towards the city center to access the port. The adventure continues by taking an authorized boat that sets sail for the Natural Monument, located on Isla Magdalena.
How to get there by land
From Punta Arenas, head to the Prat or Tres Puentes piers to board authorized ferries or speedboats to the monument. The crossing takes about two hours each way. Keep in mind that visits operate exclusively during the summer season (October to mid-April) with certified guides. Book well in advance, as daily visitor spots are limited.
Must-Know Tips
The strait brings intense winds and cold temperatures: wear thermal layers, a windbreaker, and sturdy trekking shoes. Disembarking on Magdalena Island is strictly limited to one hour to protect wildlife. Keep at least 2 meters away from penguins, never block their path, and avoid flash photography. Smoking, lighting fires, bringing pets, and flying drones are strictly prohibited.
Discover trends on our blog
What you should know about Chile
