Magdalena Island: How to visit the penguin island

Located in the heart of the Strait of Magellan, about 35 kilometers northeast of Punta Arenas, Magdalena Island is one of the most fascinating and emblematic destinations in Chilean Patagonia. This small island, covering only 85 hectares, is part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, a protected reserve managed by CONAF that protects one of the largest colonies of Magellanic penguins in South America.

Every austral summer, more than 60,000 pairs of these migratory birds arrive on the island to nest and raise their chicks, transforming the landscape into a unique natural spectacle.

Visiting this place becomes an unmissable opportunity for those who want to connect with wildlife, explore pristine landscapes, and get to know one of the most representative ecosystems of the southern tip of the continent.

Why visit Magdalena Island?

The main reason to visit Magdalena Island is to walk among thousands of penguins in their natural habitat, without bars or artificial shows. This experience is profoundly transformative, especially when witnessing how these birds develop their daily routines, communicate, care for their nests, and live in community.

However, the island offers much more than penguins. During the tour, it is also possible to observe other species such as sea lions resting on the coasts, southern dolphins swimming alongside the boats, and seabirds like imperial cormorants, skuas, petrels, and southern seagulls.

The walk culminates in an iconic place, the lighthouse of Magdalena Island, built in 1902. From there, you get a panoramic view of the Strait of Magellan and appreciate the vastness of this remote environment.

“Beyond being a recreational experience, visiting the island allows us to understand the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism. The visitor becomes a witness and at the same time an ally of an ecosystem that remains in balance”

Wildlife on Magdalena Island

The undisputed protagonist is the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), a migratory species that travels from the coasts of the southern Atlantic in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil to nest in Chilean Patagonia. On Magdalena Island, they dig nests in the ground and form densely populated colonies where they coexist for several months.

Alongside them, it is also possible to observe the imperial cormorant, with black plumage and white chest, nesting on the cliffs; the robust southern seagull, adapted to the extreme climate; and the Chilean skua, a predatory bird that feeds on eggs and chicks and plays an essential role in the natural balance.

During the navigation from Punta Arenas, you can enjoy another type of spectacle. Commerson's dolphins or southern dolphins often accompany the boats, and with some luck, even humpback whales crossing the strait can be spotted.

The biodiversity of this area makes the excursion an ideal experience for nature lovers, photographers, bird watchers, and curious travelers.

When is the best time to visit Magdalena Island?

The season to visit Magdalena Island runs from mid-October to March. This period coincides with the different stages of the Magellanic penguin's reproductive cycle.

In October, the first pairs arrive to clean and prepare their nests. In November and December, the females lay one or two eggs and begin incubation. During January and February, the chicks are born, cared for by both parents. Finally, in March, the juveniles learn to swim and prepare to migrate along with the rest of the colony.

Those who travel in January or February have the opportunity to observe more activity, see the chicks outside the nest, and hear the vocalizations of the group. These are also the months with the highest demand, so it is recommended to book in advance.

Outside the season, access to the island is restricted to protect the fauna and allow the ecosystem to recover without human intervention.

How to get to Magdalena Island?

The island is about 35 kilometers of navigation from Punta Arenas and can only be accessed by authorized boats. Excursions generally depart from Muelle Tres Puentes, Puerto Arturo Prat, or Bahía Laredo, depending on the operating company and sea conditions.

All departures are organized by tourist operators with CONAF permits and experience in sustainable tourism. The boat or boat journey lasts between 45 minutes to 1 and a half hours, and once on the island, the maximum stay time is 60 minutes. This space is enough to walk the enabled trail, observe the fauna, take photographs, and visit the lighthouse.

What to bring on the excursion

The weather in the Strait of Magellan is unpredictable, so it is essential to be prepared with what is necessary to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably:

• Warm and windproof clothing, even on sunny days.

• Closed and comfortable footwear, ideally waterproof.

• Sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against water reflection.

• Camera or cell phone with charged battery to record the experience.

Conservation rules on Magdalena Island

Magdalena Island is part of the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument and is under the protection of CONAF. To preserve this unique ecosystem and minimize human impact, there are clear rules that all visitors must respect.

During your visit, keep in mind the following:

• Only walk on established and marked trails.

• Do not approach the caves or penguin nests.

• Avoid disturbing the animals, do not interrupt their passage, and do not make loud noises.

• Taking photos with flash is prohibited.

• Smoking is not allowed in any area of the island.

• Do not run on the trails.

• Respect the maximum one-hour time on the island.

• Wear appropriate clothing for the local climate (warm clothing, windbreaker, hat).

• Ask the guide or park ranger for guidance if you have any doubts.

These measures aim to protect both the fauna and the visitor, allowing the experience to be safe, educational, and respectful. Thanks to compliance with these rules, the penguin colony has remained healthy and growing year after year.

An unforgettable excursion in Patagonia

In a world where many natural destinations suffer from the impact of mass tourism, Magdalena Island offers an authentic, respectful, and transformative experience. Here, there are no shows or artificial settings, only the wind, the sea, and thousands of penguins living their lives freely.

It is a perfect place for families, adventurers, photographers, and anyone who wants to have a real encounter with Patagonian nature.

If you are planning your trip to southern Chile, at Outdoor Index you can book the complete excursion to Magdalena Island. The tour includes shared transportation from Punta Arenas, navigation through the Strait of Magellan, bilingual guide in English and Spanish, onboard coffee service, and official entry to the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument. Everything is designed for you to experience this in a comfortable, safe, and environmentally respectful way. Check the details and secure your spot at the following link: Excursión a Isla Magdalena junto a Outdoor Index