Tierra del Fuego: King Penguin Tour from Punta Arenas
Set sail from Punta Arenas to the stunning Tierra del Fuego Island and explore the King Penguin Park!
Briefing
Embark on an unforgettable guided day trip from Punta Arenas to the stunning Tierra del Fuego Island.
This one-of-a-kind adventure takes you to the only king penguin colony in South America, located in the pristine King Penguin Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll witness these majestic creatures thriving in their natural habitat—a truly rare and magical sight!
Along the way, you’ll stop in the charming town of Porvenir to explore the Tierra del Fuego Provincial Museum, where you’ll uncover the fascinating history and culture of this unique region. The journey continues to Bahía Inútil (Useless Bay), where the highlight awaits: an up-close encounter with the adorable and regal king penguins, a memory you’ll cherish forever.
This full-day tour lasts approximately 13 hours and includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Punta Arenas, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature and discover one of South America’s hidden gems—book your spot today!
Tour details
Included
- Hotel pick-up and transfer back to the hotel.
- Guide in English and Spanish
- Transportation by minibus to the dock (round trip)
- Ferry ticket
Not included
- Entrance to King Penguin Park
- Entrance to the Porvenir Museum
- Feeding
Important information
The tour operates from August through May, with the King Penguin Park closed during June and July.
- Winter schedule (April to September): Departures are available Thursday through Sunday.
- Summer schedule (October to March): Departures run Tuesday through Sunday.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Tour itinerary
Tierra del Fuego: King Penguin Nature Reserve
Duration: 13 hours.
Difficulty: low
Pick up in Punta Arenas
Between 7:15 and 7:45 am, you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel in Punta Arenas. From there, you’ll take a short drive to the Tres Puentes Pier, located within the city.
Here, you’ll board a ferry that operates daily on the iconic Punta Arenas - Porvenir route, one of the most scenic journeys in Chilean Patagonia. This route connects the regional capital of Magallanes with the provincial capital of Tierra del Fuego.
The ferry ride across the legendary Strait of Magellan lasts approximately two hours, taking you from Tres Puentes Pier in Punta Arenas to Bahía Chilota in Porvenir. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of the strait and surrounding landscapes. The ferry ticket is included as part of the tour.
Tierra del Fuego Island
After a scenic two-hour ferry ride across the Strait of Magellan, you’ll arrive at your destination: the breathtaking Tierra del Fuego Island.
Once there, your guide will accompany you to the city of Porvenir, where you’ll visit the Provincial Museum of Tierra del Fuego. This fascinating museum was established to preserve and share the rich history, culture, and natural heritage of the island.
Following the museum visit, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of Porvenir’s local restaurants or enjoy a picnic in one of the town’s picturesque spots. Your guide will be happy to offer personalized recommendations.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re traveling during the winter months (April to September), it’s a good idea to bring your lunch from Punta Arenas, as many restaurants in Porvenir are closed during this time of year.
King Penguin Nature Reserve
The highlight of your day has finally arrived! After recharging your energy, the tour continues to Bahía Inútil, where you’ll visit the renowned King Penguin Park.
Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe the only colony of King Penguins in South America in their natural habitat. These majestic birds are a sight to behold, and their regal presence is sure to leave you in awe!
🐧 Fun Fact: Did you know that young King Penguins have dark brown feathers, unlike the sleek black-and-white look of the adults? Your guide will share fascinating insights about these incredible creatures, including the reason behind their unique coloring.
Prepare to be amazed by this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience!
Return to Punta Arenas
As your unforgettable day comes to an end, you’ll board the ferry to begin your journey back to Punta Arenas, following the same scenic route in reverse: Porvenir to Punta Arenas.
After approximately two hours, you’ll arrive at the Tres Puentes Pier, where a comfortable minibus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. You can expect to return to your accommodation in Punta Arenas between 8:30 and 9:00 pm, ensuring a hassle-free and relaxing conclusion to your adventure.
Sit back, reflect on the incredible experiences of the day, and enjoy the ride back!
What to bring to Tierra del Fuego: King Penguin from Punta Arenas tour
To make the most of your trip to Tierra del Fuego and your encounter with the king penguins, it's important to come prepared. The weather can be unpredictable and often cold, so here’s a detailed packing list to help you enjoy this incredible adventure:
Clothing
- Base layer: A synthetic or wool T-shirt to wick away moisture and keep you comfortable.
- Middle layer: A fleece jacket or sweater for warmth.
- Waterproof and breathable jacket: Essential for protection against wind and rain.
- Comfortable pants: Opt for waterproof or quick-drying material.
- Thermal accessories: Gloves, a hat, and a scarf to keep extremities warm.
- Thermal socks: Keep your feet dry and warm throughout the day.
Footwear
- Hiking boots: Waterproof with good grip—perfect for uneven or slippery terrain.
- Comfortable shoes: For travel or less strenuous activities.
Accessories
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from sun glare, especially on water or snow.
- Sunscreen: UV rays can still be strong even on cloudy days.
- Small backpack: Handy for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.
Other Essentials
- Cash: Bring enough to buy lunch in Porvenir or Cerro Sombrero or to cover your entrance fee to King Penguin Park. Although cards are accepted, internet signals in the area may not always be reliable.
- Water, lunch, and snacks: The tour does not include meals, so bringing your own is a good idea. If you prefer not to buy lunch during the trip, pack one from Punta Arenas.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture the stunning landscapes and, of course, the penguins!
- Binoculars: Great for observing wildlife from a distance.
Howlanders' Pro Tip:
- Check the weather forecast before departure and adjust your gear accordingly. Being prepared ensures you’ll stay comfortable and focused on enjoying this unforgettable experience with the king penguins and the breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego.
Enjoy your adventure!
Where does the tour Tierra del Fuego: King Penguin from Punta Arenas start
The tour begins with hotel pickup in Punta Arenas between 7:15 and 7:45 am. Please remember to provide the name of your accommodation when filling out the booking form.
For your convenience, the tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Punta Arenas between 8:30 and 9:00 pm.
Questions & Answers
What is the size of the group?
The Tierra del Fuego + King Penguin Tour is conducted in small, intimate groups of up to 14 travelers per guide, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.
For the ferry ride from Punta Arenas to Porvenir, you’ll board a regular ferry that operates this route daily. The ferry has a capacity of 360 people, so there’s plenty of space to enjoy the scenic journey comfortably.
This small group size allows for more interaction with your guide and a more relaxed experience overall.
What is the best time of year to visit the King Penguin Nature Reserve in Chile?
King Penguin Park is closed during the months of June and July. However, the park is open and accessible during the rest of the year, from August to May. For the best experience, consider visiting during spring and summer (October to March), when you’ll enjoy longer days and more stable weather, making your adventure even more enjoyable.
How close will I get to the King Penguin?
For the safety and well-being of the penguins, the minimum distance required to observe them is 164 feet (50 meters), as established by the General Regulations for the Observation of Mammals, Reptiles, Hydrobiological Birds, and the Cetacean Sighting Registry. This distance ensures that the penguins' natural habitat and behavior are not disturbed.
It's important to note that the Reserve is the penguins' natural home, where they go about their life cycle freely and naturally. Depending on factors like their reproductive cycle and the weather conditions, the penguins may be closer or farther from the observation shelters on different days. Some days, they might be right near the shelters, while other days they could be farther away.
Rest assured, you’ll still have a fantastic experience observing these majestic creatures in their natural environment, while respecting their space.
Can I fly over the King Penguin Nature Reserve with a Drone during the tour?
No, flying drones over the King Penguin Nature Reserve is not permitted during the tour. The use of drones can negatively affect the behavior of wildlife, particularly the penguins. Disturbing them with drone activity may cause irreversible harm to the colony, such as the abandonment of eggs or chicks.
To protect the natural environment and ensure the well-being of the penguins, drone use is strictly prohibited within the reserve.
Is the tour accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Most of the tour is accessible, but some areas of the park and trails may be challenging for people with reduced mobility due to uneven terrain. It's recommended to check with the tour operator if you have special needs.
Is transportation provided from Punta Arenas to the tour starting point?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Punta Arenas. Pick-up is between 7:15 and 7:45 am, and return is between 8:30 and 9:00 pm.
Can I take photos of the penguins?
Yes, you can take photos of the penguins, but you must maintain the minimum distance of 50 meters. It’s also important not to use flashes or make loud noises that could disturb the animals.
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