On GetYourGuide as Punta Arenas: Walk with Penguins on Magdalena & Marta Island · operator Solo Expediciones
The best all-round Punta Arenas penguin morning: the same hour on Isla Magdalena as every tour, plus the Isla Marta sea lions, for the same price as the island-only boats. Its weak spot is the 6:30 check-in at a busy office.
A five-hour morning: coach to Laredo Bay, boat to Isla Magdalena, one hour on the island, sea lions at Isla Marta, back in town around 11:00–11:30. Guides speak English and Spanish; coffee and a snack are served on board. It is one of the four Isla Magdalena tours we compare.
About two of the five hours are on the water, one on Isla Magdalena and half an hour off Isla Marta; the rest is the coach and check-in. The boat sails from Laredo Bay, north of the city, so the tour starts with a 30-minute coach ride that guests often don't expect.
The boat changes with the day and demand. The listing calls it a speedboat; guests describe everything from 25-seat boats to a 100-seat catamaran with toilets and a coffee bar. Sunrise from the top deck is a highlight several guests mention.
On the map: Office, Laredo Bay, Isla Magdalena, Isla Marta, Plaza de Armas
Source: the tour's itinerary on GetYourGuide, Nov 2026 · guest reviews
The $160 covers both islands, the entry to the penguin monument, a bilingual guide and coffee on board; food and tips are extra. There is nothing to buy on the island and no toilet ashore. Extras on every tour: Punta Arenas penguin tour price.
Guests score this tour 4.6 from 718 reviews: 4.7 for the guides and the transport, 4.3 for value. The praise is for guides who know the birds and keep the rules; the complaints are about the chaotic 6:30 check-in and, in wind, the skipped Marta stop.
Source: verified GetYourGuide reviews, checked Nov 2026
“The group was large... about 100 people, but we were the only group on the island so it was manageable and people spread out on the walk. Be advised that you float in the surge off of one of the islands to view the sea lions... and there are 30 minute large bus rides to and from the tour office to the boat launch... so if you get motion sickness, definitely take some meds before travel!”
“Getting to watch the sunrise from the top of the boat and see the sea lions on Isla Marta was very cool. Seeing the penguins up close was amazing and being able to have a hot drink after the walk was much appreciated. It's expensive but so is the public ferry to the island. It's definitely worth doing the tour.”
“The guide was great! The time spent on the island with the penguins is quite sufficient. A small bottle of water could be provided and advice in advance that there are no other ways to purchase food other than a small snack on the boat, and that there are no bathrooms other than on the boat or in the office/store.”
“I found the activity quite costly for what you get. Our ride back was quite tough though, high waves and many people felt seasick. The crew was very helpful, they supported those who were feeling dizzy. Because of weather conditions we had to skip the second island, there was no money return.”
Penguins and sea lions before lunch — from $160 per person, 4.6 from 718 reviews.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before; a weather cancellation gets a new date or a refund.
Live dates and seats from GetYourGuide
No. Isla Marta is watched from the boat for about 30 minutes; it is a sea lion colony and landing is not allowed. In rough water the stop is skipped and not refunded.
The listing says speedboat, but guests describe different boats on different days — from 25-seat boats to a large catamaran with toilets. The crossing to Isla Magdalena takes about 50 minutes either way.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as included, but most guests describe meeting at the operator's office on José Nogueira at 6:30. Confirm the pickup with the operator after booking.
The listing asks for 10 minutes before the start; guests recommend coming earlier, as the check-in queue at 6:30 can take 30–60 minutes before the coaches leave.
The operator reschedules or refunds when the Navy closes the port, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before. Guests advise booking it at the start of your trip so there is a spare day.
Yes on the boat and at the office, but not on Isla Magdalena. Guests also note that no food is sold, so bring a snack and water.