Penguin tours from Punta Arenas 2026-27: Magdalena Island CLP $100,000–110,000 vs king penguins CLP $98,000, and what is extra
Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island (ferry CLP $100,000, catamaran CLP $110,000) or king penguins in Tierra del Fuego (CLP $98,000): hours, inclusions and what you pay extra.
Seasonal promotional prices in Chilean pesos (CLP), per person, checked on October 8, 2026: checkout is the source of truth. US dollar figures use 900 CLP per US$ as a guide. Operators publish the Magdalena Island season as November to March: confirm dates before you book.
There are two penguin trips from Punta Arenas on Tuki and they are not the same animal. Magellanic penguins on Magdalena Island cost CLP $100,000 (≈US$111) by ferry or CLP $110,000 (≈US$122) by catamaran, about 6 to 6.5 hours. King penguins in Tierra del Fuego cost CLP $98,000 (≈US$109) for a full day of about 15.5 hours that crosses the Strait of Magellan to Porvenir. None of the three states that a meal is included.
Magellanic penguins on an island, 6 hours: Magdalena by ferry, CLP $100,000. Same trip with hotel transfer and a snack: catamaran, CLP $110,000. King penguins, the full day: CLP $98,000, reserve entry extra.
Experiencia: isla-magdalena-en-ferry — Desde $100.000
The 3 penguin trips, by price
- King penguin full day, Tierra del Fuego — CLP $98,000 (≈US$109) — hotel pick-up in Punta Arenas, 2-hour crossing to Porvenir, bilingual guide, navigation tickets; reserve entry and food not included; minimum 1
- Magdalena Island by ferry — CLP $100,000 (≈US$111) — meet at Terminal Tres Puentes, ferry Yaghan, about 1.5 hours each way, guided visit with an 800 m walk to the 1902 lighthouse; hotel transfer and food not included
- Magdalena Island by catamaran — CLP $110,000 (≈US$122) — meet at Muelle Prat, hotel transfer included, premium snack, bilingual guide; about 6.5 hours
Experiencia: isla-magdalena-en-catamaran — Desde $110.000
Experiencia: full-day-tierra-del-fuego-pinguino-rey — Desde $98.000
How the two Magdalena options differ
The CLP $10,000 difference between ferry and catamaran buys the hotel transfer and a snack, and a different departure point: the ferry leaves from Terminal Tres Puentes, the catamaran from Muelle Prat. On both the crossing takes about 1.5 hours and dolphins are likely on the way, per the listings. The listings do not say whether the entry to the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument is in the price: ask before you pay.
The king penguin day
The pick-up is at your hotel in Punta Arenas, followed by a 2-hour crossing to Porvenir, a short city tour, a lunch stop and the King Penguin Natural Reserve. The listing excludes food and the reserve entry. Add the CLP $98,000 to the entry fee when you budget.
Arriving and other options
The airport transfer in Punta Arenas is CLP $15,000 (≈US$17), booked through WhatsApp. If you want dolphins instead of penguins, the Bahía Agua Fresca zodiac trip is CLP $110,000 (≈US$122), about 3.5 hours.
Experiencia: avistamiento-de-delfines — Desde $110.000
Experiencia: transfer-aeropuerto-punta-arenas — Desde $15.000
Keep reading
Getting to Puerto Natales from Punta Arenas: https://tuki.cl/guias/how-to-get-to-puerto-natales-from-punta-arenas-2026 · Spanish version of this guide: https://tuki.cl/guias/tours-pinguinos-punta-arenas-isla-magdalena-pinguino-rey-precios-2026-27
Book Magdalena Island by catamaran, CLP $110,000
Frequently asked questions
How much is a penguin tour from Punta Arenas?
On October 8, 2026 Magdalena Island is CLP $100,000 (≈US$111) by ferry and CLP $110,000 (≈US$122) by catamaran. The king penguin day in Tierra del Fuego is CLP $98,000 (≈US$109). Seasonal promotional prices: checkout is the source of truth.
When is penguin season on Magdalena Island?
Operators describe it as November to March. Confirm the first departure of the 2026-27 season with the operator before you book.
Is the reserve entry included in the king penguin day?
No. The listing leaves out the entry to the King Penguin Natural Reserve and food.
What is the difference between the ferry and the catamaran to Magdalena?
The ferry costs CLP $100,000 and leaves from Terminal Tres Puentes without hotel transfer. The catamaran costs CLP $110,000, leaves from Muelle Prat and includes the hotel transfer and a snack. Both take about 1.5 hours each way.
How long is each trip?
Magdalena: about 6 hours by ferry and 6.5 by catamaran. The king penguin day is about 15.5 hours.
Can I go alone?
All three listings have a minimum of 1 person and are paid online.
Can I combine Magdalena Island and Torres del Paine?
Yes, on different days. Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales is about 3 hours by bus: see https://tuki.cl/guias/how-to-get-to-puerto-natales-from-punta-arenas-2026