The Pre-Trip to see King Penguins (or Whale Watching) & Magellanic Penguins
Part of the VETS Patagonia/Buenos Aires 2025 Adventure Series!
There are only three places you can see these Kings on this planet (the other two are the Falkland Islands and a few areas in the Antarctica).
During this optional pre-trip visit you’ll have your choice between a King Penguin Excursion or Whale Watching on the first day and then we will all see the Magellanic Penguins + visit Estancia Olga Teresa on the second day!
Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Arrive in Punta Arenas
You will arrange your arrival in Punta Arenas on February 5 (you’ll fly through Santiago, and this may take up to two travel days to get to Punta Arenas).
There is a good airport Punta Arenas and a centuries-old historic town. We start with a welcome event at our hotel the evening of February 5, 2025.
DOWNLOAD THE TRIP BOOKLET— CLICK HERE!!
On February 6, you will have two options:
Option 1a: King Penguins) You will be transferred to the airport for a short (20 minute) flight to the island of Tierra del Fuego and then an ~2.5 hour ride by van to visit a small permanent colony of King penguins. King penguins are the second largest penguin the planet, coming in a bit shorter and lighter than the largest of the penguins, the Emperor Penguin.
Option 1b: Whales) Instead of visiting the King Penguins, we will go Whale Watching on a larger boat = a smoother ride on the ocean.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Explore the Strait of Magellan
Humpback whale watching
We will observe 2 glaciers on Santa Inés Island
Take the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, such as jotes, condors, cormorants, dolphins, albatrosses and petrels.
Sail and get to know the Francisco Coloane Marine Park.
Dinner on own
Overnight at Hotel La Yegua Loca
On Friday February 7, we’ll visit Isla Magdalena in the middle of Magellan’s Straits where there are about 50,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins. We will do an exciting and historical crossing of the Magellan Straits (you’ll get a certificate celebrating this historical occasion.)
The chicks will be almost ready to head to the sea and the island will be abandoned by the parents and chicks about 30 days after our visit.
We sail across the Strait of Magellan to the Magdalena Island. After arriving in Laredo Bay, the group will board a private boat and sail for 45 minutes to arrive at the Magadalena Island, where we will stop for 1 hour with our guide to know the natural habitat of the Magellanic Penguins - one of one of the largest colonies in Chile.
