How to visit Isla Magdalena and its penguins

The island is part of Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, a protected area managed by CONAF, Chile's national forest service. Every season tens of thousands of pairs of Magellanic penguins arrive to nest in burrows dug into the ground.

You can only visit with an authorised tour operator; there is no way to get there independently. On the island you follow a marked path up to the lighthouse, surrounded by nests and penguins just a few metres away.

The penguins are on the island roughly from October to March, and tours run during that period. Exact start and end dates vary by season and by operator.

• October and November: penguins arrive and build their nests.
• December and January: chicks hatch; the island is at its busiest.
• February and March: chicks moult and the colony gets ready to leave.

There are two main ways to get there. The ferry is a large boat that sails from Punta Arenas; the crossing takes longer but is steadier if you get seasick easily.

Speedboats carry small groups, cross faster and usually combine the visit with a stop off Isla Marta to see sea lions. They are more affected by swell.

Either way, your time on the island is limited, usually around an hour. Compare departure times, total duration and the cancellation policy before you book.

The Strait of Magellan is famous for its wind. Departures are cancelled fairly often because of bad weather, even in summer, and the decision is usually made on the day.

If Isla Magdalena matters to you, don't leave it until your last day in Punta Arenas: book it for your first full day and keep another day free as a backup. Ask the operator what happens to your payment if the trip is cancelled.

• A windproof, waterproof jacket, hat and gloves, even in January.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen: the Patagonian sun is strong.
• Comfortable closed shoes for the path.
• Seasickness remedies if you need them, especially on a speedboat.
• A spare battery for your phone or camera.

Always stay on the marked path, keep away from the burrows and let the penguins cross first. Feeding the animals and leaving litter are not allowed. Follow the instructions of the rangers and your guide.

Seno Otway, northwest of the city, has a smaller Magellanic penguin colony that you visit along boardwalks. It is reached by road, so it doesn't depend on the sea; it is ideal if you have a car.

King penguins can be seen at Bahía Inútil, in Tierra del Fuego. It is a full-day trip that involves crossing the Strait, so plan it in advance.

Many operators pick up from accommodation in the city or leave from central meeting points a few minutes from the house. We are happy to help our guests with recommendations and timetables, and the included breakfast gets you ready for early departures.