Visit Punta Tombo from Puerto Madryn to walk among one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in South America. This shore excursion combines wildlife viewing, coastal geology and local history in a day-long, cruise-friendly format.
Visit Punta Tombo from Puerto Madryn to walk among one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in South America. This shore excursion combines wildlife viewing, coastal geology and local history in a day-long, cruise-friendly format.
Step off your ship and feel the wind from the Atlantic push you toward a sweep of low cliffs and open steppe—Punta Tombo’s boardwalks will be waiting, carrying you into the kingdom of the Magellanic penguin.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Sussanich Turismo · Puerto Madryn, Chubut
Step off your ship and feel the wind from the Atlantic push you toward a sweep of low cliffs and open steppe—Punta Tombo’s boardwalks will be waiting, carrying you into the kingdom of the Magellanic penguin.
The reserve is one of South America’s largest breeding grounds for these tuxedoed birds; from September through April the colony fills with courting adults, nesting pairs and downy chicks. The shoreline here sits on exposed Patagonian sediments where fossils and dinosaur discoveries have drawn paleontologists for decades—hence the nearby life-size dinosaur replica that marks the region’s deeper past. Local culture in Puerto Madryn blends Welsh-Argentine influences with a strong maritime tradition, visible in small museums and seafood eateries along the waterfront.
On the trail, wildlife acts with intent: guanacos watch from distant ridges and Patagonian hares dart through scrub, while waves and wind shape the coast as if deciding the next view. Guides interpret penguin behavior and explain boardwalk rules designed to protect nests.
Practicalities: the shared shore tour runs roughly seven hours round-trip from Puerto Madryn, with air-conditioned transport, bottled water, bilingual guides and a boxed lunch included. Paths are flat and wheelchair-accessible but exposed to sun and wind—bring layered clothing, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Mobile tickets are accepted; confirm pickup times with your ship’s itinerary. Respect signage, keep distance from wildlife, and plan your camera shots quickly—the birds move fast and the light changes even faster.
easy.
7 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, flat walks on boardwalks and light standing.
The breeding and molting season runs roughly September through April; peak chick-rearing months are October to January.
Many paths and viewing platforms are wheelchair-accessible, but confirm specifics with the operator when booking to ensure smooth transfers.
This tour typically includes transport, bottled water, a bilingual guide and a boxed lunch—confirm whether park entrance fees are included on your booking confirmation.
No—maintain the recommended distance and never feed or touch wildlife to avoid stressing animals and spreading disease.
Punta Tombo hosts one of the continent’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies and lies on sedimentary plains where notable paleontological finds have been made.
Boardwalks and strict viewing rules minimize disturbance to nests; practice leave-no-trace and follow guide instructions to protect the colony.
Sussanich Turismo operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Step off your ship and feel the wind from the Atlantic push you toward a sweep of low cliffs and open steppe—Punta Tombo’s boardwalks will be waiting, carrying you into the kingdom of the Magellanic penguin.
Step off your ship and feel the wind from the Atlantic push you toward a sweep of low cliffs and open steppe—Punta Tombo’s boardwalks will be waiting, carrying you into the kingdom of the Magellanic penguin.
The reserve is one of South America’s largest breeding grounds for these tuxedoed birds; from September through April the colony fills with courting adults, nesting pairs and downy chicks. The shoreline here sits on exposed Patagonian sediments where fossils and dinosaur discoveries have drawn paleontologists for decades—hence the nearby life-size dinosaur replica that marks the region’s deeper past. Local culture in Puerto Madryn blends Welsh-Argentine influences with a strong maritime tradition, visible in small museums and seafood eateries along the waterfront.
On the trail, wildlife acts with intent: guanacos watch from distant ridges and Patagonian hares dart through scrub, while waves and wind shape the coast as if deciding the next view. Guides interpret penguin behavior and explain boardwalk rules designed to protect nests.
Practicalities: the shared shore tour runs roughly seven hours round-trip from Puerto Madryn, with air-conditioned transport, bottled water, bilingual guides and a boxed lunch included. Paths are flat and wheelchair-accessible but exposed to sun and wind—bring layered clothing, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Mobile tickets are accepted; confirm pickup times with your ship’s itinerary. Respect signage, keep distance from wildlife, and plan your camera shots quickly—the birds move fast and the light changes even faster.