Punta Tombo Cruise Shore Excursion - Walk among penguins
Patagonia, Argentina, Argentina
Take a guided tour from Puerto Madryn to see penguins in their natural habitat at the largest continental Magellanic penguin colony in the world, Punta Tombo. Share tour with other cruise passengers
Penguin Walk at Punta Tombo National Reserve from Puerto Madryn
This guided shore excursion from Puerto Madryn suits cruise passengers visiting on select lines and offers close encounters with Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.
Highlights
- Walk among Magellanic penguins on a 1.5 km trail
- Shore excursion for Oosterdam, Celebrity, Viking, Norwegian Star, Sapphire Princess, and other cruise ships
- Guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship
- Exclusive small group day tour
- Experience the Patagonian steppe and coastal environment
Description
Travel 170 km from Puerto Madryn port to Punta Tombo National Reserve, home to the world’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins. En route, observe the expansive Patagonian arid landscape.
Begin your visit at the Interpretation Center, which explains the penguins’ life cycle and local ecosystem. Then follow a 1.5-kilometer trail through the Patagonian steppe to the coast, where penguins return from the sea.
Observe the penguins refurbishing nests and raising chicks within a vast colony. You may also see small rodents, kelp gulls, guanacos, and choiques sharing the area. After the tour, return promptly to Puerto Madryn port for your cruise departure.
Includes
- Roundtrip transportation from Puerto Madryn port
- Packed lunch on cruise days
- Bottle of water per person on cruise days
- English and Spanish-speaking guides
- Groups limited to fewer than 22 people (private bus options available)
Excludes
- Tips
- Entrance fee to Punta Tombo ($25 USD per person)
Important Information
- Meet the guide outside the pier at the end, looking for a green flag and a sign labeled 'Arnez #1' or 'Arnez #3'.
- Tours start about 30 minutes after the ship docks; arriving early ensures timely departure.
- If disembarkation is delayed, the guide waits to avoid missing the tour.
- Return to Puerto Madryn city 45 to 75 minutes before your ship departs to ensure on-time boarding.
- Exclusive for cruise passengers from Viking Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian Star), Celebrity Cruise Line (Celebrity Equinox), Princess Cruise Line (Sapphire Princess), and Holland America Line (Ms Oosterdam).
Booking Tips
Plan to disembark as soon as possible after your ship docks to start the tour on time. Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera. The best time to visit Punta Tombo is during the penguin breeding season for optimal wildlife viewing.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
