Patagonia Journey - Chile and Argentina

My adventure started with an early morning pick-up from the hotel in Punta Arenas. After a short transfer to the port, we set sail on a boat for Magdalena Island, part of the Los Pinguinos Natural Monument together with Marta Island, and home to over 60.000 Magellanic penguins.

We sailed the Magellan Strait for approximately 1.5 hours. The use of lifejackets is mandatory while on the vessel, and once the captain gives the green light, we are allowed to venture to the open deck. We are going 35 km north east, and although this time we did not get to see whales or sea lions as you often do, the crew onboard were very knowledgeable and provided educational information about the history, geography and wildlife of the area, so it was a sailing time well spent.

The island is a great place to see the penguins and seagulls in their own habitat, a protected area where you have a 850 mt. designated track passing by a lighthouse that was inaugurated in 1902.
Some of the guidelines includes to stay on the track, do no use flash photography, do not run or make loud noises, and not to get close to the caves and penguins.
And off we go for one hour walk surrounded by the penguins. This was a unique experience where I got to witness their playful behavior up close as they waddle, squawk, and care for their nests. I felt really lucky to see the penguins in their natural habitat, and it was definitively a memorable highlight of my Patagonian journey.

Upon my return to Punta Arenas, there was time for an afternoon stroll along Punta Arenas waterfront. I got to enjoy stunning views of the Strait of Magellan including the Monument to Pilot Luis Pardo (remembering the rescue led by the Chilean sailor Luis Pardo Villalón, who helped the shipwrecked crew of the Endurance in the icy Antarctica waters) and the Monument to the Crew Members of the Schooner Ancud (dedicated to the commemoration of the effective takeover of the Strait of Magellan by the State of Chile on September 21, 1843).