Magellan wildlife, Magdalena-Santa Marta

Northeast of Punta Arenas, the islands of Magdalena and Marta make up the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, created in 1966 and declared a natural monument in 1982. There the Magellanic penguin, the sea lion, the kelp gull, the black-browed albatross and the imperial cormorant are protected.

Los Pingüinos Natural Monument at a glance

Ecological wealth, penguins and sea lions

The trip starts at Magdalena Island, a 45-minute trip from Laredo Bay. There you can disembark and walk along a path demarcated for visitors. This trail leads to the lighthouse, where there is an environmental interpretation center to learn a little more about the marine fauna of the Strait of Magellan and the ecological wealth of the islands, such as Magellanic penguins and sea lions.

Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are found only in South America, with breeding populations in Chile, Argentina and the Falkland Islands. Magdalena Island is home to a large colony, estimated by CONAF at about 21,000 individuals. These penguins are monogamous and return in early spring to mate, and the eggs hatch in October. The female can recognize the male’s call among thousands of neighbors. They usually lay two eggs and the parents take turns incubating them and then also raising the chicks.

The best time

The best time to discover this giant penguin colony is from December to the end of February. In these months the colonies are full and you can also see the chicks, already with their waterproof feathers. On land Magellanic penguins have no predators, so they can be seen at ease on Magdalena Island, but they get nervous when humans approach and seek the protection of their burrows. For this reason, the effects of tourism are monitored to ensure a sustainable use of this destination.

The sea lions of Marta Island

After a walk of an hour or so, the excursion continues to Marta Island, about 25 minutes of navigation to the north. There is no disembarkation there. Visitors watch the sea lions and the birds that occupy it. The colony is estimated at 1,500 individuals. The sea lion found on this island is the species Otaria flavescens, the South American sea lion. Males can weigh up to 360 kg, twice as much as females, and are characterized by a reddish mane, which is why they are called “sea lions”. The male has a harem of about 15 individuals. Between December and January, the pups are born and the breeding cycle begins again. On Marta Island the population has been growing for some years.

Dolphins along the way

During the navigation you can enjoy the company of Peale’s dolphins and Commerson’s dolphins, playing in the wakes of the boats. The expeditions depart by transfer from Punta Arenas, early in the morning, and the boats, from Laredo Bay. Wear warm and waterproof clothing and a hat with earflaps.

How to get there

The tour includes transportation to and from the offices of the operator.

Tips

The outing is subject to weather conditions. You are advised to wear warm waterproof clothing, hiking boots or rubber boots, hat and gloves.