King penguins typically inhabit the sub-Antarctic islands, making excursions to see them both remote and expensive. However, there is one unique colony living on the continental landmass of South America, in Chilean Tierra del Fuego.
On the island of Tierra del Fuego, deep in Chilean Patagonia, there’s a colony king penguins. This means you don’t need to embark on an expensive cruise to see these majestic birds. I’ll walk you through exactly how to visit, the best routes, and what to expect when you arrive.
Tip: If you are bringing your camera, don’t forget a telephoto lens (like did), as you won’t get good photos otherwise.
History of penguins on the island
Although penguins have lived in Tierra del Fuego for centuries, poaching during the 1970s and 1980s drove them away to their preferred sub-Antarctic islands. Fortunately, with greater legal protections in the 1990s, they returned naturally, and established a colony in Bahia Inutil—ironically named “Useless Bay.”
Today there are around 200 king penguins on the island, and with plenty of food and limited predators, their numbers are growing year on year.
About King Penguins
King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) are the second-largest of all penguin species, standing around 90 cm (3 ft) tall and weighing between 11–16 kg (24–35 lbs). They are easily recognised by their sleek black backs, white bellies, and striking orange-gold markings on their heads, necks, and chests.
Unlike many other penguin species that build nests, king penguins do not create nests. Instead, they carry and incubate their single egg on their feet, keeping it warm (up to 40c) under a flap of skin known as a brood pouch.
Their breeding cycle is one of the longest of any bird species, lasting around 14–16 months from egg-laying to fledging. Because of this, king penguins can only breed twice every three years.
king penguins stay in their colonies year-round. They are highly social birds, forming large, noisy colonies where individuals recognize each other by their unique vocal calls. Something you’ll definitely hear at Reserva Natural Pingüino Rey.
They primarily feed on fish and squid, and typically hunt in deep waters. The Magdalena strait, has depths of up to 1,000 meters, yet the area these King penguins live has a number of natural features reducing the amount of predators, such as sea lions.
How to see King Penguins in Tierra del Fuego
The king penguins on Tierra del Fuego live in a colony in the protected area of Parque Pingüino Rey.
The two main ways to see the king penguins in Tierra del Fuego are to either go as part of an organised tour, or your own DIY tour. I’ll cover both here.
Organised tours
Getting to Bahia Inutil isn’t necessarily easy or cheap, but it all depends on how your choose to get there. Punta Arenas in Chile is the typical staging point.
From there you’ll find tours to the Parque Pingüino Rey where you can view the penguins. It’s a long day with tours leaving around 7 a.m. and returning at 10 p.m. Prices start from $60.000 CLP which doesn’t include the park entrance fee.
DIY tour
If going the DIY route (recommended), you’ve two main options. Travel from Punta Arenas in Chile, or from Rio Gallegos in Argentina. Both are about 4 hours away from the Penguin Park.
From Punta Arenas
The ferry from Punta Arenas to Porvenir covers some 20 nautical miles across the Magellan Strait and takes around two hours.
There are daily sailings from Punta Arenas leaving between 9 a.m. and 9:30 depending on the day, and 5pm in the afternoon. Unless you plan to stay overnight in Porvenir you’ll want to take the morning ferry.
You’ll need to book in advance, as tickets do sell out. It takes roughly 2 hours to get from Porvenir to the Penguin Park so be sure to time your entry carefully, as typically you won’t be allowed in if you miss your appointment.
Ferry tickets can be cost around $55 USD (equivalent) for cars. This price includes the driver, but passengers cost extra. Motorcyclist pay around $25. Tickets are best purchased online from TABSA.
Google maps shows two different ferry routes from Punta Arenas to Porvenir. The terminal you need is called Tres Puentes
From Rio Gallegos
The route from Rio Gallegos to Parque Pingüino Rey is around 20 mins quicker than travelling from Punta Arenas, but those 20 mins will likely be lost at the border crossing which is often busy.
The good news is that other than the last 15 km, the route is all paved.
In fact, some based in Punta Arenas, might also prefer this route due to the road conditions, and the flexibility of the ferry, which runs every hour and costs just $20 for the 15 min ride ($9 for motorcycles).
My experience at the King Penguin Park
I visited Parque Pingüino Rey in January 2025. It almost didn’t happen. I took the ferry from Punta Arenas to Porviner and headed towards the park on the Y-71 road. Excluding the first 20 km from Porvenir which is paved, this is a dusty gravel road.
Despite making good progress for my 14:00 appointment. I was stopped some 40km away, due to a rally that was being held.
I didn’t arrive at the Penguin Park until after 15:00. Knowing how strict they are with timings and visitor numbers in the park, I feared I wouldn’t be allowed in.
Fortunately, there weren’t many people for the 16:00 tour, and so all of us delayed by the rally were able to enter.
On entry we had to sanitise our shoes, and were divided into two groups (English and Spanish language) for an initial briefing.
After the briefing we walked slowly (to avoid scaring the penguins) to the first observation post. Here, the guide explained a few things about the penguins, but mostly we marvelled at the two king penguins some 20m away from us.
After about 10-15 mins we headed over to a covered observation area. This had a number of telescopes for better observing the colony.
Typically, we tried to put our cameras up to the scopes to get a magnified shot of the penguins. Which as you can see from my attempt is a lot more difficult than it seems.
Towards the end of the tour, we were taken to a small museum where we could learn a little more about the penguins and other wildlife from the region. The tour guide also handed out badges/buttons as a memento. Nice touch.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Considerations
The best time to visit is October to March, when weather conditions are mild and penguins are most active.
I visited in early January, which is great for seeing chicks with their fluffy fur.
Wind conditions can be strong year-round, so dress in windproof and layered clothing. It was actually pretty mild during my visit, but it did rain lightly about 20 minutes into the tour.
Where to Stay Nearby
Teirra del Fuego is pretty remote, and the penguin park is well off the beaten track.
For those planning an overnight trip, consider:
Hostal Yendegaia House (Punta Arenas) – Budget-friendly with great reviews.
Hotel Barlovento (Porvenir) – A comfortable stay closer to the ferry terminal.
Hosteria Posada Los Sauces (Rio Gallegos) – A good option for travelers coming from Argentina.
Where Else to See Penguins in South America?
Beyond Tierra del Fuego, there are several other incredible places to see penguins in South America:
Punta Tombo, Argentina – Home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in South America, with over a million individuals nesting here annually. I have a full write up of my visit to see the Magellanic penguins here. It was a great experience.
Isla Magdalena, Chile – Easily accessible from Punta Arenas, this island hosts over 120,000 Magellanic penguins and is one of the best day trips from the city.
Puerto Deseado, Argentina – A hotspot for Rockhopper penguins, known for their distinctive yellow crests and energetic movements.
Isla Martillo, Argentina – Located in the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia, this island is unique as it hosts both Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.
Islas Ballestas, Peru – Sometimes called the “poor man’s Galápagos,” these islands host Humboldt penguins, along with sea lions and various seabirds.
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – The only place in the Northern Hemisphere where penguins naturally occur, featuring the Galápagos penguin, a small species adapted to warm climates.
With so many incredible sites, South America is a paradise for penguin lovers, offering opportunities to see multiple species in diverse landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see king penguins in Tierra del Fuego?
You can see king penguins in Tierra del Fuego at Parque Pingüino Rey, a protected area located in Bahia Inutil, Chile.
How do I get to Parque Pingüino Rey?
The park can be reached via organized tours from Punta Arenas, or independently by taking a ferry to Porvenir and driving to the park. Alternatively, you can drive from Rio Gallegos, Argentina, crossing the border into Chile.
When is the best time to visit the king penguins?
The best time to visit is between October and March, when weather conditions are milder and penguins are most active. December and January are ideal for seeing chicks.
How much does it cost to visit Parque Pingüino Rey?
Entry fees vary, but expect to pay around $12–$15 USD per person. Additional costs apply for transportation, such as ferry tickets and vehicle rentals.
Can I take photographs of the penguins?
Yes, photography is allowed, but visitors must maintain a safe distance to avoid disturbing the penguins. The park provides designated observation areas for respectful viewing.
Are there other places to see penguins in South America?
Yes, other locations include:
- Punta Tombo, Argentina – Home to Magellanic penguins
- Isla Magdalena, Chile – Hosts over 120,000 Magellanic penguins
- Isla Martillo, Argentina – Features Gentoo and Magellanic penguins
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – Home to the rare Galápagos penguin
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