Punta Tombo for cruisers｜Argentina

After departing from the city of Puerto Madryn, you head south to Punta Tombo Animal Reserve, the greatest continental reserve of Magellanic Penguins. The penguins arrive annually at this area to nest, breed, have their young, and to molt before undertaking their return trip towards the northeastern coast of South America returning the following year.

The peninsula area shore line is mostly rocky. It is 3.5 kilometers in length and 600 meters wide. The beach area of Punta Tombo declines smoothly and gives the penguins an easy place to come ashore. The entire landscape of the area is perfectly suited for the penguins to build their nests and raise their young.

Walking on the defined footpaths, you may be surprised to observe the feverish activity that dominates the colony. Depending on the season it is possible to observe male penguins excavating their caves, fighting for the territory, moving to or from the sea, looking for their nests, or searching for their young. You hear the continuous vocalizations which dominate the air as the adult penguins warn other penguins to stay away or to attract their mates.

The penguins coexist with other marine birds that have chosen this site to nest, such as the kelp gull or southern gull, skuas, royal and rock cormorants, steamer ducks, Antarctic doves, and several giant species of sea birds including petrels. As you drive in the area you may see guanacos, armadillos, Patagonian mara, lesser rhea, and foxes.

You then return to the city of Puerto Madryn.