Excursion Penguin rookery & gaiman welsh village tour at Puerto Madryn

Discover the largest penguin-nesting ground in South America during this picturesque, full-day excursion to Punta Tombo.

Exploring Punta Tombo: South America's Largest Penguin Colony

Begin your scenic journey with a comfortable transfer from the pier to Punta Tombo, located approximately 2.5 hours away. En route, enjoy a brief stop at a gas station for restrooms and refreshments. Punta Tombo is renowned as the largest penguin-nesting ground in South America, home to around two million Magellan penguins between September and March. During this period, visitors can observe the bustling rookery, watch the penguins returning from sea, and witness chicks leaving their nests. The guided tour provides insight into the penguins’ breeding behaviors and lifecycle, giving guests an unforgettable opportunity to marvel at these extraordinary birds in their natural habitat.

Penguin Rookery Experience & Lunch Break

After arriving at Punta Tombo, guests will embark on a guided walking tour of the rookery and breeding area, walking among thousands of nests and observing the penguins in their natural environment. The experience offers a close-up view of these remarkable creatures, their behaviors, and their breeding cycles, with special opportunities to see baby penguins leaving their nests from November through March. Following the tour, guests will enjoy a box lunch, on the way to Gaiman. The free time afterward provides an excellent chance to continue exploring the area independently and marvel at this captivating spectacle of nature before departing for Gaiman.

Gaiman and Traditional Welsh Tea

Reboarding the coach, the tour continues to Gaiman, a charming Welsh settlement founded in 1880 by British immigrants. Here, guests will visit a local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Welsh high tea, featuring homemade scones, cakes, breads, butter, and jam—an authentic taste of Welsh culture. After the cultural experience, guests will begin the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier, reflecting on the day’s adventures. This scenic excursion combines wildlife observation with cultural discovery, providing a memorable day of natural wonders and Welsh traditions in the heart of Patagonia.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Puerto Madryn, Punta Tombo, Penguin Rookery, Nesting and Breeding Areas, Guided Tour, Gaiman Town, Traditional Welsh Tea

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and weatherproof raingear from the ship. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Guest are advised that although they are not fearful of humans, the penguins should not be approached, as they can inflict bites serious enough to require stitches. The total driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately four hours. The tour sequence and timings may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.