Patagonia Ranch & Penguin Colony Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore El Pedral Penguin Colony
- Experience Patagonian ranch life
- Observe Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat
- Learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts
- Enjoy scenic landscapes of the Argentine Patagonia
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of El Pedral Penguin Colony
- Visit to a traditional Patagonian ranch
- Round-trip transportation from Puerto Madryn
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
We’ll kick our trip off by picking you up from the meeting point in our comfortable tour bus. We’ll then travel around 75km through the Patagonian outback until we get to the southern end of the Gulf Nuevo - Punta Ninfas - and its pretty lighthouse.
From here, you’ll get to see elephant seals and sea lions breeding and going about their daily lives on the surrounding beaches and rocks.
We’ll then head on to El Pedral, an old, authentic Patagonian ranch which now serves as a local museum. Further on, we’ll reach the Magallanes penguin colony, taking a guided tour through their nests to see how these curious little creatures live. In 2009, 14 initial pairs of Magallanes penguins made their home on the beaches of El Pedral, and after less than 10 years the colony is over 6,000 members strong. During our exploring, the Asador (head of the barbeque) will be preparing some traditional Patagonian lamb for our lunch. This will be served along with homemade empanadas, a selection of salads, red wine, a fruit salad and plenty more. After lunch, you can hop in the pool and enjoy the beauty of the area, sit in the shade or simply relax in the sun with a tea or coffee and typical torta galesa (Welsh cake).
We’ll bring our tour to a close by dropping you back in Puerto Madryn at around 5pm.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour is conducted in Spanish; ensure you have a basic understanding of the language.
- Meals and beverages are not included; consider bringing a packed lunch or snacks.
- The tour involves walking on uneven ground; be prepared for moderate physical activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to protect against sun and bugs.
- Carry a camera with a zoom lens to capture wildlife from a safe distance.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
Good to know
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
- Cruise Passengers are not allowed to take this tour
Traveler reviews
A perfect fabulous day from beginning to end
The stunning scenery Seeing the penguins sitting on their eggs Our excellent guide Rita and our driver Jesus Our tasty freshly cooked lunch served by friendly welcoming staff Our tour companions
Such an wonderful tour
We did this as a shore excursion and we booked it directly with El Pedral. The El Pedral team at the Puerto Madryn port were well signed and we found our way to our guide, Rodrigo who directed s to the small 'bus we went touring within. Rodrigo was well spoken and an excellent guide giving us great information on the excursion. We saw some wildlife on the journey to El Pedral property. Our first stop was to observe a small nmber of Elephant Seals laying below our cliff top observation point and then we proceeded to the area of the light house. Then came the reason for our journey - the walk, maybe 1500m or more, to the area where the penguins were located. First we saw moulting birds and then more and more and finally we reached the pebble beach where there were many penguins close to the line of surf. A few walked close to us while we stood upon the beach. After we returned to our bus we went to the El Pedral buildings where we had a lunch which included Argentinian style BBQed lamb and wine. This was the best excursion we have ever been on in our 6 cruises.
Tangol let us down badly.
Viator used Tangol as the tour agent. Tangol emailed us the night before asking us to change the, date. This was impossible due to us being cruisers. Nobody showed at the meeting place. Luckily someone directed us to the El Padral main office where the owner drove us personally. Five stars to her and the penguins and no stars to Tangol. Don't use this company.
Visiting the penguins on Christmas Day
We had a great time visiting the penguins. It was an amazing experience walking and sitting on the beach with them. New born chicks were very cute. The overall experience with El Pedral Penguin Colony Tour was outstanding.
Great tour and visit
We were met on the dock by 2 guides and taken to the buses. Had a great drive out to El Pedral, seeing llamas and reals en route. Rodrigo also made mate for everyone to try. Went to see the penguins. Be warned that there is quite a long walk from the bus to the beach, but you will see lots of penguins on the way. You will then be taken by bus for lunch. Only negative was that we had to wait on the bus at the port for over an hour, waiting dor people to disembark as they had decided beforehand who should be on each bus. Might be better to just fill up a bus and go and let the stragglers wait for the other latecomers.