Shore excursion from Punta Arenas

[Jen100]

Hope someone can help. How easy, or not, is it to get to Magdalena island from where the cruise ship docks? Is it possible to get to tres Puentes by taxi and then take the ferry across? Anybody have any ideas about the ferry timetable in December?

thanks.

[andrek]

I would love to know also. I heard the cruise ship buys up all the ferry space? To get tickets for the ferry I think you have to be in South America? Some answers would help.

Andrea

[capriccio]

On Christmas Day, December 2016 we did an excursion with Solo Expediciones.  We met at their downtown office (a few block walk from the pier) and were taken via a large van to their speedboat (smaller than the ferry and much faster).  We arrived at Isla Magdalena well before the ferry or any other tour boats and had the island to ourselves until right before leaving.  We were scheduled to sail around Isla Marta but the winds and waves picked up and we headed back to shore.

Edited October 29, 2018 by capriccio

[bubbachief]

We are scheduled to do the same trip in December. Did you feel the trip was worth the cost? What did you see?

[capriccio]

38 minutes ago, bubbachief said:

We are scheduled to do the same trip in December. Did you feel the trip was worth the cost? What did you see?

We (family group of 4 adults) loved it.  We had never experienced anything like it.  Adorable and friendly - not afraid of people at all but everyone is cautioned to stay 3 feet away although no one seems to have told the penguins that.  There are estimated to be over 120,000 Magellanic penguins on the island. December is a great time to visit because there are thousands of baby penguins.  If your cruise also stops in the Falkland Islands make sure you go to Volunteer Point to see the King penguins (I can recommend Patrick Watts for that excursion; Estancia also gets excellent reviews).

[bubbachief]

Thanks for the reply. Really looking forward to the tour after what you told me.

We don't go to the Falklands. Round trip Buenos Aires.