These flightless aquatic birds are found almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere, ranging from the tropical Galapagos Islands to the extreme cold of Antarctica. Highly adapted to life in the water, their wing bones are more like flippers, which makes them better suited to swimming than flying. With fictional faces seen in Pingu and Madagascar, these tuxedoed birds are endearing to watch as they slide on their bellies across snow, play among the waves in search of fish and huddle in colonies to keep warm. Read on to find out the best places to see penguins in the wild…
South Africa
African black-footed penguins can be found roaming Boulders Beach in Cape Town, where dedicated boardwalks offer prime viewing positions. Identifiable by their black stripes and spots across their chests, these patterns are unique to each penguin (much like a human fingerprint). Betty’s Bay is another of the best places to see penguins in South Africa, home to one of the world’s largest African penguin colonies. Here you can see the resident seabirds without the crowds, by following the paths that traverse the craggy outcrops overlooking the bay.
Argentina & Chile
The Falkland Islands, off the coast of Argentina, are aptly nicknamed ‘the penguin islands’ in reference to the five penguin species that call the archipelago home. Tierra del Fuego – the archipelago at the southernmost tip of South America – is also one of the best places to see penguins. Shared by Argentina and Chile, the dramatic island group acts as the gateway to Antarctica but can also be explored independently. Head out on boat trips through the remote and breathtaking landscapes, keeping your eyes peeled for penguin colonies.
Ecuador
Off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the Galapagos Islands are the only place north of the equator where you’ll find penguins. The Galapagos penguin is also the world’s rarest species of penguin, with a population smaller than 2,000 (sadly making them an endangered species). Most commonly found on the islands of Fernandina, Isabela, Santiago and Bartolome, these penguins are one of the smallest in the world, averaging 19 inches in height. Cruise between the islands by boat, or snorkel around Sombrero Chino Island, for the chance to see them going about their daily life.
Australia & New Zealand
Australia is home to only one penguin species: little blue penguins, so-called for their dinky size (at just 12 inches tall) and blue feathers (they also go by the names Fairy or Little penguins). Found on Philip Island in Victoria, you can see them when walking along the boardwalks here, while a small penguin colony also lives at the St Kilda Pier breakwater in Melbourne. In New Zealand, little blue penguins inhabit the Waitaki coast and Hauraki Gulf off Auckland's coast. Rare yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) and the easily identifiable (thanks to their long yellow ‘eyebrows) Fiordland penguins both reside on New Zealand’s South Island.
Antarctica
From the smallest to the largest species of penguin, Emperor penguins grow to an average height of 45 inches. Perhaps the most well-known species, they’re found in Antarctica, mostly around the Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. This icy continent is also home to six other species: Adélies, Kings, Chinstraps, Gentoos, Macaroni and Rockhoppers. For a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, tour Antarctica on a cruise departing from Chile, and you’ll likely encounter more than one type of penguin along the way.
Penguin Trivia
- Some species of penguin can swim up to 15 miles per hour.
- The average height of Emperor penguins is 45 inches.
- Emperor penguins can stay underwater for an impressive 22 minutes.
- There is one random colony of King Penguins in Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, in the brilliantly named Useless Bay.
- During the breeding season, some species form large groups known as 'rookeries', which can include thousands of birds.
- Each penguin has a distinct call that helps them find their mate and chicks.
- The eggs are incubated by both sexes in all species except the Emperor penguin, when it is done exclusively by males.
- Penguins' main predators are leopard seals, sea lions and orcas.
- Penguins living near the equator tend to eat more fish, whereas those closer to Antarctica eat more squid and krill.
- They can spend up to 75% of their lives in the water, which is where they do all their hunting.
Written by Luisa Watts
