You don’t need to book an expensive, weeks-long cruise to Antarctica to see penguins in their natural habitat. Here, five great places to spot these charming tuxedoed swimmers, from the suburbs of Cape Town to the surprisingly balmy beaches of the Galápagos Islands.
1. Phillip Island Nature Park
Australia
Less than two hours south of Melbourne, visitors can watch 4,000 of the world’s smallest penguins—the aptly named little, or fairy, penguins—make the nightly trek back to their nests after a long day of fishing. Spectators of the so-called “penguin parade” can grab a spot on the boardwalk or the stadium-like stands and observe these 13-inch-tall, slate-blue penguins marching up the beach. $18.30, penguins.org.au
2. Boulders Beach
South Africa
The African penguin is one of the world’s most endangered penguin species; in fact, in 1982, there were only two breeding pairs remaining. Thanks to conservation efforts, the colony at Boulders Beach now includes more than 3,000 birds. Named for its massive rock formations, the sheltered beach is a part of Table Mountain National Park, and is a great day trip destination from Cape Town, which is about an hour’s drive north. $11, sanparks.org
3. Otago Peninsula
New Zealand
On New Zealand‘s rugged Otago Peninsula, tourists can spot not only little penguins and rare yellow-eyed penguins but also fur seals, elephant seals, and the only mainland royal albatross colony on earth. The South Island reserve also offers naturalist-led tours and sustainable lodging that help keep your footprint as small as possible. $36, penguinplace.co.nz
4. Punta Tombo National Reserve
Argentina
Half a million Magellanic penguins come to mate and nest each year at this Patagonian nature reserve, which is also home to ostrich-like rheas and guanacos, a wild relative of the llama. A raised boardwalk gives tourists the opportunity to safely explore their habitat and watch the black and white birds hunt for food and raise their chicks. $7, puntatombo.com
5. Galápagos Islands
Ecuador
The Galápagos penguin is the only species that’s found naturally north of the equator. Despite the archipelago’s location in the tropics, cooling Pacific currents allow them to live comfortably on Fernandina Island and the west coast of Isabela Island. There are only a few thousand of this endangered penguin, but they stay on the islands year round and can typically be seen sunning themselves on the rocks. If you go snorkeling, you might even have the chance to swim alongside one. $100 national park entrance fee, galapagos.org
