Marta Island Sea Lions

Marta Island sits a short distance from Magdalena Island in the Strait of Magellan, and it is the sea lion half of the classic wildlife circuit out of Punta Arenas. The island is a rocky, treeless outcrop where South American sea lions haul out on the stones, males bellowing and females and pups jostling at the waterline, while cormorants and gulls cover every ledge. Boats do not land on Marta, but the captain brings the vessel in slowly enough for a close look and for photographs, and the smell, the noise and the sheer mass of animals make the pass memorable. Combined with the walk among the penguins on Magdalena, the outing becomes a six-hour wildlife day that suits people who want more than a single stop. It is a better value than booking the two experiences separately, since the crossing is shared, and it works well for anyone who has already decided that a morning of penguins is worth it and wants to add a second act. The itinerary varies by operator, with some offering Marta as an optional extension and others running it as the standard loop, so read the description before you book and choose the version that fits your time.

The sea lions are the draw. South American sea lions form noisy colonies on exposed rocks, and the strait's cold, productive water keeps them fed. Large males with thick manes defend harems of females, and in the warmer months pups gather in groups near the water, a constant sound of barks and bleats. The cormorants, mostly rock and imperial species, nest in dense colonies on the cliff ledges, and sharp-eyed visitors may also spot oystercatchers, gulls, steamer ducks and sometimes Peale's dolphins following the boat.

A pair of binoculars is an excellent addition to the day bag, even though the boats come close.Think about the sequence of the day. Most operators head to Magdalena first for the penguin walk and then circle Marta on the way back, or the reverse. The walk on Magdalena is on foot along a roped path and takes about an hour, while the Marta pass is usually twenty to thirty minutes of slow cruising.

Both depend on sea state. If wind is high, the captain may skip the Marta loop or cancel the crossing altogether, so treat the schedule as a plan rather than a promise. The deck can be cold, wet and bouncy, but enclosed cabins give shelter between viewing stops.For the best experience, be clear about what you want from the trip. If penguins are the priority, a straightforward Magdalena tour is enough. If you like marine life and photography, the Marta extension adds variety and tends to be the part people talk about afterwards.

Dress warmly, protect cameras from spray, and bring a hat that will not blow away. As on Magdalena, keep to the conservation rules, avoid noise that disturbs the animals and never expect to approach on foot. Children are often delighted by the sea lions, although the smell can be strong. Book ahead in summer, confirm the season, and keep a flexible day in your plan in case the weather intervenes.