Unusual places to see penguins

With their charming appearance, inquisitive nature, and endearing behaviour, penguins have earned a place among the world’s most beloved animals. From their impressive swimming and diving skills to their remarkable adaptations to cold, harsh environments – including waterproof feathers, a thick layer of blubber, and dense bones for buoyancy – penguins are truly fascinating creatures. Their social behaviours are equally captivating, with many species forming complex colonies and even mating for life. There are currently 18 recognised species of penguins, each varying in size, weight, markings, behaviour, and geographic range. While they are often associated with Antarctica – where they are the most abundant bird species – penguins can be found in a surprising range of locations. Celebrated annually on 25th April, World Penguin Day was created to shine a spotlight on these remarkable creatures and raise awareness of the serious challenges they face, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. To mark the occasion, we have put together a list of five of the most unexpected locations you might find penguins. 

With its breathtaking landscapes, thriving culinary scene, rich cultural tapestry, and deep historical roots, Cape Town captivates visitors and remains one of the world’s most visited destinations. Some visitors are surprised to learn that Cape Town is one of the places that you can spot penguins in their natural habitat. Nestled in Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is famed for its unique land-based colony of endangered African penguins, offering visitors a rare and unforgettable wildlife experience. African penguins are one of the smallest penguin species, identifiable by their black feet and distinctive, sharply pointed beaks. On average, these penguins have a lifespan of around 10 to 11 years; however, they have been known to live significantly longer in protected environments. A trip to Boulders Beach offers close encounters with its charming penguin residents and helps to support vital ongoing conservation efforts. Designated viewing areas allow you to observe the penguins responsibly, and visitors are encouraged to respect these creatures and their habitat by refraining from touching or feeding them. 

South America is famous for its awe-inspiring natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and remarkable wildlife. From the iconic Machu Picchu and the majestic Iguazu Falls to the vast expanse of the Amazon Rainforest, the continent offers endless marvels. Perhaps surprisingly, South America is also home to several penguin species, found along the southern coasts of Chile and Argentina, as well as in the Falkland Islands. The most common penguin in this region is the Magellanic penguin, which typically breeds along the coast of Patagonia. Though medium in size, the Magellanic penguin is known for its feisty nature – particularly at the start of breeding season – and can be easily recognised by the bold black bands that stretch across its chest and abdomen. The Humboldt penguin is another of the most famous and popular penguins which mostly live on the western coast of South America and can be identified by the striking white band that curves around its head and meets at the throat. Other penguin species found in South America include the distinctive Rockhopper, the sleek Gentoo, the flamboyant Macaroni, and the stately King penguin. 

Home to extraordinary wildlife and unique landscapes, the Galápagos Islands are a truly special destination. While technically part of South America, the islands deserve special mention for one remarkable reason: they’re the only place in the Northern Hemisphere where penguins live in the wild. This fascinating quirk of nature makes the Galápagos an unmissable highlight for wildlife lovers. This penguin species is the second smallest in the world and has remarkably adapted to the Galápagos' warm, tropical waters. Their petite size helps them to conserve energy and regulate body temperature, making them perfectly suited to the islands’ unique climate. 

Australia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant mixture of cultures, fascinating history, and extraordinary wildlife. From bounding kangaroos and cuddly koalas to formidable crocodiles, the diverse array of wildlife is astonishing – but did you know penguins are part of this remarkable lineup too? The Little Penguin – also known as the Blue Penguin or Fairy Penguin – is the smallest penguin species in the world and the only one that breeds on the Australian mainland. They can be recognised by their unique greyish-blue hue and eyes that range in colour from silver to blue or hazel. The most famous place to spot these charming creatures is Phillip Island in Victoria, home to an estimated 40,000 breeding penguins. One of the island’s top attractions is the Penguin Parade, where visitors gather at dusk to watch the penguins waddle ashore and return to their beachside burrows. 

New Zealand is widely celebrated for its immense beauty – from towering glaciers and dramatic volcanoes to serene fjords and pristine beaches – paired with thrilling adventure activities and an unmissable food and wine scene. New Zealand’s mainland is also home to three penguin species – the Yellow-eyed Penguin, Fiordland Crested Penguin, and the Little Penguin – each contributing to the country’s rich natural wonders and heritage. The Yellow-eyed Penguin, one of the world’s rarest penguin species, is known for its shy and solitary nature. Unlike other penguin species, it tends to nest out of sight from its neighbours, relying on both marine and forested habitats to survive. The Fiordland Crested Penguin stands out with its striking plumage and distinctive calls. These elusive birds typically nest in secluded coastal caves, making them difficult to spot. Unfortunately, their population is in decline, largely due to habitat loss and predation. The Little Penguin – the smallest penguin species – can be found in both New Zealand and Australia. While their charming presence delights many, they fact threats from predators such as dogs, cats, ferrets, and stoats. Thankfully, conservation efforts are underway to help protect these vulnerable birds.