Tres Puentes Maritime Terminal

There are places that never make it onto postcards, yet they tell the real story of a city. The Tres Puentes Maritime Terminal is one of them: the point where Punta Arenas looks out onto the Strait of Magellan and from where boats set sail toward Magdalena Island and Marta Island, in the very heart of the far south.

Located a few kilometers north of downtown Punta Arenas, this terminal serves as the boarding gate for those who want to cross the waters that Magellan navigated five centuries ago. From here, ferries also connect with Porvenir, on the other side of the strait, in Tierra del Fuego. It's a place of transit, yes, but also a natural lookout: the wind hits you head-on, the water changes color depending on the time of day, and with luck, you'll see seabirds gliding along the horizon.

The reason that brings most travelers here is the Los Pingüinos Natural Monument, on Magdalena Island. Between October and March, thousands of Magellanic penguins nest on the island, and the boats that depart from Tres Puentes are the way to visit them. Outside that season the colony migrates and departures become less frequent, so it's best to plan your visit within those months.

You don't need to spend more than a little while here before your boarding: arrive with time to spare, breathe in the air of the strait and watch the coming and going of boats and fishermen. It's a brief stop, but full of meaning for anyone who understands that Patagonia is also experienced from the water.

For the traveler mapping out a route toward Torres del Paine, Punta Arenas is the natural gateway, and the Tres Puentes Terminal adds a different experience before heading up toward Puerto Natales and the park. If you're interested in including the sailing trip to Magdalena Island in your itinerary, check with our team for the dates available depending on the season.