A lot of us here at Viator enjoy the company of our animal friends. Whether it be through lots of pictures of our pets, a regular visit to an aquarium or zoo, or, and I’m not naming names here, an elephant tattoo, we all show some spirit. I’ve taken time on a couple of trips to commune with my favorite animal, the penguin.
Penguins are surprisingly abundant, I’ve visited them on three different continents. The best visit, mainly because the penguins are living in their natural habitat outdoors, was to Otway Sound in Chile. At the very end of South America, its plenty chilly for these little guys, who create burrows to keep out of the elements. The tour to the sanctuary was fantastic because the penguins mingled with the visitors, and there are raised viewing platforms to see into their burrows.
If you’re unlikely to travel to the ends of the Earth to see penguins in the wild, you’re best best is to visit an aquarium. Many aquariums have penguin exhibits and there are a few I’d highly recommend.
Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter in Auckland, New Zealand replicates an Antarctic habitat for King and Gentoo penguins. Visitors ride around the habitat in a snowcat, and while that sounds a bit distant, the ride is actually quite intimate. I was able to see penguin chicks huddling under their parents, which wins hands down for cutest penguin thing I have ever seen.
If you’re near San Francisco, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is filled with renowned aquatic exhibits, including penguins. If you need a penguin fix now, check out their live penguin webcam.
See more Viator attractions featuring our tuxedo wearing friends.
September 18, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Very cute and intresting these penguins!