They’re cute, they’re friendly, and thanks to Happy Feet, March of the Penguins, and Penguins of Madagascar they’re very popular! Because they have no natural land predators, they are not afraid of humans. In fact, I found they are extremely curious when around humans and not shy at all.
So where do we go to find these amazing creatures? With one exception, penguins are found only in the Southern Hemisphere. Here is list of regions to find them.
1) Antarctica. Probably the first location people think of for penguins. The ice shelfs and cliffs of Antarctica are home to the Emperor Penguins. There are many islands that host several species of penguins including South Georgia Island and Elephant Island. The easiest way to get up close and personal to these guys is a cruise on an expedition ship. The ships aren’t allowed to dock or anchor on the continent, but they do have permits to take a few passengers at a time by Zodiac to the islands to see the penguins and other wildlife.
2) Africa. Most of the African penguin colonies are located on islands off the southern coast of Africa, primarily South Africa. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is one of the more famous islands with penguin colonies. There are also a couple on the South African mainland near Cape Town – Boulders Beach and Stony Point. The Penguin Islands (where else?) of Namibia sports a few colonies.
3) Australia/New Zealand. Phillip Island, near Melbourne is host to the world famous penguin parade. Every evening at dusk the penguins return to their burrows after a day of fishing and hunting. New Zealand lays claim to being the “Penguin Capital of the World” and there are many colonies of blue and little penguins on the east coast of South Island.
4) Tip of South America. Tierra del Fuego is home to many species and colonies of penguins. Ushuaia, Argentina is a launching point for day trips to the rookeries and if you’re on the Chilean side, Puerto Arenas is your starting point. In addition, the Falkland Islands are home to several colonies. All of these destinations are stops on a Cape Horn cruise. I’ve had several penguin encounters on “Round the Horn” cruises.
5) Galapagos. Many travelers are surprised to learn that there are “tropical” penguins. The Galapagos Islands are the destination of choice for travelers looking to experience an abundance of wildlife in a relatively untouched ecosystem. But, did you know the Islands are the only natural habitat of penguins north of the Equator? One more reason to visit!
So, no. They are not in Madagascar!