Penguin · Family & kids
Where to find family trips to see penguins
About this list
When you look for family trips to see penguins, search results rarely show how the trip actually works. Maptlantis lists only operators that name the penguin as a target species and actually run family water activity programs, 8 in all. Countries and regions on record include Vic, Mornington Peninsula, Eastern Cape Algoa Bay, Stanley & Kidney Island, Karas & Lüderitz, Mandurah & Bunbury, Western Australia and Overstrand Local Municipality. Not every family water activity program is the same experience. Approach distance, whether you may enter the water and group size limits differ by country, and by operator within a country. 6 of the 8 operators (75%) publish prices on their own channels, so you can compare those directly; ask the rest. Estimated prices are not shown. Operators list different seasons, Aug–Oct, Oct–Mar and Nov–Apr among them. There is no single season for family trips to see penguins, so check each operator's operating period before you set your dates. No operator running wildlife programs can guarantee an encounter. Treat any trip that promises one with suspicion.
8 listed operators
Australia · Vic, Mornington Peninsula
Bayplay Adventure Tours
SnorkelingKayak & paddleFamily & kids- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Eastern Cape Algoa Bay
Raggy Charters
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Aug–Oct
- Price
- Adults ZAR 3,250 · Under 12 ZAR 2,100
- Checked
- Official source
Falkland Islands · Stanley & Kidney Island
Sulivan Shipping Services · Kidney Island Launch
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Oct–Mar
- Price
- Price on request
- Checked
- Official source
Namibia · Karas & Lüderitz
Penguin Catamaran Tours
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- N$650 / person
- Checked
- Official source
Australia · Mandurah & Bunbury, Western Australia
Dolphin Discovery Centre
SwimmingFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Nov–Apr
- Price
- A$220
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Overstrand Local Municipality
White Shark Diving Company
Scuba divingIsland hopping & boat tripsFamily & kids- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- See the operator page
- Checked
- Official source
Australia · Rockingham & Shoalwater, Western Australia
Perth Wildlife Encounters
SnorkelingSwimmingFamily & kids- Season
- Sep–Jun
- Price
- AUD 399 / person
- Checked
- Official source
South Africa · Western Cape Garden Route
Ocean Odyssey Knysna
Island hopping & boat tripsFamily & kidsMarine life encounters- Season
- Year-round
- Price
- Adults ZAR 1,820 · Under 12 ZAR 1,430
- Checked
- Official source
Other ways to meet penguins
Penguins by country
Family & kids by country
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find family trips to see penguins?
8 operators on Maptlantis name the penguin as a target species and run family water activities. The list shows them by country and region.
Will I definitely see penguins?
No. They are wild animals, and there are days you will not meet them because of the season, sea conditions and their movements. If an operator promises an encounter, treat that wording with suspicion.
When is the season for family trips to see penguins?
Seasons the operators give: year-round, Aug–Oct, Oct–Mar, Nov–Apr and Sep–Jun. Operating periods differ between operators even in the same area, so check before you book.
How is family water activities different from boat-based watching?
Watching from a boat and getting in the water differ in both rules and price. Some countries ban getting in the water or allow it only with licensed operators, so check which kind of trip you are booking.