How to See Penguins in the Wild with National Geographic Expeditions

National Geographic Expeditions offers guided penguin encounters across three major destinations — Antarctica, the Boulders Penguin Colony in South Africa, and the Galápagos — ranging from polar cruises with onboard scientists to snorkeling with Galápagos penguins at the equator. The docuseries Secrets of the Penguins, filmed across all three locations by Emmy-winning filmmaker Bertie Gregory, is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Every National Geographic Expeditions booking also supports the global nonprofit National Geographic Society.

National Geographic Expeditions offers multiple ways to encounter penguins in the wild, from a 12-day Antarctica cruise with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to a land-based visit to the Boulders Penguin Colony in South Africa and a warm-water snorkel encounter with Galápagos penguins. Every trip booked through the program also supports the nonprofit National Geographic Society in its exploration, research, and education missions. The docuseries Secrets of the Penguins, filmed across Antarctica, Cape Town, and the Galápagos, is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Stream Penguin Behavior Never Before Caught on Film

The three-part docuseries Secrets of the Penguins is streaming now on Disney+ and Hulu. Led by National Geographic Explorer and Emmy and BAFTA Award-Winning Filmmaker Bertie Gregory, alongside a team of more than 70 scientists and filmmakers, the series captures the most intimate and dramatic moments of penguins navigating some of the planet's harshest environments — from the rocky beaches of Cape Town to the Antarctic continent to the tropical shores of the Galápagos.

See Penguins Up Close in Antarctica

For in-person encounters, the "Voyage to Antarctica" itinerary with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions takes guests to the Antarctic peninsula, home to Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins. Guests travel aboard an intimately scaled ship purpose-built for polar exploration, with access to regionally inspired cuisine, daily wildlife excursions, and a diverse team of onboard experts — including a National Geographic Expert, Naturalists, Undersea Specialists, and Certified Photo Instructors. Kayaking around floating sea ice or hiking through snow and ice are among the active options for observing penguins in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. An alternative option, the Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage itinerary, offers a shorter overall trip for those with tighter schedules.

Win a 12-Day Antarctica Expedition for Two

National Geographic ran an Earth Month giveaway offering a 12-day National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions cruise to Antarctica for two, including round-trip airfare, meals, and daily activities such as kayaking and wildlife encounters. National Geographic experts joined the voyage to provide insights about the Antarctic environment. The giveaway allowed one entry per day from April 15 to April 30.

Visit the Boulders Penguin Colony in Southern Africa

Africa offers its own remarkable penguin encounter. On the "Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species" itinerary with National Geographic Expeditions, guests visit the Boulders Penguin Colony on the Cape Peninsula. Once home to only two breeding pairs of endangered African penguins, the colony has grown to more than 2,200 individuals in recent years, thanks to recovery and rehabilitation efforts protecting Boulders Beach. Expedition Leaders guide guests through the colony, explaining nesting behavior and conservation efforts firsthand.

Swim with Galápagos Penguins at the Equator

Penguins are not only found in cold climates. The Galápagos penguin is one of the smallest species in the world and the only one that lives north of the equator. The "Exploring Galápagos" 10-day expedition cruise with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers opportunities to kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and join naturalists on interpretive island walks. Guests may swim directly alongside Galápagos penguins in warm Pacific waters. Expedition guides are often native "Galapagueños" with deep knowledge of the local ecosystem.

Why This Matters for Nature Travelers

National Geographic Expeditions trips are structured to go beyond wildlife tourism — every booking also supports the nonprofit National Geographic Society in its global exploration, research, and conservation work. For travelers moved by the penguins of Secrets of the Penguins, or simply looking for a meaningful travel experience anchored in science and storytelling, the expedition options span from Antarctica to the equator. Browse itineraries and book at NationalGeographicExpeditions.com or call 1-888-966-8687.