Penguins are some of the most fascinating and comical creatures on earth. They’re immensely entertaining to watch, whether waddling along the beach, going about their penguiny business, or darting through the water chasing fish, krill or squid.
Did you know there are almost 20 species of penguins in the world?
Over the years and countless journeys, I have fallen in love with these extraordinary flightless aquatic birds. So far, I have been lucky enough to see nine species and hope to eventually be able to meet them all.
I thought I might introduce you to the different types of penguins. From the tiniest and the most fabulously feathered to the rarest, the feistiest, and the most majestic on earth, these are the best types of penguins and where to travel to spot them.
Right. Let's go meet them!
Credit: Barbara Harmon Daily Paintings
1. Little Blue Penguin
These are the smallest types of penguins, reaching only about 33 cm in height. Their blue-grey feathers give them their name, and they’re often called “fairy penguins” because of their dainty size. Despite their small stature, they’re excellent swimmers and come ashore to burrow in sand dunes or under coastal vegetation at night.
Where to find them: Australia, New Zealand, and Stewart Island. If you want to see them, head to New Zealand’s Oamaru, where they come ashore at dusk, or Phillip Island in Australia, known for its nightly penguin parade.
Best time to see them: Year-round, but most often seen at sunset as they come ashore to their nesting sites.
The Galapagos penguin has a small and vulnerable population and lives on the island cluster of the same name, just off the coast of Ecuador. Since the archipelago crosses the Equator line, these are the only penguins that live in the northern hemisphere. Quieter compared to their southern cousins (probably due to being in much smaller colonies), they boast black-and-white markings that make them stand out against the striking volcanic landscapes.
The Galapagosare a fiercely protected national park, and every cruise passenger pays a park access fee – your payment actively supports their protection.
Where to find them: The Galapagos Islands are off the coast of Ecuador and are best visited on small-ship cruises. Choose an itinerary that includes Isabela and Fernandina Islands for the best chances of seeing these rare penguins.
Best time to see them: Galapagos penguins can be spotted year-round, but the best time is during the cooler, drier season (June to November) when they're more active.
Also known as the "jackass penguin" for their braying call, Africans belong to a group of penguins known as “banded”, and these have with distinctive black-and-white markings. Sadly, these adorable little fellows are endangered due to habitat loss, overfishing, and oil spills. The population is believed to hover around 40,000.
Where to find them: Namibiaand South Africa are where to see penguins in Africa, especially at Boulders Beach in Cape Town.
Best time to see them: The breeding season, from March to May, is the best time to spot African penguins at their nesting colonies.
4. Magellanic Penguins
Named after explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who first spotted them in 1520, Magellanic penguins are social creatures that burrow deep into the ground to nest. They’re most commonly found in large colonies and are known for their fierce loyalty—returning to the same nesting spot year after year.
Where to find them: Among the many options of where to see penguins like this are Argentine Patagonia(the Peninsula Valdés in particular, as well as Punta Tombo and Tierra del Fuego), Isla Magdalena and the Penguin Reserve in the Strait of Magellan in Chile, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and even parts of Brazil and Uruguay – although sightings there are much rarer.
Best time to see them: Between September and April, when they return to land to breed and raise their young.
5. Humboldt Penguins
Humboldts prefer warmer climates (don’t we all?) and nest in guano (bird droppings) deposits of Chile and Peru’s coastal deserts. Historic guano mining devastated their population, although conservation efforts have helped stabilize their numbers. Today, the species is thankfully protected.
Where to find them: Coastal Peruand Chile. For fantastic sightings, head to the Ballestas Islands, just off the coast of southern Peru. The islands are often dubbed the “poor man’s Galapagos”.
Best time to see them: Visit between April and November for the best chance of spotting them on the rocky shores.
With their funky yellow crest and super-cool demeanour, the Snares penguins are named after the only place they live in: Snares Island in New Zealand. There, they live in isolation, thriving in forests and marine ecosystem. Few lucky explorers ever get to see these guys up close – the island is remote and protected, and reaching it is no mean feat.
The Snares Islands are one of the last truly untouched spots on our planet. They are not that far off New Zealand’s southern coast, yet are in an area that’s seldom been visited. The archipelago is a wild, misty paradise, and a protected sanctuary for rare birds, including the Snares penguin. The islands have had no introduced predators and limited human contact (they were considered hazardous to ships, hence their name) so they are a stunning example of nature at its purest. These are ideal destinations for adventure seekers who cherish exploring remote and unspoiled locations.
Best time to see them: Between September and March, during their breeding season.
7. Fiordland Penguins
The ultimate sea-faring explorer, the Fiordland penguins spend so much time in the water that it often sports barnacles on its tail. Over three-quarters of this penguin's life is spent at sea, making it the most aquatically inclined. This species is balancing on the brink of the near-endangered list. If you wish to see them in the wild, choose a responsible cruise operator to guarantee you will not negatively impact their habitat.
Where to find them: Fiordland and the Southland area of New Zealand.
Best time to see them: July to November, during their breeding season, when they come ashore.
8. Northern Rockhopper
Don’t these guys look like absolute rock stars?!
Known for their long yellow plumes, Northern Rockhoppers are an eccentric-looking species. They’re skilled climbers (as are all "rock" types of penguins), and you're likely to see them on steep, rocky cliffs. Not nearly as widespread as their southern cousins (detailed below), these penguins are limited to pretty remote destinations.
Where to find them: The French Southern Territories and far-flung islands like Tristan da Cunha. They are also sometimes spotted around the Falklands – a rare occurrence but not an impossibility.
Best time to see them: The best time to spot these types of penguins is during their breeding season, between September and April.
9. Southern Rockhopper
Similar in appearance to their northern cousins, whose plumes are a little longer, these energetic little creatures are also known for hopping up steep cliffs to find the ideal nesting spot. Always playful, you might catch them sliding down snow or rock slopes, showcasing their spirited nature and incredible social bonds.
Like all rock-hopping penguins, this Southern species can get quite aggressive during mating season, and all-out brawls are common.
I know what you’re thinking: what’s with the eyebrows?!
The aptly named Erect-crested penguin is one of the most mysterious types of penguins on earth. They are endangered, hard to find, and consequentially, not much is known about them – aside from the fact that they lay their eggs directly on rocks and built rather rudimentary nests. Females usually lay two eggs, and males are very active in incubating them.
Where to find them: You can spot Erect-crested penguins on New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands.
Best time to see them: Sub-Antarctic islands expeditions only operate during the two “friendliest” months of summer – December and January. Although this is outside the Erect-crested penguin’s breeding season (which ends in November) you are still likely to see them there. This type of penguin thrives in the islands’ nutrient-enriched waters of the islands year-round and don’t migrate nearly as much as other species.
Fun Fact – Male and female penguins share the responsibility for nurturing and raising young chicks. This uncommon evolutionary characteristic is essentially the only reason the delicate babies can survive in such unfriendly environments.
11. Macaroni Penguins
You might be disappointed to learn that this sensational penguin was NOT named after a pasta shape. Alas, it was named after a flamboyant hat instead.
To the 18th-century English explorers who first encountered and named them, these remarkable creatures' side feathers (or are they eyebrows?) resembled the over-the-top hairdos worn by some men at the time. The fashionista men were nicknamed "macaroni" – a derogative term even back then – and these distinguished birds have been stuck with the name ever since.
Macaronis enjoy a relatively long lifespan (for penguins) of around 15 years. They can grow 71cm (28in) tall and weigh around 6.5kg – or 14 pounds.
Easy to identify and impossible to forget, Macaronis live in large colonies and typically come ashore en masse during the breeding season to nest on rocky cliffs. There are the most numerous penguin species, numbering just over 12 million individuals – or 6.2 million pairs, which is how penguin numbers are usually recorded.
Best time to see them: During the austral summer, which runs from November to March. Peak time is December and January, when you can see adults nurturing their young, fluffy chicks.
Often mistaken for the Macaroni penguin, the Royal is easily distinguished by its much paler face – and the fact you need to voyage to the back of beyond to see them. Royal penguins are relatively rare and are primarily found on Macquarie Island and a few of its sub-Antarctic island neighbours, like Bishop and Clerk Islets. They stay relatively close to their breeding grounds and don’t migrate far into Antarctic waters like other penguin species, so you will not see them on the Antarctic Peninsula.
The rarity of a sighting is part of the Royal penguin’s incredible appeal – that, and the fact they are prone to fascinating antics. They live in massively colonies that are usually “heard” before they are even “seen”. These guys are boisterous like nothing else!
Viva Expeditions Destination Specialist Emma took this incredible footage of a Royal Penguin colony at Macquarie Island
The Royal penguin’s courtship shenanigans, complete with head shakes and trumpeting in unison, is one of the most endearing in the bird world. Seeing these animals in their remote and isolated world is a privilege that can’t be overstated.
Where to find them: One of the rarest finds, the Royal, can only be encountered on unique expedition voyages to Australia’s Macquarie Island.
When to see them: If you own your own expedition ship, you could theoretically see Royal Penguins at any time of year. Yet commercial expeditions to New Zealand and Australia's amazing yet far-flung sub-Antarctic islands only run from late November to mid-January.
13. Yellow-Eyed Penguins
The Yellow-Eyed penguin, one of the world's most endangered penguin species, is known as hoiho to the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand, its native homeground. It is one of the world's most endangered penguin species. Their name means "noise-maker" and once you hear their distinctive call, you'll understand where that name came from. This is one of the few penguins that prefer a more solitary life. They are native to New Zealand, and local conservation efforts are underway to guarantee their survival. Only an estimated 4,000 are believed to be left in the wild.
Where to find them:New Zealand - Mostly on the southeast coast of the south island and on the sub-Antarctic islands.
Best time to see them: September kicks off their breeding season, so there are good chances to see them as they come ashore to nest. January and February, however, are the best chance to see adults and chicks.
Fun fact – Scientists believe penguins have been around for 60 million years, likely originating near predator-free New Zealand. Without the need to protect nests in trees like other birds, they never developed the need for flight. Instead, they developed a remarkable ability to swim since they lived near water.
14. Adelie Penguins
Adélie penguins are one of the toughest penguin species. They have been thriving in the harsh Antarctic conditions for over 45,000 years. Known for their bold personalities, they often approach expedition guests with curiosity and aren't easily intimidated. These small, tuxedoed birds are fantastic swimmers, diving deep beneath the icy waters to hunt.
During the breeding season, Adélies build nests out of pebbles, which are hotly contested among males, leading to some hilarious "pebble-stealing" antics. Their resilience and quirky behaviour make them one of Antarctica's most fascinating residents.
Where to find them:Antarctica; South Orkney Islands; South Sandwich Islands; Bouvet Island. They’re usually spotted in huge colonies
Best time to see them: typically run from late October until March – you are likely to see the sneaky and snoopy Adélie at any time during the summer. However, adults get exceptionally busy on-shore in December, and are likewise busy raising newborns in January and February – so pick this period if you want the highest chance of the best sightings.
15. Chinstrap Penguins
Here’s another feisty penguin that’s quite easy to identify. The chinstrap of the Chinstrap runs from ear to ear, and it's the easiest way to tell it apart from the others. Much like the Adélies, Chinstraps are loud, feisty, and territorial little pilferers, and an absolute pleasure to see in action!
Where to find them: All around the Western Antarctic Peninsula. The South Sandwich Islands, South Orkney and Elephant Island are the prime spots.
Best time to see them: Chinstraps’ breeding season coincides with the Adélies, so plan your Antarctica cruise between December and January to spot colonies at their peak.
Fun Fact – All types of penguins have a wide range of vocalizations, ranging from braying to trumpeting. Their “language” allows them to communicate with their mates and chicks, with each one having a unique call that helps them recognize each other in crowded colonies. Since some colonies are mind-boggling big, their call is likewise loud and proud!
16. Gentoo Penguins
Gentoos are a visual spectacle with their bright orange beaks, long tailfeathers, impressive height, and distinctive white headbands. They are the fastest swimmers of all, reaching speeds up to 36 km/h (22 mph). They can be spotted all around the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands.
Much like other Antarctic penguins, Gentoos build their nests out of stones. Except in their case, stones are traded between mates in what seems like courtship gift-giving. These personality-plus penguins boast a stable population of almost three-quarters of a million adults. They are also among the most enjoyable to admire on expedition cruises – they are numerous, amusing, playful, and hard to scare off (not that one should try to.) A dream wildlife encounter!
Where to find them: All along the Antarctic Peninsula and particularly the Falkland Islands, home to one of their largest colonies. You can also spot them on Australia’s Macquarie Island, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and Chiloe Island and Cape Horn in Chile.
The King Penguin is the second-largest penguin species, after the Emperor, the next and last entry on this list. These majestic birds don’t build nests; instead, they carry their single egg on their feet. King Penguins are an astonishing sight (and smell!) to behold, with colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands. For many wildlife lovers, they are right atop the list of must-see when they book Antarctica expedition cruises.
Viva Operations Manager Tara Sutherland visited this vast colony of King Penguins in South Georgia, on an expedition cruise on the Ocean Endeavour in 2023
Where to find them: Kings are found in Antarctica and the regional islands, like South Georgia and the sub-Antarctic islands. If you don’t have time for an extended expedition, you can also opt for a tour of Patagoniainstead. Notable colonies are found in Tierra del Fuego, particularly around Estancia Harberton and the King Penguin Park in Santa Cruz.
Best time to see them: Anytime between November and February is a fantastic time to visit King penguin colonies.
18. Emperor Penguins
The Emperor penguin is the one that leaves all others in its wake – this is one seriously hefty and jaw-dropping bird. An adult typically weighs around 45 kg (100 lbs) and stands up to 1.2 metres (3.9ft) tall. Their sheer size means they can dive deeper than any other penguin and withstand much colder temperatures. For this reason, they are the only penguins living in Antarctica all year round.
In winter, they huddle close and do a kind of shuffle-dance which blocks their communal heat and prevents the smallest (usually in the middle of the group) from freezing their little feathers off. The Oscar-winning 2005 documentary, The March of the Penguins, is worth watching to learn more about this spellbinding animal.
The largest penguin of them all in height and body mass. Emperor penguins weigh 32-40kg and stand up to 1.2 metres!
Where to find them: Emperors live in Antarctica but don't expect them to be everywhere in the region. There are special voyages that go in search of Emperor penguins, which are only found in the most southern latitudes. These two itineraries are great options for anyone wanting to see Emperor penguins: Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea or Emperor Penguin Quest.
What to consider when visiting a Penguin colony
Visiting a penguin colony is one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences you can have, anywhere. However, it’s essential to follow strict guidelinesto protect the penguins and their habitats. Many penguin species are endangered or vulnerable, so responsible tourism is crucial. Always make sure you walk slowly, and maintain a distance of at least 5 meters (16 ft) from the penguins. Keep to marked pathways (or follow your guide's trail).
Please never ever litter: respecting the fragile environments you visit is paramount to helping penguins survive.
Want to head off on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to meet penguins?
