Antarctic cruises, Expedition cruise

Species of Penguins In Antarctica

Posted by Discover OOE on

There are 8 species of penguins in Antarctica and the surrounding region. The Emperor, Adelie, Gentoo, Chinstrap, Macaroni, Rockhopper, Magellanic and King penguin.

What penguins might you see on your expedition cruise to the Antarctic?

Some species (such as the Emperor Penguin) are very rarely sighted on expedition cruises as they can only be found inland. Here are the species of penguins in Antarctica that you may see and where:

Falkland Islands

Rockhopper Penguins

Rockhopper Penguins are the smallest of the Crested penguins, standing at 20 to 22 inches tall. The are aptly named because they are known to hop and bound instead of waddle.

Amongst the species of penguins you may find in Antarctic region is the Rockhopper penguin.
A rockhopper in the Falkland Islands. Image courtesy of Adeline Heymann
Magellanic Penguins

Named after Ferdinand Magellan, an explorer who was the first to see them in 1519 while voyaging around the bottom of Chile and Argentina. They can be found also in the Falklands, and on occasion, as high as Brazil.

Amongst the species of penguins you may find in Antarctic region is the Magellanic penguin.
A Magellanic penguin in Gypsy Cove, Falkland Islands. Image courtesy of Renato Granieri

South Georgia

King Penguins

The second largest penguin species after the emperor penguin. They live between 15 and 20 years. Their stomach has adapted to be able to drink salt water – Amazing!

Amongst the species of penguins you may find in Antarctic region is the King penguin.
King Penguins photographed in South Georgia. Image courtesy of Adeline Heymann

Antarctic Peninsula

Adelie Penguins

Adelie penguins are amazing swimmers. They will sometimes travel 185 miles to find food. These highly athletic penguins will force their chicks to chase them before they feed them. Training starts at a young age!

Amongst the species of penguins you may find in Antarctic region is the Adelie penguin.
Adelie penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula. Image courtesy of Adeline Heymann
Gentoo Penguins

Gentoo Penguins may be awkward on land, but underwater they are unrivalled. They can propel themselves at 22 miles an hour, which helps them evade leopard seals, orcas and sea lions.

Amongst the species of penguins you may find in Antarctic region is the Gentoo penguin.
A mama Gentoo and her chick. Image courtesy of Adeline Heymann
Chinstrap Penguin

Called so because of the thin black band under the chin – these penguins are very recognizable and are usually found in large numbers. The largest colony found in the Sandwich Islands holds 1.2 million breeding pairs!

Amongst the species of penguins you may find in Antarctic region is the Chinstrap penguin.
Three Chinstrap penguins. Image courtesy of Jeff Topham

If you are interested in seeing these penguins in Antarctica for yourself, join us on an expedition to Antarctica! Our voyage ‘FALKLAND ISLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA & ANTARCTICA – MEGA COLONIES‘ might be of particular interest to you, as we visit one of the region’s largest penguin colonies. Speak to your preferred travel agent, or contact us directly here.