Parc marin interjuridictionnel Isla Pingüino, Marine protected area in Santa Cruz, Argentina.
Parque interjurisdiccional marino Isla Pingüino is a marine protected area extending along the Argentine Sea, encompassing numerous islands and islets with varied marine ecosystems. The park covers approximately 159,526 hectares (394,000 acres) and features diverse coastal formations and rich ocean habitats.
The protected area was established in 2012 through a collaborative effort between national and provincial authorities. This partnership aimed to preserve the unique marine environments found along this stretch of the Argentine coast.
Former seal processing facilities and navigational lighthouses on the island reflect maritime activities that once defined this coastal region. These structures show how people depended on ocean resources for their livelihoods over many generations.
To visit the protected area, arrange access through the management office in Puerto Deseado, which operates during weekdays. It is wise to contact them in advance to confirm conditions and plan your visit properly.
The island hosts the only accessible yellow-crowned penguin colony in South America, with these birds displaying distinctive yellow head markings and red eyes. Seeing these penguins in their natural setting is often the highlight visitors remember most from their visit.
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