World Penguin Day: Where to see penguins around the world

Believe it or not, there are penguins in Africa. African black-footed penguins are the only penguin species native to the continent. If you want to see penguins in Cape Town, head to Boulders Beach, where dedicated boardwalks provide great viewing points. African penguins are also native to Namibia but tend to inhabit coves along inaccessible coastal areas, such as Hollambird Island, Penguin Island and Possession Island. 

Another stand-out place to see penguins in South Africa is Betty's Bay, where we visit Stony Point Nature Reserve. Stony Point is home to one of the world's largest African penguin colonies, and offers excellent penguin viewing without the crowds. A 90-minute drive from South Africa's Garden Route, you can follow the paths over craggy outcrops without disturbing the seabird residents - although you may walk at a slower pace if they decide to join the trail... 

Did you know: African penguins are also known as Jackass penguins – because they’re such a noisy bunch!

Some 3,000-8,000 wild penguins live on the Galapagos Islands. Unlike most other penguin species, Galapagos penguins only live in caves; the most popular spots are Isabela Island and Fernandina Island. On the western coast of Isabela Island lies the sheltered Tagus Cove, where a dinghy tour along the cliffs gives you the perfect position to watch the penguins go about their business.

Our Galapagos tour takes in the Central and West islands, providing plenty of chances to spot these flightless seabirds. You can watch them on land from a dedicated viewpoint at Tintoreras Islets, or snorkel among these agile creatures at Vicenta Roca. 

Did you know: Galapagos penguins are the only penguins found north of the equator.

You can see penguins across a range of places in New Zealand. Little blue penguins are the world's smallest penguin, growing to an adorable height of just 35cm (13 inches). They're also known as fairy penguins or little penguins. The best place to see them is the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru along the Waitaki coast, and Hauraki Gulf off Auckland's coast. 

The rare yellow-eyed (hoiho) penguins reside across the southeast of South Island, such as Auckland Island and Stewart Island. There's also the timid Fiordland (tawaki) penguin, easily identifiable by its long yellow "eyebrows", who inhabit the southwest coast of South Island. On our New Zealand Explorer tour, you’ll visit Deep Cove on the Doubtful Sound by boat, where you might spot fiordland penguins among other rich wildlife.

Did you know: Penguins originated along the coasts of New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific Islands around 22 million years ago.

Australia is home to one single penguin species: little blue penguins. They also go by the names of Fairy or Little penguins, due to their adorable size. On Philip Island in Victoria, you can follow boardwalks to see these penguins in their burrows. There's also a small penguin colony at the St Kilda Pier breakwater in Melbourne. 

While you are allowed to visit Penguin Island in Western Australia, the site has strict visiting times between mid-October and early June. To protect these vulnerable penguins, Penguin Island is also closed to the public on especially hot days and during the breeding season. Other places to see penguins in Australia include Lion Island in Broken Bay and Shore Beach in Manly (both New South Wales), although they're only accessible by boat or kayak - and penguin sightings aren't guaranteed.

Did you know: Little penguins are the only penguin species with blue and white feathers.