Regular ferries[6] carry tourists to and from the island and other marine-park sights, the journey taking 5 minutes from Mersey point.

The island can also be reached by private boat, kayaking, swimming, or walking across a 700-metre (766 yd) sandbar, most of which is under varying depths of water.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPAW) advises against the sandbar walk,[7] as weather conditions can change quickly making the crossing dangerous, which has resulted in several drownings.

[10] As of early 2025, environmental activists were calling for the whole island to be closed to visitors for several years, to allow its penguin population to recover.

In response, the WA Environment Minister, Reece Whitby, acknowledged that human activity could threaten the penguins, but claimed that the main reason for the their dwindling numbers was climate change.

The walking trail starts at the Penguin Island Discovery Center and includes several lookout points from where some of the terrestrial and marine animals can be observed.

This is to remove potential food sources for destructive animals such as black rats, which have previously led to a reduction in the penguin population.

In 2021, a new A$3.3 million discovery centre was proposed by the Western Australian Government for the island and originally supported by the City of Rockingham.

The building proposal faced local opposition and resulted in the City of Rockingham withdrawing its support in light of the declining penguin numbers and the concerns of the impact of the construction activities on the animals.

[18] Penguin Island's varied geographical features include cliffs, small sea caves, headlands, beaches, coves, notches and natural bridges.

[31] Penguins have been observed taking longer foraging trips leading to chick malnutrition and starvation.