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Left to themselves, penguins will start to leave the water at last light so that they are under the cover of darkness. This helps to protect them from predators. At this time they are very vulnerable (they regard people as potential predators) and hence are wary. If they sense a threat or are disturbed by torchlight or loud noise they stay at sea longer. This is stressful for them and can interfere with breeding, or may prevent them reaching their hungry young in the burrow. Penguins have excellent vision and easily spot movement, especially if they see you outlined against the sky.
Don't walk through the penguin colony, as this damages the burrows. And it is best not to walk along the beach to your observation point, as this blocks the penguins access to their burrows.
Only dim torches emitting a red light (red cellophane over the lens is fine) should be used and then never directed toward the water or directly at the penguins. Flash cameras should not be used on the beach. Video cameras, without spotlights, can be used and produce better results at dusk than conventional cameras.
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