About this experience
Enjoy one of Ushuaia’s most special wildlife experiences with penguin watching at Martillo Island aboard a small boat and in a small group.
With fewer passengers, the experience feels much more personal, peaceful, and up close, giving you a better view of the penguins and the chance to enjoy their natural surroundings without the crowds found on larger boats.
Gentoo penguins can be seen throughout the year, while Magellanic penguins are also present from October to March.
If you are looking for a different penguin tour in Ushuaia, with fewer passengers and a closer connection to nature, this is a great way to discover the penguins of Martillo Island and the wildlife of the Beagle Channel.
At a glance
- Duration: 5 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 5 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Hot beverages during the tour
- Boat trip on a small boat to Martillo Island (Pinguinera)
- Transportation to and from the meeting point in Ushuaia
- Bilingual naturalist guide
Not included
- Warm clothing
- Transportation to/from the lodging (the meeting point is fixed)
- Tips and Souvenirs
Itinerary and highlights
Once you have been picked up the passengers from the office, you will head out to explore the Fuegian Valleys along National Route 3 and Provincial Route J.
A small fishing village overlooking the Beagle Channel, one of the most unique spots in Tierra del Fuego. From here, you set sail for Martillo Island.
You will be sailed aboard a small boat toward the penguin colony on Martillo Island, in the heart of the Beagle Channel, for a much closer and more special encounter with the wildlife of the End of the World.
The penguin watching experience always takes place from the water, without landing on the island, allowing you to observe the penguins in their natural habitat in a calm and intimate way, away from the larger crowds found on bigger boats.
Gentoo penguins can be seen throughout the year, while Magellanic penguins are also present from October to March. It is an experience designed to be enjoyed slowly, with a sense of closeness and the unique scenery of the Beagle Channel all around you.
Once you will be returned from Isla Martillo, you’ll head back to the meeting point in Ushuaia.
This includes the return trip by boat plus the return trip by land.
Meeting and pickup information
- Head to our Explore Tierra del Fuego office in Ushuaia. Our team will be waiting for you there to start the excursion.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Ni Lo Pienses Tour
Meeting points and locations
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
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