Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Visit one of the biggest penguin colonies in the world and learn more about this incredibly social animal during a 5-hour tour. Take a boat trip to the penguin colony, accompanied by a professional local guide, and discover the city's highlights from the river while navigating on the Beagle Channel towards the Penguin Colony.
Learn more about this animals and get as close as possible to them, listen to your guides recommendations and get some historical facts about Ushuaia.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Not suitable for cruise passengers
It does not include walking among the penguins.
For bromatological reasons it is forbidden to enter the catamaran with external foodstuffs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The tour starts at the Canoeros box office located at the Touristic Port of Ushuaia. Here, you will receive all the indications to board the Catamaran
Canal Beagle
As we move away from the coast, you will see the incredible panoramic views of the entire city and its most important buildings, plus a combination of sea and mountains , highlighting the Montes Olivia, Cinco Hermanos, las Fique and Tunnel Estancias and the Encajonado River .
What‘s Included
Local Professional Tour Guide
Boarding Tax Fee
5-hour boat navigation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Options
Penguin Colony PM Option
Check-in time 2.00-2.15pm
Penguin Colony AM Option
Check-in time 8.00-8.15am
Reviews
106 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unique in the world
Ciulio76,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the few islands on the planet where you can get off and walk BETWEEN penguins. Reachable from ushuaia with a Co olessiov tragutto of a couple of hours ?maxchina +zodiac). Absolutely to do once in a lifetime
Too much commercialization
PEIIN P,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Tour is nice, but when you arrive at the time to take photos, who bought a package of professional photos have priority to take a photo and we asked for an agent (who was already waiting outside and catching all the wind) and finally asked to open a space to take a photo ! I didn't find it legal.... Maybe you can already leave a surrounded corner ready for it ! ...
A Beautiful and Responsible Way to See the Penguins
Claire Q,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a lovely and memorable experience, and one I would absolutely recommend. Seeing the penguins in their natural habitat was a real highlight. We observed them from the boat, which felt respectful and in line with responsible tourism practices. It was disappointing to see another tour operator arrive and walk on the island itself — I really hope this is something that will be restricted or stopped in the near future, as watching wildlife without disturbing it is so important. The scenery along the Beagle Channel was stunning, and the overall experience was smooth, well organised, and easy to enjoy. Everything ran on time and the crew were professional and friendly. One aspect I found a little strange was at the end of the return journey. Throughout the day, all commentary had been interpreted into English, which I appreciated and expected as part of the tour. However, towards the end, the guide gave a long explanation in Spanish and then asked whether it was necessary to interpret it into English. The decision was left to the Spanish-speaking guests downstairs, who said it wasn’t necessary. As someone who doesn’t speak Spanish and was sitting upstairs, this felt awkward — especially since the microphone could be heard throughout the boat. I had paid for an English-interpreted tour, so this information was clearly intended for everyone. To the guide’s credit, he later came upstairs and checked individually, and when I said yes, he did provide the English interpretation. Still, it felt unnecessary and a little discourteous to ask in the first place. Food options at the onboard bar are fairly limited, but I was able to get a glass of wine and a basic sandwich, which was perfectly fine for the duration of the tour. Overall, this was a beautiful, responsible, and well-run experience, and I’m very glad I did it. With consistent English interpretation throughout, it would be excellent. .
Highly Recommended
S4631MEolivias,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was great! My brother and I thought the online information was a little confusing; however, the tour guides / smooth boat ride / friendly photographers for the tour / and boat snack bar made up for it! We loved it and would highly recommend the experience to all.
Must do in Ushuaia: unique opportunity to see penguins up close
ericab567,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This longer 5-hour tour sails further than the other average tours: it goes to Isla Martillo, or the chance to see penguins up close. Great experience, and this tour operator made sure that there was walk-through at the photo opportunities, so that everyone had the chance to see and capture the animals up close. Recommended!!
Communication was a...
Lizmary E,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Communication was a little incomplete as they didn't answer some of my questions before the tour but overall the tour was good! The girls of the gotos Natys Very friendly and excellent deal!
A good alternative
Monica M,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00About the experience, I think it is worth investigating first what is the best season to do it. The island had few penguins, but we were told that there are times when there are many, and I think there would be more worth it, because it is a long sailing time not to see many. The organization before getting on the boat if left much to be desired, but already in the catamaran, super well, the landscapes are very beautiful.
Awesome Water Voyage
Desidan,,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a beautiful leisurely voyage surrounded by snow capped mountains from both Argentina and Chile on the Beagle Canal. We got to see grunting Sea Lions basking in the sun and sweet penguins waddling over a nesting zone. Friendly staff will answer all your questions and a snack bar with drinks, coffee and a yummy pizza. Book with confidence. It’s worth it.
A long comfortable boat ride with excellent wild life views.
Eli W,,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent views of seals, cormorants, and penguins. The boat ride is long, 5hr, but comfortable. The bilingual explanations are informative.
The beach
achillea2014,,May 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Colonia Varese and precisely between the XIX and XXII crossroads. Free beach located in Milano Marittima, the perfectly clean beach, equipped with free wi-fi. A beach for relaxation where you can sunbathe and enjoy a great day.
From US$159.00
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