Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Boat Departure: 10:30 AM | Return to Ushuaia by bus: between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM
Bus Departure: 8:30 AM | Return to Ushuaia by boat: between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM
Bird Island (Isla de los Pájaros)
We will visit this emblematic island in the Beagle Channel, known for its remarkable variety of bird species and natural beauty.
Sea Lion Island (Isla de los Lobos)
We will continue to Sea Lion Island, where you can observe sea lion colonies up close in their natural habitat.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse
We will navigate to the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, one of Ushuaia’s most iconic landmarks.
Martillo Island
One of the most anticipated moments of the tour: the walk among the penguins on Martillo Island.
For one hour, we will walk through the colony accompanied by a specialized guide, respectfully and safely sharing space with Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.
This is not about observing them from a distance — it's about walking among them as they naturally go about their daily routines in their habitat.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Lunch not included
Recommendations: - It is recommended to wear a hat, scarf, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, gloves, and sunglasses.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: For tours that coincide with the opening hours of Estancia Harberton, the entrance fee must be paid without exception. Price to be confirmed. The Estancia is closed on Tuesdays.
Due to the limited availability of this tour for the following reasons: Penguins are very sensitive to human contact, so they can only be visited by a few people per day. There is only one penguin colony in Ushuaia. This tour is the most exclusive and sought-after in South America; therefore, we ask for your patience regarding visit confirmations.
This tour has very limited availability, and we will confirm availability upon receiving your reservation.
This tour will be confirmed once the agency submits the passenger’s request to the penguin reserve. For this reason, please do not consider the reservation confirmed until you receive confirmation from Azul Latina through this channel.
The published times are ESTIMATED. The final confirmed schedule will be sent to you along with the itinerary once your reservation is confirmed by Azul Latina. Please wait for the detailed itinerary, which you will receive through this platform.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY OR PREGNANT WOMEN
The available departure times for this tour will be 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM. We will send you your scheduled time along with the itinerary based on availability at the moment we receive your reservation.
The tour may last up to a maximum of 8 hours, depending on the day’s itinerary.
If your itinerary states a departure at 8:30 AM, the return time will be between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. If your itinerary states a departure at 10:30 AM, the return time will be between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
IMPORTANT: Please arrive at the Ushuaia Tourist Dock at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Boat navigation through the Beagle Channel to Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and the iconic Lighthouse.
Crossing by semi-rigid inflatable boats to Isla Martillo (approximately 15 minutes of navigation)
Schedules may vary depending on availability at the time we receive your reservation.
IMPORTANT: Please disregard the time printed on this voucher as it will be confirmed later.
Return to the Tourist Dock.
One-hour walk among Gentoo and Magellanic penguins.
Visit to the Estancia Museum: Only if the estancia is open on the day of the tour.
Visit to Bird Island and Sea Lion Island.
The check-in time MUST be confirmed by the agency.
Transfer from the Tourist Dock to begin the tour
Transfers to hotels are not included; passengers must arrive at the tourist pier on their own.
In case the visit to Estancia Harberton is possible, the entrance fee must be paid
Almuerzo: Lunch Desayuno: Breakfast Comidas: Meals (or simply Food)
In the event that a visit to Estancia Harberton is possible, a fee of ARS 35,000.00 per person will apply.
Port fee NOT included: ARS 4,000.00 per person
What To Expect
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a city in Argentina, located in the Ushuaia department and serving as the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands. It was founded on October 12, 1884, by Augusto Lasserre as Fort Ushuaia, established on the site of the former mission of Thomas Bridges.
Canal Beagle
We will arrive at the area where our boat is located and then sail for approximately 20 minutes in a semi-rigid boat to the island, where we will walk alongside Magellanic and Gentoo penguins for 1 hour with a specialized guide who will provide us with information about the lives of these fantastic animals.
Options
Season 2025/2026
Reviews
34 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Literally walking among Penguins!! A dream come true experience!!!
Priyanka G,
Apr 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00I walked with the Penguins! Literally! It was a dream come true for me. Though Gentoos were only available to watch from afar (though we cought 1 Gentoo off-guard when it was returning to it's group from the sea, and it crossed our path right within a 1 foot distance!), their sighting itself without spending the crazy money on an Antarctica cruise was a big deal. Only advice - if I could booked the same tour with Piratour directly (they are the only company with permission to land on Martillo Island) I could have saved a good 120 dollars!!! Don't know if my review will be blocked for saying this, but that's a hell of a commission, Viator!
Walking with penguin
YOON K,
Dec 4, 2024
- Viator
5.00Seeing penguins in their natural habitat close and personal was an experience of a lifetime. Loved it. Gabriel, the guide, was very informative and helpful.
Once in a lifetime!
Julia C,
Jan 13, 2024
- Viator
5.00Great once in a lifetime experience! A long day that starts off with checkin, a 1.5 hour bus ride to the ranch, tour of the ranch and tea house, boat ride to penguins, seeing the penguins, then back to the ranch to see the museum and then another 1.5 hours home. Tour guides are so knowledgeable and kind!
Love it!
Sergio V,
Dec 13, 2023
- Viator
5.00Wonderful experience with respect to animals. Magellan and Samoa and King penguins. Unbelievable but real!
Great trip
romyyandres,
Nov 24, 2023
- Viator
5.00Very well organized. The guides were very friendly and informed. Walking among penguins was definitely the highlight.
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Operated by Azul Latina Travel