Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more
Description
Get ready to live one of the most unforgettable adventures at the End of the World. The Beagle Channel awaits you with landscapes that look like they belong to another planet: snow-covered mountains, crystal-clear waters, and that pure southern air you can only feel in Ushuaia. The journey begins toward Bird Island, where hundreds of cormorants and seagulls greet you from the sky. We continue to Alicia Island to meet the two-furred sea lions, and then to the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse —yes, the one from all the photos! But the most magical moment comes at Martillo Island : Magellanic and Gentoo penguins walking freely by the sea, curious and calm. Seeing them up close is something you don’t explain —you feel it. It’s an experience made for those who love nature, photos that tell stories, and journeys that truly move you. Join the adventure! Book your spot and discover why Ushuaia is not just a destination —it’s a dream come true.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This narrow stretch of sea, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and Patagonian forests, connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific. Sailing through its waters means discovering colonies of sea lions, penguins, southern birds, and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, in a natural environment of untamed beauty that marks the true “End of the World.”
Bird Island, also known as Casco Island, is one of the most iconic natural sanctuaries in the Beagle Channel. Majestic imperial cormorants nest on its rocks and cliffs, their colonies bringing the landscape to life with their unmistakable black and white plumage. While sailing, it is also possible to spot giant petrels, black-browed albatrosses, skuas, and seagulls, making this corner of the end of the world a true paradise for bird lovers and photographers.
Located on a small rocky archipelago in the Beagle Channel, just 5 nautical miles from Ushuaia, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks in Tierra del Fuego. Its name means ‘The Explorers’ in French, and it was inaugurated in 1920. It is still in operation today, fully automated.
Martillo Island, popularly known as the “Penguin Island,” is a vital natural enclave located in the majestic Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego. This small southern territory is world-famous for being home to one of the most important colonies of Magellanic penguins in the region. Every year, between October and April, thousands of these migratory birds choose Martillo Island for their breeding and nesting cycle. The island is not only home to the Magellanic penguin, but also serves as a viewing point for the elegant Gentoo penguin, making it a key destination for conservation and wildlife experiences in the southernmost tip of the continent.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the option you choose when booking! Thank you!
- The publication indicates a base capacity; however, the final number of passengers may vary.
Reviews(9)
Incredible experience!!! We were able to see many penguins, sea lions, and seals. The staff was very friendly, the guide's explanations were very interesting. A fabulous experience and the pilot turned the boat allowing everyone to have a good view. Easy to manage the reservation and at all times they answered my questions prior to the tour via WhatsApp.
Esperamos que hayas disfrutado mucho tu experiencia viajando con nosotros. Ha sido un placer acompañarte en esta aventura ✈️🌍.-
The possibility of seeing the sea lions and penguins from close, even from inside the boat, was very worth it!
Agradecemos sinceramente a confiança depositada em nós e a escolha deste passeio para a vossa experiência. Esperamos que tenha aproveitado cada momento; a sua satisfação é a nossa maior recompensa e motiva-nos a continuar a oferecer experiências únicas e memoráveis.
A long boat ride but well worth it. The experience was great and we were fully rewarded by the penguins and sealions!
We want to thank you for trusting us and choosing our Tour. We hope you enjoyed every moment, we are so happy and we are going to continue offering unique and memorable experiences. Thank so much!
The offer stated that the tour was limited to max 35 people, which is why I chose this option. It was more expensive than other. It turned out that the boat took over 100 people. It's a scam. You are paying more for what others offer at a lower price.
We want to thank you for trusting us and choosing our Tour. We hope you enjoyed every moment, we are so happy and we are going to continue offering unique and memorable experiences. Thank so much!
Great excursion, the weather was fine, we saw plenty of animals, including penguins, sea lions and cormorants. The icing on the cake: we have seen humpback whales that are full of spirit and very playful. However, be careful at the time of the meeting: the text received the day before mentioned 8:30 am for the exchange of the voucher and a departure at 9 am. You must have redeemed your voucher well before because 8:30 am is the time of boarding and 9 am departure.
We want to thank you for trusting us and choosing our Tour. We hope you enjoyed every moment, we are so happy and we are going to continue offering unique and memorable experiences. Thank so much!
The boat ride cruised in the Beagle Channel. The boat ride is smooth and very scenery, with snow covered mountains on both sides. We stopped by the Lighthouse where we saw some sea lions and Cormorant. Then it is a 1.5 hour boat ride to the penguin island. The captain gave us plenty of time to take pictures of the gentoo and magellanic penguins. The English narrative is adequate.
We want to thank you for trusting us and choosing our Tour. We hope you enjoyed every moment, we are so happy and we are going to continue offering unique and memorable experiences. Thank so much!
Magnificent experience, my friends and I had an amazing time, the views from Yámanas Island are spectacular!!
Queremos agradecerte sinceramente por haber confiado en nosotros y haber elegido este Tour para tu experiencia. Esperamos que hayas disfrutado cada momento, tu satisfacción es nuestra mayor recompensa y nos impulsa a seguir ofreciendo experiencias únicas y memorables.
The Penguin Tour was a great experience. Initially, there was a bit of confusion as to which organizer was running the tour and where to get there. Everything went fine after that. The organization was excellent, the services were performed as offered and the entire staff was very friendly and helpful. I find it particularly positive that all participants were given sufficient opportunity and time to take pictures at all points of the program, especially the penguins. I can absolutely recommend this tour!
We sincerely thank you for trusting us and choosing this tour for your experience. We hope you enjoyed every moment; your satisfaction is our greatest reward and motivates us to continue offering unique and memorable experiences.
An incredible and beautiful trip accompanied by snow-capped mountains from both Argentina and Chile on the Beagle Channel. We observe the sea lions sunbathing and the beautiful penguins walking over a nesting area. The staff answered all our questions. Book with confidence. It's worth it.
Queremos agradecerte sinceramente por haber confiado en nosotros y haber elegido este Tour para tu experiencia. Esperamos que hayas disfrutado cada momento, tu satisfacción es nuestra mayor recompensa y nos impulsa a seguir ofreciendo experiencias únicas y memorables.
