Walking with Penguins

Seeing penguins, the charming and world-famous animals, is always a unique experience. However, walking among them, observing their behavior and features up close, visiting their nesting areas, and understanding their environment will create unforgettable memories.

Duration
7 hours

Season
October to March

Difficulty
Low – not recommended to people with reduced mobility or pregnant women

Itinerary

  • 06:30 AM Meeting at the port for check-in
  • 07:00 AM Journey on bus to Harberton Ranch
  • 09:00 AM Embark on a zodiac boat
  • 09:15 AM Disembark in Martillo Island 
  • 10:30 AM Bus to Ushuaia
  • 12:30 PM Arrival in Ushuaia

* The schedule and itinerary could be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions. Please ask when booking.

THE EXPERIENCE

We depart from the port of Ushuaia on a catamaran and first sail through the Bay of Ushuaia. We’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the port and the city from the sea. Then, we’ll reach the Beagle Channel which, near Ushuaia, consists of two archipelagos, home to a great variety of native fauna. 

One of our first stops will be at ‘Birds Island’, home to cormorants, birds whose appearance and behavior are often mistaken for penguins. They make numerous colonies and built their nests of guano on the rocky islands of the Channel. Continuing our journey eastward, we’ll visit the ‘Sea Lion Island’ to observe the colony of sea lions that reside all year round on the Beagle Channel. On these islands are also habitat of a great diversity of marine birds, including albatrosses, petrels, ducks, oystercatchers, and gulls. We may also be surprised by marine mammals such as whales, seals, porpoises, among others. 

After immersing  ourselves in the wild and natural beauty of the Beagle Channel, we’ll arrive at the iconic landmark of our sailing journey and of the city itself: the famous Les Eclaireus lighthouse. We’ll pause here for a while, allowing us to capture photos, admire the breathtaking landscape, and truly feel ourselves at the End of the World.

We’ll leave the lighthouse behind and start the longest stretch sailing towards the Atlantic while enjoying stunning landscapes along the way. You can savor a hot drink and relax until we arrive in Martillo Island, home to charming penguins. Year after year, these creatures choose this place for breeding, taking care of their chicks and molting. We’ll devote some time here to observe the colonies of magellanic and gentoo penguins, two of the species of penguins that cohabit on this island. We’ll take amazing photographs and enjoy their behavior for a while. 

We’ll sail back to Ushuaia along the coast to appreciate amazing landscapes where the forest, the sea and the Andes mountains blend together to form a unique ecosystem. 

Note: at the beginning and towards the end of the season, the number of penguins seen could  be smaller.

What’s included / What’s not included

  • Navigation
  • Bilingual tour guide
  • Pick up from hotel. Consult us if needed
  • Food and beverages
  • Entrance fee to Harberton Ranch (if needed)

Frequently asked questions

The tour is suitable for the whole family. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with reduced mobility.

There is no age restriction for the tour.

No, children under 11 pay 50% while children under 3 are free of charge.

No, for this experience it is necessary to go to the tourist pier to join the tour. In case you need a transfer to the pier, please consult us.

Due to the variability of the weather and the possible presence of rain, we suggest dressing in layers, like a “layered dress”. This way, you will be able to adjust by removing or adding clothes as you feel hot or cold. Also there’s a short hike on the island so we recommend hiking boots.

The excursions are conducted in Spanish and English, although there is also the possibility of tours in other languages. Please consult us.

The tour takes place regardless of weather conditions, except in exceptional cases. However, it rarely happens but the navigation could be canceled due to strong winds.