
Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more worth booking?
Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more is a 5.5-hour experience in Ushuaia, Argentina, from $216 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (13)
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- From
- $216 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Bilingual guide (Spanish-English)
- All Fees and Taxes
- Insurance
Not included
- Food and beverages
- Descent to Penguin Island
- Transportation from the hotel to the port
What you'll see and do
Canal Beagle
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.”
180 minutes here · Admission included
Isla de Los Pajaros
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.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Faro Les Eclaireurs
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.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Martillo Island
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.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ushuaia
Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure to check in. If you have any questions, please contact us. The meeting point will be at the Tourist Pier. Staff from our agency will be there waiting for you to start the tour. They will be identified with the name of the incoming agency
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure to check in. If you have any questions, please contact us. The meeting point will be at the Tourist Pier. Staff from our agency will be there waiting for you to start the tour. They will be identified with the name of the incoming agency
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ni Lo Pienses Tour
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Incredible penguins
We repeated this visit to Isla Martillo with this operator, he told us we were going to love it and he was not wrong, INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE, the penguins and the sea lions were fun, a fantastic day..I also appreciated the guide's information - so well-informed and provided all the information in Spanish and English, which was an impressive feat.. Highly recommended..
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Nos alegra un montón saber que disfrutaste de la experiencia y de nuestro servicio. Esperamos tener el placer de recibirte de nuevo a bordo muy pronto.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Sea lions, penguins and more, wonderful.
We departed on a super catamaran, comfortable, the staff super friendly. It was a quiet trip. On the way, we saw sea lions, imperial cormorants, and an impressive lighthouse standing proudly against the landscape. They also made sure that all sides of the boat could see the wildlife. A great afternoon.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Nos alegra un montón saber que disfrutaste de la experiencia y de nuestro servicio. Esperamos tener el placer de recibirte de nuevo a bordo muy pronto.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Fun penguins
It was something impressive, we were able to see many penguins, the sea lion, and seals, it was a fabulous experience, sailing the Beagle Channel was a calm and beautiful trip, I recommend that you bring a coat because the wind is cool.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Nos alegra un montón saber que disfrutaste de la experiencia y de nuestro servicio. Esperamos tener el placer de recibirte de nuevo a bordo muy pronto.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
unique experience
A well-organized tour on a very comfortable catamaran, the experience of seeing the penguins is incredible and unique........
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Nos alegra un montón saber que disfrutaste de la experiencia y de nuestro servicio. Esperamos tener el placer de recibirte de nuevo a bordo muy pronto.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A FANTASTIC EXCURSION
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.
Response from the operator: Esperamos que hayas disfrutado mucho tu experiencia viajando con nosotros. Ha sido un placer acompañarte en esta aventura ✈️🌍.-
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 5.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ni Lo Pienses Tour, who run 29 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.2.
See everything Ni Lo Pienses Tour runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ushuaia.
How much does Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more cost?
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Prices start at $216 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ushuaia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more take?
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Plan for about 5.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ushuaia is not rushed.
Is Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ushuaia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ushuaia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ushuaia and add a light layer if any part of the 5.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ushuaia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ushuaia?
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On Outty we rank every Ushuaia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Vinciguerra Glacier Trekking and Premium Floe Lagoon, King Crab Route 4WD Off Road with lunch in Puerto Almanza, Tierra del Fuego National Park – Small Groups. Optional Train. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ushuaia?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ushuaia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more?
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Included: Bilingual guide (Spanish-English); All Fees and Taxes; and Insurance. Not included: Food and beverages; Descent to Penguin Island; and Transportation from the hotel to the port. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more?
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Please arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure to check in. If you have any questions, please contact us. The meeting point will be at the Tourist Pier. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more?
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Across 13 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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