Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route in Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina

Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route

Outty Ranking 75 5.0 · 27 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $225
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route worth booking?

Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route is a 8-hour experience in Ushuaia, Argentina, from $225 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
5/5 (27)
Duration
8 hours
From
$225 per person

Visiting the southernmost fishing village, enjoying its exquisite marine gastronomy and sailing to meet the charismatic penguins is a unique plan. Beginning with National Route No. 3, we cross the Fueguino valleys surrounded by mountains, turbulence and winter centers that dazzle along the way. Then we take Provincial Route J, a path surrounded by centuries-old forests towards the coast of the Beagle Channel. Along the way, we look at marine production areas, such as mussel cultivation and scentolla traps, known here as the "red gold". From the pier in Puerto Almanza, we embark on a zodiac to navigate the Beagle Channel to Isla Martillo, home to Magellanic penguins and Papua. We observe them in their natural and wild environment. Finally we return to the village to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, tasting fresh produce from the region, closing this unforgettable experience before returning.

What you get

    About this experience

    Visiting the southernmost fishing village, enjoying its exquisite marine gastronomy and sailing to meet the charismatic penguins is a unique plan. Beginning with National Route No. 3, we cross the Fueguino valleys surrounded by mountains, turbulence and winter centers that dazzle along the way. Then we take Provincial Route J, a path surrounded by centuries-old forests towards the coast of the Beagle Channel. Along the way, we look at marine production areas, such as mussel cultivation and scentolla traps, known here as the "red gold". From the pier in Puerto Almanza, we embark on a zodiac to navigate the Beagle Channel to Isla Martillo, home to Magellanic penguins and Papua. We observe them in their natural and wild environment. Finally we return to the village to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, tasting fresh produce from the region, closing this unforgettable experience before returning.

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch
    • Professional tour guide throughout the tour

    Not included

    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Martillo Island

      Hammer Island, known as penguin, is inhabited by colonies of Magellanic and Papuan penguins. On this excursion the experience will be unique as you visit a zodiac ensuring you get much closer to the coast, providing exceptional views of the penguins in their natural habitat. You will enjoy more time watching these amazing and curious birds as they move along the beach or swim in the water. The proximity to the fauna, combined with the thrill of sailing in a zodiac through the waters of the Beagle Channel, makes this excursion an intimate and exclusive adventure. On board a zodiac, we sailed for an hour and a half along a narrow arm of the canal, until we reached the island of penguins. There we stop to observe and learn about them and the fauna of the Beagle in a wilderness environment.

      40 minutes here · Admission included

    2. The adventure starts from Puerto Almanza, a charming coastal town. Along the Beagle Channel, you can see marine production areas, with buoys dedicated to mussel cultivation, boats in full activity and traps for the centolla, known locally as 'red gold'. Following the iconic “Route of the Centolla”, we enter the village and walk along its only street, until we reach the dock where the boat awaits us. After the excursion, we headed to a local fisherman’s restaurant, where we enjoyed lunch with fresh produce from the region. Between talks and pleasant moments, we share our experiences before embarking on a return to the city.

      180 minutes here

    3. Laguna Victoria

      The stop in Laguna Victoria offers a moment of tranquility in a unique landscape, surrounded by mountains and Fueguin forests. This lagoon, located in an extensive peat field, stands out for its natural environment and dark water. During the visit, in addition to enjoying the environment, we will have the opportunity to learn about this fascinating ecosystem and its importance in the region. It is a perfect place to connect with nature and better understand the crucial role of peatlands in environmental balance before continuing on our adventure.

      20 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    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 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Explore Tierra del Fuego

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • We only serve alcoholic beverages to travelers over the age of 18. Non-alcoholic beverages are available for guests under the age of 18.

    Photos

    Sighting of Magellanic Penguins, Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route in UshuaiaGuided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route in Ushuaia, photo 3Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route in Ushuaia, photo 4Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route in Ushuaia, photo 5Route de la Centolla, Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route in UshuaiaPuerto Almanza, Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route in Ushuaia

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    27 verified traveler reviews for Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    27
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    U7766XAlet_cias · October 2026

    Great trip

    Great trip. The Laila tour is great and explains everything during the trip to Puerto Almanza. Driver Léo is also very helpful and made a very smooth journey. We managed to spot some penguins, it was incredible. The lunch is good.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    giselabJ3425LZ · October 2026

    Excellent service

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended! I hired Explore Tierra del Fuego to tour Ushuaia and had a beautiful experience. The guides were very attentive, kind, and professional, always mindful of every detail and providing excellent explanations about the places we visited. Since I was traveling alone, they helped me take photos to have memories of these incredible landscapes. 🥰📸 Also, they pick you up and take you back to the hotel, which makes everything much more comfortable. Thank you for the attention and for making my experience in Ushuaia even more special! Without a doubt, I recommend them and would choose them again. ❤️🏔️

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Daniel_C · September 2026

    Cool penguins

    It's so cool to see penguins, especially gentoo penguins. There weren't many, but it was very interesting. The boat to the island was good and protected from cold winds. Lunch was okay in a house near the beach.

    via Viator (translated)

    nielshansl · September 2026

    Excellent tour with Explore Tierra del Fuego

    Great tour, one of the best I have done. After the initial pickup, we traveled along Route 3, where we stopped at different panoramic and winter spots in the city of Ushuaia. Afterward, we took the road that goes toward Puerto Almanza where we were able to see different beaver dams, lakes, rivers, and forests typical of the region. Then in Puerto Almanza, we ate at a place with a great vibe, where we shared a great moment together with the group. And then we went out on the little boat to see the gentoo and Magellanic penguins. On the same trip, a nice group was formed, and very well guided by Luciano for both those who spoke Spanish and those who spoke English.

    Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias por contar el recorrido con tanto detalle! Nos alegra que hayas disfrutado los paisajes camino a Puerto Almanza, el almuerzo compartido y el encuentro con los pingüinos. A Luciano le va a encantar leer tus palabras. Fue un gusto compartir el día con ustedes y ver cómo se formó un grupo tan lindo. ¡Ojalá vuelvas pronto a Tierra del Fuego! 🐧

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    leticiain_sc2026 · September 2026

    An amalgam of sea, mountain, snow, king crab, and penguins. All in one

    It was spectacular! We loved everything. Congratulations to Explore Tierra del Fuego for the excellent service. We highlight, in addition to the excursion which is excellent, the warmth and kindness of everyone who makes it possible. Unmissable. We highly recommend Explore Tierra del Fuego to get to know the beauty of this southern province.

    Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por tus palabras y por recomendarnos! Nos alegra saber que disfrutaron la excursión y que se sintieron bien acompañados por nuestro equipo. Fue un placer compartir con ustedes la belleza de Tierra del Fuego. ¡Los esperamos cuando quieran volver!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $225 to $250
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Explore Tierra del Fuego, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.3.

    See everything Explore Tierra del Fuego runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)51
    Value for money (12% weight)64
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)77
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ushuaia.

    How much does Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route cost?

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    Prices start at $225 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 Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route take?

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    Plan for about 8 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 Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 27 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 Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route?

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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 Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route?

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    Around 9 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?

    +

    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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route?

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    Included: Lunch; and Professional tour guide throughout the tour. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 68 listed pickup locations in and around Ushuaia. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route offered in?

    +

    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 Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route?

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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 Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ushuaia. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Guided Penguin Watching Tour and Centolla Route?

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    Across 27 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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