Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel in Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina

Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel

Outty Ranking 64 4.3 · 115 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $230
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Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.3/5

Based on 115 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel worth booking?

Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel is a 5-hour experience in Ushuaia, Argentina, from $230 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 115 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
4.3/5 (115)
Duration
5 hours
From
$230 per person

Visit one of the biggest penguin colonies in the world and learn more about this incredibly social animal during a 5-hour tour. Take a boat trip to the penguin colony, accompanied by a professional local guide, and discover the city's highlights from the river while navigating on the Beagle Channel towards the Penguin Colony. Learn more about this animals and get as close as possible to them, listen to your guides recommendations and get some historical facts about Ushuaia.

What you get

    About this experience

    Visit one of the biggest penguin colonies in the world and learn more about this incredibly social animal during a 5-hour tour. Take a boat trip to the penguin colony, accompanied by a professional local guide, and discover the city's highlights from the river while navigating on the Beagle Channel towards the Penguin Colony. Learn more about this animals and get as close as possible to them, listen to your guides recommendations and get some historical facts about Ushuaia.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local Professional Tour Guide
    • Boarding Tax Fee
    • 5-hour boat navigation
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. The tour starts at the Canoeros box office located at the Touristic Port of Ushuaia. Here, you will receive all the indications to board the Catamaran

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Canal Beagle

      As we move away from the coast, you will see the incredible panoramic views of the entire city and its most important buildings, plus a combination of sea and mountains , highlighting the Montes Olivia, Cinco Hermanos, las Fique and Tunnel Estancias and the Encajonado River .

      60 minutes here

    3. Isla Bridges

      You will sail around the Isla de los Pájaros where you will see the birds of Tierra del Fuego watching Skuas, Black-browed Albatrosses, Steam Ducks, Cauquenes, Cook Seagulls and Gray Seagulls; and of the Isla de los Lobos where we can observe sea lions with one and two hairs. Both islands belong to the Bridges archipelago.

      60 minutes here

    4. Faro Les Eclaireurs

      The ship heads to center of the Beagle Channel, to the southwest, reaching Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. When arriving at the Lighthouse Les Eclaireurs you will be able to appreciate the colonies of Imperial Cormorants and Rocky Cormorants; and also listen to the story of the collapse of the SS Monte Cervantes, which he starred in in 1930.

      60 minutes here

    5. Martillo Island

      Continuing, we will navegate towards the East enjoying the wonderful landscapes of the channel and the mountains that surround it. From the Argentinian coast we will see Puerto Almanza and on the Chilean coast the Puerto Williams Naval Base, and then we will see the Isla Martillo. We will stop to observe from the Catamaran the colony of Magellanic Penguins that nest during the summer season.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Ushuaia

      At the end of the journey, you will be amazed by the view of the mountain range that surrounds the city of Ushuaia and the sumptuous nature that surrounds it.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Ushuaia

    Travelers must be present 30 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point: Canoero box office in order to exchange tickets.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Travelers must be present 30 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point: Canoero box office in order to exchange tickets.

    Options you can book

    • Penguin Colony PM Option

      Check-in time 2.00-2.15pm

    • Penguin Colony AM Option

      Check-in time 8.00-8.15am

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    pt, en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tangol

    Know before you go

    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
    • Not suitable for cruise passengers
    • It does not include walking among the penguins.
    • For bromatological reasons it is forbidden to enter the catamaran with external foodstuffs.

    Photos

    Penguin Colony, Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel in UshuaiaPinguinera Isla Martillo, Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel in UshuaiaFaro Les Éclaireurs, Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel in UshuaiaPinguinera Isla Martillo, Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel in UshuaiaPinguinera Isla Martillo, Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel in UshuaiaPinguinera Isla Martillo, Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel in Ushuaia

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 115 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

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

    Traveler reviews

    115 verified traveler reviews for Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    73
    4 star
    16
    3 star
    14
    2 star
    6
    1 star
    6
    Sort
    Stoyan_K · June 2026

    Lovely afternoon and observing penguins.

    It was comfortable boat trip for a few hours in the afternoon. Very good catering at the boat. The penguins are so lovely. We had 30min to observe them from the boat.

    via Viator

    Kevin_C · March 2026

    I would recommend this tour - but with some other tour operator

    The Beagle Channel is stunningly beautiful and we enjoyed the scenery immensely. The island with the sea lions and cormorants is very interesting and the Fin Del Mundo lighthouse is very picturesque. But if you are going on the penguin to see the penguins, choose someone else. When our boat approached the island to see the penguins, there were 2 other boats there already. Our boat headed for a small group of penguins. They waddled away and stopped about 50 meters from our boat. The other boats - which were the same size as our boat, and directly across from other penguins on the beach - left. Our boat made no effort to get closer to penguins. When I asked if they were going to, tour staff said our boat was too big to get near the penguins. But the boats that left were as big as ours. Whether our boat was too big, or the tour staff didn’t want to move, being so far from the penguins was unacceptable. All the other boats got a much closer look at the penguins than we did. And this tour was very expensive. We knew we would not be able to walk on the island, but we expected and deserved a lot better than seeing them from A distance, especially given the exorbitant price we paid for this trip. My recommendation is to take a penguin cruise on the Beagle Channel, but use some other operator than Canoero Catamaranes.

    via Viator

    Michael_C · March 2026

    Worth the extra time and money

    So glad we did the longer and more expensive trip to the penguin colony. The scenery was amazing throughout, and we saw so many birds, sea lions and of course penguins. Getting only a few metres away from them was really special. The boat was comfortable, had reasonably priced good and drink onboard. Lovely friendly knowledgable guides and staff.

    via Viator

    SCOTT_T · February 2026

    Penguins make people happy

    Excellent 5 hour tour of the Beagle Canal and Oenguin Island, the staff was fluent in English. Remember Penguins make people happy !

    via Viator

    Tourist483160 · February 2026

    Great time!

    What a fun experience. We saw many different types of whales, sea lions, many different types of birds (including Magellenic, Gentoo penguins of course), etc. The captain did a great job at positioning the boat to see the animals but it didn’t feel like we were being overly aggressive / invading their territory. I also appreciated the guide’s information - so knowledgeable and provided all of the information in Spanish and English which was an impressive feat (learned so much). He did a great job at rotating people so everyone could enjoy the penguins. It was a great experience. I would definitely do it again if I have the fortune of returning to Ushuaia!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $230 to $279
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    40
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tangol, who run 256 experiences we rank across 22 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.8.

    See everything Tangol runs

    Why this scores 64

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)53
    Review evidence (18% weight)85
    Booking momentum (14% weight)82
    Value for money (12% weight)35
    Listing quality (10% weight)73
    Local standing (8% weight)16
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel cost?

    +

    Prices start at $230 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 Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel take?

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    Plan for about 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 Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 115 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Ushuaia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel?

    +

    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 Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel?

    +

    Around 40 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel?

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    Included: Local Professional Tour Guide; Boarding Tax Fee; 5-hour boat navigation; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Gratuities; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel?

    +

    Travelers must be present 30 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point: Canoero box office in order to exchange tickets. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Portuguese, 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 Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel?

    +

    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 Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel?

    +

    Across 115 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Penguin Colony PM Option, Penguin Colony AM Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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