
Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia worth booking?
Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia is a 5-hour experience in Ushuaia, Argentina, from $135 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (23)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $135 per person
You experience the penguin sighting from a small boat and in small groups of travelers, which allows you to see the penguins in small groups and up close, with an intimate observation that large boats do not allow. The tour crosses the Fuegian valleys to Puerto Almanza, a fishing village in front of the Beagle Channel, before sailing to the Isla Martillo colony, where the guide provides explanations aboard the boat (the vehicle transfer does not include guiding). Papuan penguins can be seen all year, and from October to March, Magellanic ones too.
What you get
About this experience
You experience the penguin sighting from a small boat and in small groups of travelers, which allows you to see the penguins in small groups and up close, with an intimate observation that large boats do not allow. The tour crosses the Fuegian valleys to Puerto Almanza, a fishing village in front of the Beagle Channel, before sailing to the Isla Martillo colony, where the guide provides explanations aboard the boat (the vehicle transfer does not include guiding). Papuan penguins can be seen all year, and from October to March, Magellanic ones too.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Tea and coffee
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Small boat navigation to Martillo Island (Pinguinera)
Not included
- Warm clothing
- Transfer to/from the accommodation (the meeting point is fixed)
What you'll see and do
Province of Tierra del Fuego
We tour the Fuegian Valleys along National Route 3 and Provincial Route J
Pass by without stopping
Small fishing village in front of the Beagle Channel, one of the most unique corners of Tierra del Fuego. From here we set sail for Martillo Island.
15 minutes here
Small boat navigation to the penguin colony of Isla Martillo, in the Beagle Channel. The observation is always done from the water, without disembarking, allowing a close view of Papuan penguins (all year) and Magellanic penguins (October to March).
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ushuaia
Go to our Tierra del Fuego Explore office, at Roca 138, Ushuaia. Our team will be waiting for you there to start the excursion.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Go to our Tierra del Fuego Explore office, at Roca 138, Ushuaia. Our team will be waiting for you there to start the excursion.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Explore Tierra del Fuego
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beautiful penguin sighting.
The transfer was done as agreed, comfortable and agile. Interesting info during the whole trip. The boat is new, clean, with excellent service. The penguin sighting fully met my expectations. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Phenomenal
The truth is it was a very nice experience, the transportation was very comfortable and the guide is very well informed, she has facts about everything
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Excellent
Excellent. The food, the guides, and the routes
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Delighted with the experience 😊
We did two Explore Tierra del Fuego tours, we toured the Tierra del Fuego Park and the End of the World Train with Lucas and the penguin tour with Tomas, both incredible, punctual, their explanations and their charisma 10/10, super good treatment, the tours are super recommended but if your guides are them it will be a 1000 out of 10
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Loved the experience
Very pleasant outing! Both the shuttle vehicle to Puerto Almanza and the boat to Isla Martillo are heated, which makes the tour very comfortable. During the boat trip, they offer tea and hot chocolate for you to help yourself. It's something simple, but I found it very kind and it makes a difference in the cold! The guide was very attentive, helped take photos, and even warned when a group of penguins was about to come out of the water so we could film. 🐧 For me, it was the best trip I took in Ushuaia! I'm not a big fan of adventure or trails, so the comfort and tranquility of this tour were perfect for me. I highly recommend it!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
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
- $135 to $150
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- 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 runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ushuaia.
How much does Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia cost?
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Prices start at $135 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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia 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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 23 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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia?
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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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia suitable for kids and families?
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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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia?
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Around 8 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-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia 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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia?
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Included: Private transportation; Tea and coffee; Bilingual naturalist guide; and Small boat navigation to Martillo Island (Pinguinera). Not included: Warm clothing; and Transfer to/from the accommodation (the meeting point is fixed). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia?
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Go to our Tierra del Fuego Explore office, at Roca 138, Ushuaia. Our team will be waiting for you there to start the excursion. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia 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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia?
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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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia if the weather is bad?
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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 Penguin spotting on a small boat from Ushuaia?
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Across 23 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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