Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 53 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour worth booking?
Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour is a 8-hour experience in Ushuaia, Argentina, from $494 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 53 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (53)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $494 per person
A unique experience that combines navigation through the Beagle Channel, a visit to Estancia Harberton, and a guided hike of approximately one hour among Magellanic penguins and puffins in their natural habitat. During the navigation we will tour the main attractions of the Beagle Channel, including Bird Island, Wolf Island, and the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. From Estancia Harberton, we will make an approximately 15-minute crossing in a rigid inflatable boat to Martillo Island, where we will enjoy a walk among penguins accompanied by a specialized guide. The excursion has two departure times: Departure 08:30 am (presentation 08:00 am): Starts with the land transfer to Estancia Harberton and the penguin walk, finishing with the return to Ushuaia sailing through the Beagle Channel. Departure 10:30 am (presentation 10:00 am): Starts with a navigation through the Beagle Channel, continues with a penguin walk, and finishes with the return to Ushuaia by bus.
What you get
About this experience
A unique experience that combines navigation through the Beagle Channel, a visit to Estancia Harberton, and a guided hike of approximately one hour among Magellanic penguins and puffins in their natural habitat. During the navigation we will tour the main attractions of the Beagle Channel, including Bird Island, Wolf Island, and the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. From Estancia Harberton, we will make an approximately 15-minute crossing in a rigid inflatable boat to Martillo Island, where we will enjoy a walk among penguins accompanied by a specialized guide. The excursion has two departure times: Departure 08:30 am (presentation 08:00 am): Starts with the land transfer to Estancia Harberton and the penguin walk, finishing with the return to Ushuaia sailing through the Beagle Channel. Departure 10:30 am (presentation 10:00 am): Starts with a navigation through the Beagle Channel, continues with a penguin walk, and finishes with the return to Ushuaia by bus.
What's included
Included
- Boat navigation through the Beagle Channel to Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and the iconic Lighthouse.
- Crossing by semi-rigid inflatable boats to Isla Martillo (approximately 15 minutes of navigation)
- Schedules may vary depending on availability at the time we receive your reservation.
- IMPORTANT: Please disregard the time printed on this voucher as it will be confirmed later.
- One-hour walk among Gentoo and Magellanic penguins.
- Visit to the Estancia Museum: Only if the estancia is open on the day of the tour.
- The check-in time MUST be confirmed by the agency.
- Ground transfer from the tourist pier to start the tour
Not included
- Transfers to hotels are not included; passengers must arrive at the tourist pier on their own.
- In case the visit to Estancia Harberton is possible, the entrance fee must be paid
- Almuerzo: Lunch Desayuno: Breakfast Comidas: Meals (or simply Food)
- Rate Harberton Stay payable per person: 50,000 (subject to change without notice)
- Port fee NOT included: ARS 4,000.00 per person
What you'll see and do
Ushuaia
All the activity takes place in the city of Ushuaia, starting from the tourist pier of Ushuaia and returning to the same place. We will sail through the Beagle Channel touring islands and also go to Hammer Island where the penguins live
540 minutes here
Tierra del Fuego National Park
On the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial mountain range, Ushuaia offers a unique landscape in Argentina, combining mountains, sea, glaciers, and forests. To fully enjoy your stay in Ushuaia, we recommend always having at least one waterproof coat and comfortable footwear to move around safely and comfortably on the city’s characteristic sloping streets.
Pass by without stopping
Canal Beagle
In the sailing we will visit the Island of Wolves and Birds and the Lighthouse Les Eclaireurs, known as the Lighthouse of the end of the world. There we can take the most iconic photographs of Ushuaia " you will be in the light of the END OF THE WORLD It is the favorite postcard of many and an indelible memory for those who navigate the waters of the Beagle Channel.
Pass by without stopping
Faro Les Eclaireurs
In addition to the islands of wolves and birds we will visit the iconic Lighthouse of the end of the world
Pass by without stopping
Isla de Los Pajaros
It is an emblematic place of the Beagle Canal, known for its great variety of birds and its natural beauty. Colonies of Royal and Imperial Cormorants are found during year round. In summer we can observe them nesting. Furthermore, We find among them Seagulls Cooks, Greys, Doves Antarctica, Steam Ducks and South American Seagulls. Isle of Wolves: Another of the most important islands of the Beagle Channel in which you can observe very close the colonies of Sea Lions that inhabit these latitudes. One-haired and two-haired Sea Lions colonies are observed Hairs.
Pass by without stopping
Martillo Island
In the afternoon, you will take the excursion to the penguin in land mode, departing 14: 30 hs to Estancia Harberton. Estimated return to the city: 21 : 30 / 21 : 45 hs (land). We will sail in gomons for 15 minutes until we reach Hammer Island. On the island we will walk for an hour between Magellanic penguins and Papuans, always with a specialized guide that will allow us to know in detail everything about these wonderful creatures. The most important penguin in Tierra del Fuego. It's the only one Penguin colony in the Ushuaia area and attracts two main species: Magellanic penguins and penguins Dad.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ushuaia
Departing from the Ushuaia Tourist Pier: Av. Prefectura Naval Ushuaia Tourist Pier, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, half an hour before the boat departure — the exact time will be provided in each itinerary. We need the name of the hotel in Ushuaia to contact them if necessary.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Departing from the Ushuaia Tourist Pier: Av. Prefectura Naval Ushuaia Tourist Pier, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, half an hour before the boat departure — the exact time will be provided in each itinerary. We need the name of the hotel in Ushuaia to contact them if necessary.
Options you can book
Walk Penguins WINTER
Hike Penguins Summer
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Azul Latina Travel
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Lunch not included
- Recommendations: - It is recommended to wear a hat, scarf, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, gloves, and sunglasses.
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: For tours that coincide with the opening hours of Estancia Harberton, the entrance fee must be paid without exception. Price to be confirmed. The Estancia is closed on Tuesdays.
- Due to the limited availability of this tour for the following reasons: Penguins are very sensitive to human contact, so they can only be visited by a few people per day. There is only one penguin colony in Ushuaia. This tour is the most exclusive and sought-after in South America; therefore, we ask for your patience regarding visit confirmations.
- This tour has very limited availability, and we will confirm availability upon receiving your reservation.
- This tour will be confirmed once the agency submits the passenger’s request to the penguin reserve. For this reason, please do not consider the reservation confirmed until you receive confirmation from Azul Latina through this channel.
- The published times are ESTIMATED. The final confirmed schedule will be sent to you along with the itinerary once your reservation is confirmed by Azul Latina. Please wait for the detailed itinerary, which you will receive through this platform.
- NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY OR PREGNANT WOMEN
- The available departure times for this tour will be 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM. We will send you your scheduled time along with the itinerary based on availability at the moment we receive your reservation.
- The tour can last 10 hours in total, depending on the itinerary of the day
- IMPORTANT : Presentation time at the tourist pier of Ushuaia always half an hour before the departure time
- In the morning you will sail the Beagle Channel (Isle of Wolves + Lighthouse) with an approximate duration of 2 : 00 to 2 : 30 hs, returning to the port. In the afternoon, you will take the excursion to the penguin in land mode, departing 14: 30 hs to Estancia Harberton. Estimated return to the city: 21 : 30 / 21 : 45 hs (land). Between both activities, passengers will have free time for lunch on their own, if desired.
- Option Walking between penguins WINTER : Departure : 14:00 hs Duration: 7 hs approx. Season: July and August Only operating days : Tuesday and Friday - You can walk on the Papuan Penguins
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 53 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
53 verified traveler reviews for Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
great trip but REALLY really cold!
the agency was not well prepared. operating this tour should have warranted them to prepare for some think clothes/pants for the tourists. on our way to the penguin island, it was icy cold rain and strong wind. by the time we land on the island, my face was completely frozen... despite that, the penguins were very cute, and don't mind us (from afar). we saw many different types of penguins, there were also some birds who had similar hue like penguins that from afar look just like penguins... it was a great gift to spend my 30th birthday with those penguins, but I would love to have been warmer...
via Viator
Wonderful experience!
We saw whales, dolphins and lots of birds while on the boat. In addition to walking with the penguins, we were close to a huge group of male sea lions! The bone museum and tour was extremely interesting. Everything was well organized and small numbers of tourists made it very enjoyable.
via Tripadvisor
A fantastic trip
Best tour company to Martillo island. Other companies offer tours however only Piratour have the licence to disembark on the island. This means that while others look at penguins from a distance on this tour you walk up close to them. The Magellanic penguins are inland so you can't even see them from the boat. Piratour take it very seriously. Our guide Julie informed us that while during the rest of the trip we were her priority on the island the penguins are her priority, then us. She told us (& enforced) that we were not to go closer than 3 metres to a penguin, and when one couple broke the rule she quickly told them off and when the husband complained she told him if he didn't like it he could return to the boat! Well done Julie! As she said this isn't a zoo. As well as the penguins we saw Sealions, Cormorants, Vulchers, and a couple of Sei whales. You get 1 hour on the island and 1 hour having lunch on the boat while the other half of your group go on the island. The only bit I didn't enjoy was the maritime museum, you get a 40 min tour and unless you're into the history of the different sea mammals is a bit dull. Overall though I would totally recommend this tour, yes it's the dearest but you get so much more for that extra money
via Tripadvisor
An unforgettable day
This trip may well be the highlight of our visit to Patagonia. Everything about it from our guide to the logistics was perfect. Gonzalez was knowledgeable and funny. He made the trip so special. We took a bus ride from the port in Ushuaia to the Maritime Museum. The ride itself was absolutely stunning and the museum was so interesting. The boat ride to see the penguins and the sea lions (and so many other birds) was wonderful. And our walk among the penguins was an experience. I’ll never forget.
via Tripadvisor
Superb trip, well worth the money.
The boat was spotlessly clean. As it was wet, the large picture windows kept misting up, but the tour operators went around and cleaned them. Very helpful and knowledgeable guides. We stopped at a few small islands on the way to observe sea lions, sea birds and the lighthouse. We also saw whales on the last leg of the cruise to the penguins. And then, we got off the boat for an hours walking on the island, amongst the penguins, with sea lions on the beach. To be that close to wild penguins…! Despite very clear, concise and to be fear , only three rules about walking on the island with the penguins, we still had a few people in our group that thought they could act differently. If you can’t follow basic rules, (keep together, walk where told to, don’t get too close to the penguins, (3m), listen to the guides), then this trip is not for you. As the guides said, “this is not a zoo, it’s not Disney, these are real live, wild penguins”
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $494 to $520
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Azul Latina Travel, who run 59 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 44.5.
See everything Azul Latina Travel runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ushuaia.
How much does Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $494 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 Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour 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 Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 53 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Ushuaia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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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 Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour?
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Around 19 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour 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 Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour?
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Included: Boat navigation through the Beagle Channel to Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and the iconic; Crossing by semi-rigid inflatable boats to Isla Martillo (approximately 15 minutes of navi; Schedules may vary depending on availability at the time we receive your reservation; IMPORTANT: Please disregard the time printed on this voucher as it will be confirmed later; and One-hour walk among Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Not included: Transfers to hotels are not included; passengers must arrive at the tourist pier on their; In case the visit to Estancia Harberton is possible, the entrance fee must be paid; Almuerzo: Lunch Desayuno: Breakfast Comidas: Meals (or simply Food); and Rate Harberton Stay payable per person: 50,000 (subject to change without notice). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour?
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Departing from the Ushuaia Tourist Pier: Av. Prefectura Naval Ushuaia Tourist Pier, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, half an hour before the boat departure — the exact time will be provided in each itinerary. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour 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 Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour?
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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 Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY OR PREGNANT WOMEN. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour 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.
What do travelers say about Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour?
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Across 53 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Walk Penguins WINTER, Hike Penguins Summer. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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