About 90 kilometers from Ushuaia lies Martillo Island, better known as "the penguin colony," the only one in Tierra del Fuego.
Between October and April, it's possible to see two species of penguins that come to spend their reproductive period on this island in the channel: the Magellanic penguin and the Gentoo penguin, albeit in smaller numbers. Occasionally, you may be surprised by King Penguins.
There are different excursions that take you to see this incredible place.
Some providers start the tour from the commercial pier, passing by some islands until reaching the penguin colony.
Others include the transfer to Puerto Almanza, and from there, the navigation begins. This tour, depending on the company you hire, can be done by sailboat or motorboat.
The last option includes the transfer to Estancia Harberton, from where the navigation starts, and a walk through the penguin colony.
Here are the companies that offer these excursions. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
You can find the ticket offices by the coastal walk.
+54 2901 401859 / +54 2901 407358
Daily departures at 3 p.m. - Duration: 5 hs.
Catamaran sailing in the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island for penguin watching.
Daily departures at 3 p.m. - Duration: 5 hours.
Catamaran sailing in the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island for penguin watching.
Daily departures at 3 p.m. - Duration: 5 hours.
There are two types of excursions to the penguin colony:
Departing by catamaran from the port, this excursion goes along the islands of the Beagle Channel until reaching Martillo Island where penguin watching takes place.
The other excursion lasts approximately 7 hours. It departs from the pier and travels by vehicle along the route until arriving at Estancia Harberton. From there you cross to Martillo Island in small boats, and go down to watch the penguins. The return trip is also by land. There is the possibility of hiring only the crossing, for that it is necessary to book in advance.
It offers navigation to the penguin colony, departing by bus from the pier to Puerto Almanza. From there, a boat departs along the channel to Martillo Island. The return trip is also by land. There is the possibility of hiring only the crossing, for that it is necessary to book in advance.
Daily departures at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. - Duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes approximately.