FROM USD 250

Winter Penguins in Martillo Island

Walk with penguins in winter and explore the Beagle Channel’s wild beauty.

Why Choose This Activity?

Walk among Gentoo penguins
Sail Beagle Channel in winter
Visit iconic lighthouse

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A once-in-a-winter experience

Flexible Cancellation

Need to changee your plans? Email us to request a cancellation or date change. Our team will assist you according to the cancellation policy of your booking

Direct Communication With your local Operator

Receive your local operator´s WhatsApp contact before yhour Ushuaia tour, so you can confirm your pick up details and get in touch if needed.

We offer English-Speaking Guides & Small Groups

Explore Ushuaia in a small group with an English-speaking guide, with more opportunities to ask questions and learn about the city’s history and local life

OVERVIEW

This winter tour combines sailing through the iconic Beagle Channel with unique wildlife encounters. You will visit Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse before a special landing on Martillo Island. There, you will enjoy a 30-minute guided walk among Gentoo penguins, making it one of Patagonia’s most exclusive winter adventures.

About Us

VisitUshuaia.com, a site by RipioTurismo, celebrates South America as the vibrant garden of our world, rich in colorful landscapes, cultural heritage, gastronomy, and warm hospitality. With +20 years of expertise, we craft custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Our carefully selected hotels and local partners ensure the best service possible. We cater to FITs, groups, adventure seekers, and the 50+ age group with luxury tours.

Reviews 68

4.9

ITINERARY

Your adventure begins at the designated meeting point in Ushuaia, where you will board a comfortable vessel and set sail into the Beagle Channel. The journey offers breathtaking winter views of Patagonia’s landscapes.

The first stops are Bird Island and Sea Lion Island, where you can spot colonies of seabirds and sea lions in their natural environment. The navigation continues to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, one of Ushuaia’s most famous landmarks.

The highlight of the trip is a 30-minute guided landing on Martillo Island. Here, you will walk among Gentoo penguins in their winter habitat, observing their behaviors up close in a respectful and natural way. After this unforgettable encounter, the boat returns to Ushuaia, where the tour concludes at the original meeting point.

Duration:	PM
Cancellation Policy:	72 Hours Cancellation Policy
Availability:	July 1st to September 15th
Starting Time:	1:00 pm
Finishing Time:	8:00 pm
Pick Up:	Meeting Point
Drop Off:	Meeting Point
Language:	English, Spanish
Maximum Group Size:	20
Minimum Booking:	1

GALLERY

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Navigation through the Beagle Channel
Sightseeing at Bird Island, Sea Lion Island and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
30-minute guided landing on Martillo Island with Gentoo penguin observation
Bilingual guide (Spanish/English) on board

Port taxes
Food and beverages
Hotel pickup and drop-off

OPTIONALS

There's no optionals available for this excursions. Let us know if you need anything on your booking.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

FAQs

Is this tour available on December 24th, 25th, 31st or January 1st?

No, this activity is only available from July 1st to September 15th.

Can I join the tour if I’m pregnant or have limited mobility?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant individuals or people with reduced mobility due to boarding conditions and the terrain on Martillo Island.

Is there food available during the tour?

Yes, there is a buffet service on board, but food and beverages are not included in the ticket price.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee to Martillo Island or Estancia Harberton?

No, Estancia Harberton remains closed during the winter season, so no entrance fees apply.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, transportation to and from the port is not included. You must make your own way to the meeting point.

What makes winter penguin watching unusual?

Most travelers associate Ushuaia penguins with the spring and summer breeding season, so winter observations provide a much rarer seasonal experience.

Are there fewer penguins in winter?

Generally the colony structure differs from summer, and numbers can be lower.

Can I walk among the penguins on this tour?

Only tours explicitly authorized for landing can offer walking. Check the current product format before booking.

Is wildlife easier to photograph in snow?

Snow can create excellent contrast, but cold and wind make camera handling more challenging.

Does winter daylight limit the excursion?

Winter daylight is shorter, so departures are scheduled within suitable operating hours.

Can I see other wildlife?

Sea birds and marine mammals may also appear depending on the route and conditions.

Is the boat heated?

Vessel facilities vary, though longer winter excursions generally provide some enclosed protection from the weather.

Is this suitable for people who get cold easily?

It can still be enjoyed, but high-quality thermal layers, gloves and windproof clothing are particularly important.

Can the excursion be cancelled the morning of departure?

Yes. Maritime weather can change rapidly and safety decisions can be made close to departure.

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BOOKING FAQS

How Do I Book?

Just complete the booking form. When you finish, you will be redirected to Paypal, where you can pay for the tour.

What Happens After Booking?

Once you’ve completed your booking and payment, you’ll receive a confirmation of your purchase. Within 24 hours, you’ll receive the voucher you’ll need to participate in the activity.

If you’ve booked an activity for the following day, don’t worry. We’ll make sure to send you the voucher before your activity begins.