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

Join us on an unforgettable 4-hour boat tour to one of the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies and get up close to these incredibly social animals in their natural habitat. Departing from the Tourist Port of Ushuaia, you’ll navigate the scenic Beagle Channel, enjoying panoramic views of the city and its surroundings as you make your way to Martillo Island.

Accompanied by a professional local guide, you’ll learn fascinating facts about penguin behavior, their nesting habits, and the rich biodiversity of Tierra del Fuego. Along the way, take in stunning landscapes where the Andes meet the sea, and spot local wildlife including seabirds and sea lions.

As you approach the island, the catamaran slows down to allow for a close look at the penguin colony. Listen to your guide’s insights and recommendations while you observe hundreds of penguins waddling along the beach, diving into the water, or tending to their nests.

This is more than just a sightseeing tour — it’s a chance to connect with nature, explore the southernmost reaches of the continent, and hear fascinating stories from Ushuaia’s history.

Beagle Channel Boat Trip

The tour begins at the Canoeros ticket office, located at the Tourist Port of Ushuaia, where you will receive all necessary instructions before boarding the catamaran. As we move away from the coast, a breathtaking panoramic view of Ushuaia and its most iconic buildings unfolds before your eyes, framed by a stunning combination of sea and mountains. From the water, you’ll clearly spot Mount Olivia and the Cinco Hermanos range, as well as the historic Fique and Túnel estancias and the winding Encajonado River.

We then head toward the Bridges Islands archipelago, sailing around Bird Island, home to an impressive variety of native Fuegian birds such as skuas, black-browed albatrosses, steamer ducks, upland geese, kelp gulls, and gray gulls. Shortly after, we approach Sea Lion Island, where you can observe one- and two-hair sea lions resting on the rocks. Both islands are part of the Bridges archipelago and offer an unforgettable encounter with Patagonian wildlife.

The navigation continues southwest to the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, one of the symbols of the Beagle Channel. In addition to admiring colonies of imperial and rock cormorants, you’ll hear the story of the SS Monte Cervantes shipwreck, which took place in 1930—a remarkable chapter in local maritime history.

The journey continues eastward through dramatic scenery, with stunning views of Puerto Almanza on the Argentine coast and the Puerto Williams Naval Base on the Chilean side. We then arrive at Martillo Island, where the catamaran stops to observe a colony of Magellanic penguins that nest there during the summer season. It’s a magical moment, perfect for wildlife photography and quiet observation of these charming creatures in their natural environment.

As we return to Ushuaia, the experience concludes with awe-inspiring views of the city, surrounded by mountains and untouched nature—an unforgettable ending to an exceptional journey through the southernmost waters of the continent.