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Do you want to see penguins in Ushuaia? Penguins return with the arrival of spring in Ushuaia, and with our penguin colony navigation through the Beagle Channel, we’ll not only take you to Martillo Island, home to the best-known penguin colonies in the region, but also to discover the most sought-after spots in the Beagle Channel on the same navigation.
Aboard the most modern fleet of catamarans in Ushuaia, we’ll navigate accompanied throughout the experience by our expert local guides, who will enrich every moment of your journey.
We’re going to discover the places where part of our Beagle Channel marine wildlife lives: Sea Lion Island, home to South American sea lions and fur seals; and Bird Island, home to different species of seabirds such as cormorants, skuas, and albatrosses.
One of the most special moments of our penguin colony navigation through the Beagle Channel is something we simply can’t miss: getting close to the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, the misnamed “End of the World Lighthouse”. Our captain will bring the catamaran closer so you can take your must-have photo with the lighthouse, the one that marks your trip to Ushuaia and becomes a unique memory of your time at the End of the World.
And the most anticipated moment of the navigation: penguin watching at Martillo Island. From the deck, you’ll be able to observe the first Magellanic penguins and gentoo penguins arriving at Martillo Island to begin their breeding season, moving along the coast, going in and out of the water, and tending to their nests.
If you want to see penguins in Ushuaia, our penguin colony navigation is the experience that makes it possible, combining in a single outing the Beagle Channel, the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, and one of the most sought-after wildlife sightings at the End of the World.
1. You start enjoying from the Ushuaia Port
We meet directly at the Tourist Port, located just a few blocks from the city center, and prepare for the adventure we are about to experience. From the moment you step onto the catamaran, you'll feel the unique thrill of navigating one of the world's most famous channels. The Austral air, the panoramic view of Ushuaia from the water, and the comfort of our catamaran ensure a memorable experience from the very first minute.
2. We’ll Discover Bird Island
We’ll pass by Bird Island, home to a wide variety of seabirds that inhabit the waters of the Beagle Channel. From the boat, you’ll be able to spot species such as imperial cormorants and rock shags, skuas, black-browed albatrosses, and upland geese, making the Beagle Channel navigation an ideal way to enjoy birdwatching in Ushuaia.
3. It’s Time to Discover Sea Lion Island
We’ll discover the iconic Sea Lion Island, another of the best-known spots in the Beagle Channel for observing marine wildlife, as it is home to colonies of South American sea lions and fur seals. From the boat, you’ll be able to see them up close on the rocks, moving around, playing, resting, and even going in and out of the water. Without a doubt, one of the most entertaining moments of the entire excursion.
4. You'll take the most iconic photo in front of Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse
One of the most anticipated moments of the Penguin Colony Navigation has arrived: reaching the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Beagle Channel and often misnamed the “End of the World Lighthouse”. It’s that place everyone has in mind before traveling to Ushuaia, and now you’ll be seeing it for yourself.
Our captain will get close enough for you to see it clearly and take the must-have photo with the lighthouse in the background: the photo that will represent your time in Ushuaia, the one travelers from all over the world look for, and that marks having reached the End of the World.
5. We Navigate the Beagle Channel toward Martillo Island
We leave the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse behind and head toward Martillo Island. Along the way, you’ll be able to see Estancia Remolino and Puerto Remolino, where the remains of the Monte Sarmiento can be found, a passenger and cargo steamship that sank in 1912 and today remains one of the best-known sights in this part of the Beagle Channel.
Further ahead, Puerto Almanza comes into view, the southernmost artisanal fishing village in Argentina. And across from Puerto Almanza, on the other side of the Beagle Channel on Navarino Island, lies Puerto Williams, home to our Chilean neighbors. You’ll be able to clearly see just how close Argentina and Chile are in this part of the Beagle Channel.
And finally, Gable Island, one of the most important islands in the Beagle Channel, appears just before the penguin colony at Martillo Island. It is part of an area closely connected to the region’s ancient native peoples: the Yámana.
6. It’s Time to See Penguins: Arrival at Martillo Island
You’ll experience the most anticipated moment of the Penguin Colony Navigation: arriving at Martillo Island, home to the colony of Magellanic and gentoo penguins that return every year for their breeding season.
From the catamaran deck, you’ll be able to observe them up close both along the coast and in the water, in the midst of activity within the colony: you’ll see them moving among the nests, going in and out of the water, and interacting with one another. You’ll take home the cutest photos from the Penguin Colony Navigation and, with a little luck, you might even spot a pair of king penguins.
7. We Navigate Back to Ushuaia
After seeing the penguins at Martillo Island, it’s time to return to Ushuaia. We’ll navigate back through the Beagle Channel, now with a different perspective after having experienced seeing the famous penguins of Ushuaia.
You’ll continue enjoying the scenery from the water, taking in everything more calmly and snapping your last photos before returning to the Ushuaia Tourist Port, where we’ll disembark and bring this experience to a close.
8. We Disembark at the Ushuaia Tourist Port
After navigating the Beagle Channel like a true explorer and seeing the penguins at Martillo Island with your own eyes, we disembark at the port, bringing to a close one of the most beautiful experiences to enjoy in Ushuaia.
🚀 Don't miss out on this unique spring experience. Book now and discover the End of the World during its most vibrant season!
Please note that the navigation is subject to weather conditions. If, due to unforeseen meteorological issues, the itinerary had to be modified partially or totally, and at least 70% of the excursion had been completed, no refund will be applicable. Thank you for your understanding!
The excursion starts at the Ushuaia Tourist Port, located right in the city center, a very accessible and easy-to-find place. When you confirm your booking, we will clearly indicate the exact meeting point. Please note that this excursion does not include transfer, so we recommend that you arrive at the port on your own at least 30 minutes in advance, so you can board calmly and fully enjoy the experience.
We’re looking forward to see you!
We are prepared to navigate even if there is some wind or rain, which are normal conditions in Patagonia. Only in exceptional situations, if the Argentine Naval Prefecture determines that conditions in the Beagle Channel are not suitable for navigation, the excursion may be rescheduled or refunded, according to your preference.
In spring, the climate begins to moderate, but it can still vary. The ideal is to wear comfortable clothing and some light warm clothing nearby:
It is always advisable to add a light hat or a scarf. Remember that the weather can change, so it's better to be prepared for everything.
During the Pinguinera navigation, no disembarkment takes place, as the entire experience is comfortably enjoyed from the catamaran, ensuring minimal impact on the penguin colonies and allowing you to observe them very closely from the deck.
It is ideal for photographing and calmly contemplating these incredible seabirds in their natural environment!
Absolutely! The navigation is very calm, safe and accessible for everyone. On board, you will find heated and protected spaces, as well as outdoor areas where you can enjoy the views and take photos.
Yes, the catamaran has a small café on board that you can enjoy during the navigation. This service is optional, has an additional cost, and is paid directly on board.
No, this excursion is available only during the season when penguins arrive at the Beagle Channel, from early October to approximately the end of March (spring-summer).
If you plan your visit outside of these months, we recommend the Beagle Channel Navigation, which is available throughout the year.
During the navigation, you will be able to mainly observe Magellanic penguins, also Gentoo penguins, and with some luck, some specimens of the famous King penguin that sometimes visits the island.
An incredible experience to see them in their own habitat!
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