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Isla Martillo

Isla Martillo: Our most recommended tours and activities

Ushuaia: Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

1. Ushuaia: Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

Start the tour in the local tourist dock and board a modern and comfortable boat. Set sail and cross the wide Ushuaia Bay until you reach the Beagle Channel through Paso Chico. Then, navigate around the Bird's Island where you can appreciate species of the Tierra del Fuego's seabirds such as skuas, black-browed albatross, steam ducks, cauquenes, cook seagulls, and gray seagulls. After that, reach Sea Lion Island which also belongs to the Bridges Archipelago and is inhabited by 2 different species of sea lion. Arrive at the Les Eclaireurs (The Illuminators) Lighthouse where you will find imperial and rocky cormorants colonies. Hear the story of the collapse of the SS Monte Cervantes in 1930. Next, continue sailing East into the wonderful landscapes of the Beagle Channel surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. Admire both Puerto Almanza on the Argentina coast and the Puerto Williams Naval Base on the Chilean coast. After that, head onwards to Martillo Island, also known as Penguin Island where you will have the opportunity to observe a colony of Magellanic and Papua penguins in their natural habitat. Make the return journey back to the dock, where your tour will end. 

Ushuaia: Gable Island and Penguin Colony with Canoeing

2. Ushuaia: Gable Island and Penguin Colony with Canoeing

Join this active excursion to take part in the most comprehensive day tour of Tierra del Fuego. In addition to Gable Island, visit the Harberton Ranch and the penguin colony on Martillo Island. Leave Ushuaia toward the east until you arrive at Lasifashaj River. There, preparations will begin to paddle inflatable canoes along the river and the Beagle Channel. You will be provided with rubber boots, trousers, and life jackets to paddle downstream and to the sea in the Beagle Channel. At the sea, you will see wildlife, including a variety of seabirds and maybe even some sea lions. Then, arrive at the Harberton Ranch and take a motorboat towards the Isla Martillo. From the boat, you can see penguins at their breeding site. Continue on your motorboat to the main attraction of the day, the huge Gable Island, where a hot lunch awaits you with Patagonian wine, soft drinks, and mineral water. Next, hike to explore this wonderful island along beaver dams, through the forest, and along the marine coast until you reach the boat that will take you back to Puerto Harberton. Then, take the bus to Ushuaia.

Ushuaia: Beagle Channel by Boat, Hiking, and Seafood

3. Ushuaia: Beagle Channel by Boat, Hiking, and Seafood

After meeting with your guide, you will head towards Brown Bay passing through a glacial valley. From here, you will start your navigation across the landscapes of Beagle Channel. Enjoy the views while crossing Mackinlay pass, then be amazed by the wildlife while sailing along islands with colonies of sea lions, rock shags and magellanic penguins (about 50 minute sail). After reaching the shore, you will find a fresh seafood lunch waiting for you at a local restaurant. Learn more about the way of life of the fishermen and inhabitants from the small village of Almanza. Afterwards, begin your hiking adventure to El Duende Waterfall. As we hike, immerse yourself in nature and listen to the sound of the waterfall. As the ice on the cake, you will visit the most famous flag tree of Tierra del Fuego before heading back to your hotel in Ushuaia.

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What people are saying about Isla Martillo

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 144 reviews

Really fun way to get up close to the penguins. Also saw other sea life -- sea lions and various birds -- but the penguins are the main show. The scenery is spectacular and the guide was knowledgeable and informative. Her English was good and she was very attentive. Don't miss this if you are in Ushuaia.

Toured the Beagle Channel to Penguin Island via Catamaran. We saw lots of seals, penguins, and whales. The service was very good but the speakers on the boat were poor and we could not hear or understand much of the narration.

Wonderful experience, small group made the trip. Penguins up close. Various activities, boat row around fun with group, however rather pointless. Recommend.

All very well organized, it was fun, interesting and exciting despite the prejudices I had for this kind of activity.

Very friendly and competent guides. And good english speaking. Vi liked the tour, not touristic and small group.