Ushuaia: Penguin Walk on Martillo Island & Beagle Channel Cruise

Walk with penguins on Martillo Island then sail the wild Beagle Channel

You’ll step onto Martillo Island near Ushuaia for an hour-long walk among Magellanic and Papuan penguins with a local guide, then sail across the Beagle Channel past sea lions and birds toward Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Expect salty air, close-up wildlife moments, and that feeling when Patagonia’s wildness gets under your skin.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Ushuaia’s pier out along National Route N3 & J, a short navigation to Martillo Island for a guided walk among penguins, plus sailing across the Beagle Channel to spot sea lions and birds before returning by bus—all led by a local guide familiar with Patagonia’s wildlife.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Penguin walk and Beagle Channel navigation

• Arrive at Ushuaia tourist pier early
• Bus ride along National Route N3
• 15-minute sailing to Hammer Island
• 1-hour hike with Magellanic and Papuan penguins
• Return to Ushuaia by bus
• Navigate Beagle Channel
• Observe sea lions and birds at Isle of Wolves
• View Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

The Experience

We were already shuffling our feet before the bus even stopped outside Ushuaia’s pier—maybe nerves, maybe just the cold wind sneaking in from the Beagle Channel. Our guide, Lucía, checked everyone’s jackets and grinned at my wool hat (“You’ll thank yourself later!”). The drive out of town was all sharp turns and low clouds, Martial mountains looming like they could lean right into the road. I kept catching glimpses of water through the trees, silver and flat, until we finally reached the little dock for Martillo Island. There was this salty smell in the air that made me think of old boats and wet rocks.

The boat ride to Martillo Island was quick—fifteen minutes but it felt shorter with everyone craning their necks for the first sight of penguins. When we landed, I heard them before I saw them: a kind of chattering, almost like bickering kids. Walking among Magellanic penguins and a few Papuans felt strangely normal after a minute or two. They didn’t seem bothered by us at all—one waddled right up to Lucía’s boots and stared until she laughed. The ground was soft and patchy with grass; every so often you’d catch a fishy whiff from somewhere nearby. I tried to take a photo but my hands were shaking (from excitement or cold, not sure).

Back on the bus, everyone was quieter—maybe tired or just letting it sink in. But then we switched gears for the second part: sailing out on the Beagle Channel itself. The water here isn’t blue exactly, more like steel under cloudy light. We passed Isla de los Lobos where sea lions piled up like lazy dogs, and there were birds everywhere—cormorants mostly, but some other ones Lucía rattled off in Spanish that I promptly forgot (sorry Lucía). The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse popped up suddenly against all that grey and red—it looked smaller than I’d imagined but somehow more stubborn? Can’t explain it.

I still think about that one penguin who seemed to size me up like he had somewhere better to be. And honestly, there’s something about coming back into Ushuaia with your cheeks stinging from wind and salt that makes you feel sort of lucky to have seen any of it at all.

Top questions

How long is the penguin walk on Martillo Island?

The guided walk with penguins on Martillo Island lasts about one hour.

What animals can I see during the Beagle Channel cruise?

You can see sea lions on Isla de los Lobos, various birds including cormorants, and pass by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.

Is pickup included in this Ushuaia day trip?

The tour begins at Ushuaia’s tourist pier; hotel pickup is not included.

Are there different schedules in winter?

Yes, in winter (July & August), departures are at 14:00 on Tuesdays and Fridays with a shorter duration of around 7 hours.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How do I get to Martillo Island from Ushuaia?

You travel by bus along National Route N3 & J to a dock near Martillo Island, then take a short 15-minute boat ride to the island.