must-visit in UshuaiaTour Routes

Martillo Island

📍 Argentina, Ushuaia, Beagle Channel, Martillo Island (penguin colony)

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★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Argentina, Ushuaia
Category: Tour Routes
Duration: Half day (incl. sailing)
Opening Hours: Summer about Oct–Mar (penguin season only · reference)
Address: Argentina, Ushuaia, Beagle Channel, Martillo Island (penguin colony)
Coordinates: -54.9100, -68.3500

Introduction

Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel is a seasonal habitat for Magellanic and Gentoo penguins; in the Southern Hemisphere summer (about October to March) tens of thousands of penguins nest and rear chicks here, making it Ushuaia's most popular wildlife experience. Most cruises only view from the sea or island edge, but specific 'Walk with the Penguins' landing tours let you set foot on the island under strict management, observing the waddling penguin colonies up close along marked routes—slots are scarce and must be booked ahead. Protecting the fragile ecosystem, keeping distance and not disturbing are prerequisites for landing.

✨ Highlights

Colonies of Magellanic Penguins

Tens of thousands nest and rear chicks in summer—adorable.

Walk with the Penguins

Specific tours land on the island under management for close views (scarce slots).

Gentoo Penguins

Some Gentoo penguins also live here, alongside Magellanics.

Channel Sailing

On the way, enjoy sea lions, seabirds and lighthouses of the Beagle Channel.

🛈 Practical Info

→Penguin Season：About Oct–Mar; outside this the penguins leave the island and are not seen.

→Landing Slots：The 'Walk with the Penguins' landing tours have very limited slots—book ahead.

→Protect Ecology：Stay on marked routes, keep distance, do not touch or feed.

→Wind and Warmth：The sea and island are bitterly cold and windy—wear windproof, warm clothing.

→Departure：Landing tours mostly depart from Estancia Harberton—note the meeting arrangement.

→Opening Hours：Summer about Oct–Mar (penguin season only · reference)

→Transportation：Boat / landing tour (departs from Estancia Harberton)

💡 Tips

• To land for close views, grab the scarce 'Walk with the Penguins' slots—book early.

• Keep strict distance and stay on routes; watch quietly and don't disturb the penguins.

• A telephoto lens captures more vivid penguin close-ups.

• Penguin season, routes and landing policy are per the operator's official notice.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Martillo Island?

Summer about Oct–Mar (penguin season only · reference)

Any practical tips for visiting Martillo Island?

To land for close views, grab the scarce 'Walk with the Penguins' slots—book early. Keep strict distance and stay on routes; watch quietly and don't disturb the penguins.