Board a short ferry from Ushuaia to Martillo Island to walk among Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, then choose a longer Beagle Channel sail to scan sea lions, bird colonies, and the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. Expect wind, short hikes, and close wildlife viewing with strict no‑approach rules.
Board a short ferry from Ushuaia to Martillo Island to walk among Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, then choose a longer Beagle Channel sail to scan sea lions, bird colonies, and the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse. Expect wind, short hikes, and close wildlife viewing with strict no‑approach rules.
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Operated by Luna Roja · Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
You step off the bus onto a low, wind-scoured shore where the mountains press against the Beagle Channel and salt and cold air cut like clarity. Boats tie up at the Naval Prefecture dock; the channel hisses and the lighthouse on distant islets blinks its patient warning. A 15‑minute crossing takes you to Martillo (Yecapasela), where Magellanic and Gentoo (locally called Papuan) penguins move with businesslike urgency and the scrub pushes back against the wind.
easy.
6–7 hours.
Suitable for people comfortable with short, easy shoreline walks and boarding small boats; long periods seated on the boat are typical.
No—guides maintain strict distances to protect nests and birds; observe quietly and photograph from the allowed path.
The guided walk is about 1 hour along a short, flat route designed for minimal impact and easy footing.
Yes—tours typically include bus transport from the Ushuaia tourist dock to the boarding point and return to the pier.
Tours run mainly in the austral spring and summer when penguins are ashore and maritime conditions are safer; schedules may change seasonally and are quota‑controlled.
The Beagle Channel was charted during 19th‑century voyages, and the region blends Yámana indigenous history with later European missionary and ranching settlements such as Estancia Harberton.
Strict visitor quotas and guided routes limit disturbance to nesting birds; follow leave‑no‑trace rules and avoid single‑use plastics to reduce local impacts.
Luna Roja operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




Book with Luna Roja
Book directly with Luna Roja for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now