Spend an hour walking among Magellanic penguins on Isla Martillo off Ushuaia. This guided tour combines a scenic Beagle Channel crossing with close wildlife viewing and a visit to historic Harberton Estate.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the skiff onto a low, wind-scoured spit of gravel and grass and the air smells faintly of salt and guano. Penguins shuffle around you — curious, patterned, unbothered — while the Beagle Channel breaks light across distant peaks. The hour on Isla Martillo is intimate and immediate: a guided, slow-paced walk that keeps you close to breeding colonies of Magellanic penguins and the scarred shoreline where sea and weather keep testing the land.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours (full day with transfers)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to walk for an hour on uneven ground and board small boats.
Wildlife
History
Harberton Estancia, established in the 1880s, became a focal point for scientific and missionary activity and now manages access to nearby islands for conservation-aware tourism.
Conservation
Visitor numbers are limited by quotas to reduce disturbance; follow guide rules, avoid litter, and stick to paths to protect nesting birds and fragile shoreline habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Walking with Penguins in Ushuaia today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for wind and sun
The Beagle Channel is windy even in summer; pack a windproof outer layer and sun protection for exposed crossings.
Waterproof footwear
Isla Martillo is grassy, muddy, and uneven — ankle-supporting waterproof boots improve comfort and safety.
Respect wildlife distance
Follow guide instructions: don’t chase or touch penguins and avoid sudden movements that stress nesting birds.
Bring binoculars and zoom
A compact pair of binoculars and a 200mm+ zoom lens help observe distant sea lions and cormorants without disturbing them.
Windproof shell
Blocks gusts on the channel and keeps you comfortable during boat crossings.
summer
Waterproof hiking boots
Provides traction and keeps feet dry on muddy island terrain.
Binoculars
Helps you spot distant wildlife and study penguin behavior without approaching.
Dry bag
Protects camera gear and extra layers from spray during the boat segment.