Penguin Island (Isla Yecapasela)

Overview

Penguin Island, also known as Isla Yecapasela, is a small island in the Beagle Channel, near Ushuaia, Argentina. It is home to a colony of Magellanic penguins and offers a unique wildlife watching experience.

The island is an important breeding ground for Magellanic penguins and offers visitors a chance to observe these birds in their natural habitat.

Wildlife Reserve Scenic Spot

Location

Address

Estancia Harberton, Tierra del Fuego

Neighborhood: Beagle Channel

Coordinates

-54.870000, -68.300000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$10

Children

$5

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November-March

Best Time of Day

Morning

Penguins are more active

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1.5 hours

Recommended

3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Cool to mild

• Penguins returning to nest
• Spring flowers

summer

Warm

• Penguin chicks visible
• Long daylight hours

autumn

Mild to cool

• Fall colors
• Fewer tourists

winter

Cold

• Snow-covered landscape
• Few tourists

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book a tour in advance
Dress warmly
Bring binoculars

What to Bring

essential

Warm clothing Binoculars Camera

seasonal

Rain jacket Sunglasses

not allowed

Food Pets

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Uneven paths
• Cold weather

Medical facilities: First aid available on tours

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Typical Costs

tour $50

parking $5

food $15

souvenirs $10

Dress Code

Warm, layered clothing, Waterproof shoes, hat, gloves, Waterproof hiking shoes, High heels, Open-toed shoes

Booking Tips

• At least a week
• Local tour operators
• 48 hours
• Book with a tour

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Ushuaia Nature Tours

Size: 30 MB

Features: Tour booking, Map, Information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Ushuaia International Airport (USH)

Distance: 10 km

Travel Time: 15 minutes

taxi

$15 15 min

public_transport

$2 25 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

taxi

$10 10 min

bus

$1.50 15 min

bicycle

20 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique wildlife and beautiful scenery

Historical Significance: Important for local wildlife conservation

Insider Tips

Early tours have fewer people
Bring snacks as food options are limited

Local Recommendations

• Try a local seafood lunch
• Ask your guide about local legends

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola

thank_you Gracias

where_is ¿Dónde está?

how_much ¿Cuánto es?

beautiful Hermoso

ticket Entrada

Guide Languages: Spanish, English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Penguin colony

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Low angle for penguins

Result: Great shots of penguins

#penguins #wildlife

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas

prohibited areas Inside the penguin colony barriers

flash photography Not allowed

commercial photography Permit needed

drone policy Prohibited

tripod policy Allowed with permit

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

Estancia Harberton

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 30 min

Type: Historic farm

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

Distance: 5 km

Walking: 1 hour

Type: Lighthouse

Reviews

4.7

Based on 500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book early"
"Dress warmly"
"Bring binoculars"

Contact Information

+54 2901 432033

info@estanciaharberton.com

www.estanciaharberton.com

Social Media

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