Ushuaia Half-Day Tour Beagle Canal Walking Among Pinguins

Ushuaia , Argentina

Ushuaia Half-Day Tour Beagle Canal Walking Among Pinguins

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You will have the chance to take part in this exclusive excursion, where you’ll walk alongside these fascinating creatures for an hour, accompanied by a specialized guide who will reveal the secrets of their lives and behavior.

Our journey begins with check-in at the Ushuaia tourist dock located in the port. From there, we’ll head by bus toward Martillo Island along National Route No. 3, where you’ll be amazed by the native vegetation: lenga and coihue forests, vast peat bogs, and majestic mountains. We’ll immerse ourselves in the beauty of the landscape until we reach the boarding point, where the true adventure begins.

Once there, we’ll board semi-rigid boats that will take us to the magical Martillo Island. After a 15-minute navigation, you’ll enjoy a one-hour walk, exploring the colony of gentoo and Magellanic penguins alongside our expert guide.

Available options

HALF-DAY TOUR

What's included

Land return to the Tourist Pier.

IMPORTANT: Please disregard the time printed on this voucher, as it will be confirmed later.

One-hour walk among Gentoo and Magellanic penguins.

The meeting time MUST be confirmed by the agency — it can be either 7 AM or 2 PM.

Visit to the Estancia Museum: Only if the estancia is open on the day of the tour.

Land transfer by bus from the Tourist Pier to the Estancia Harberton area.

Crossing by semi-rigid inflatable boats to Martillo Island (15 minutes of navigation).

Detailed itinerary

ChatGPT Plus
Ushuaia is a city in Argentina, located in the Ushuaia department and serving as the capital of the province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and South Atlantic Islands. It was founded on October 12, 1884, by Augusto Lasserre as Fort Ushuaia, built on the site of the former mission established by Thomas Bridges.

Stop 2 Pass by

The crossing from Harberton to Martillo Island will be on semi-rigid boats – approximately a 15-minute ride.

Stop 3 Pass by

Les Éclaireurs is a lighthouse located on the northeastern islet of the Les Éclaireurs islets in the Beagle Channel, off the coast of Ushuaia Bay, in Tierra del Fuego.
On our yacht, we will visit the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.”

Stop 4

Upon arriving at Martillo Island, we will disembark from our boat to walk among the penguins, taking great care to preserve their natural habitat.

Stop 5

On the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial mountain range, it offers a unique landscape in Argentina, combining mountains, sea, glaciers, and forests.

What's not included

Transfers to hotels are not included; passengers must present themselves at the tourist pier

If the visit to Estancia Harberton is possible, the entrance fee must be paid.

PORT TAX NOT INCLUDED ARS 5,000.00 per person. Price subject to change

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting Point: Av. Prefectura Naval 410, at the Ushuaia Tourist Pier.

Recommendations: It is recommended to wear a hat, scarf, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, gloves, and sunglasses.

The tour is NOT CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN.

ChatGPT Plus IMPORTANT INFORMATION: For tours that take place during the hours when Estancia Harberton is open, the entrance fee must be paid without exception. Price to be confirmed. On Tuesdays, the Estancia is closed.

Due to the limited availability of this tour, we kindly ask for your patience regarding booking confirmations, for the following reasons: Penguins are highly sensitive to human contact, so only a small number of visitors are allowed per day. There is only one penguin rookery in Ushuaia. This is the most exclusive and sought-after tour in South America.

ChatGPT Plus It may happen that there is no availability for the 2:00 PM departure, but we might be able to secure a spot for the 7:00 AM tour. In any case, we will confirm with the passenger if they are willing to adjust their itinerary in case the 2:00 PM slot is not available.

This tour has very limited availability, which will be confirmed once we receive your booking. There are AM and PM time slots, so upon confirming your reservation, we will inform you which time slot is available.

This tour will be confirmed once the agency submits the passenger’s request to the penguin rookery. For this reason, please do not consider the booking confirmed until you receive official confirmation from Azul Latina through this channel.

Please note that the default published time is 2:00 PM; however, depending on availability at the time of your booking, you will be sent the actual start time for this tour. The schedules depend on availability. It may happen that at the time of your booking only an AM time slot is available. For this reason, we ask that you carefully read the itinerary sent by the agency, where your specific tour time will be indicated.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH REDUCED MOBILITY OR PREGNANT WOMEN.

Round-trip transportation by bus/minivan.

The tour can last up to a maximum of 6 hours, depending on the day’s itinerary.

Meeting point

Meeting Point: Av. Prefectura Naval 410, at the Ushuaia Tourist Pier.

About Ushuaia

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world, located on the shores of the Beagle Channel. Known for its dramatic landscapes, adventure tourism, and as the gateway to Antarctica, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. The city is a hub for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration in the rugged Patagonian wilderness.

Top Attractions

Tierra del Fuego National Park

This stunning national park is located just outside Ushuaia and offers breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate (Entrance fee around $10 USD)

Martial Mountain

Martial Mountain offers stunning views of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel. The summit can be reached by hiking or taking the chairlift, which operates seasonally.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 hours for hiking, 30 minutes for chairlift Moderate (Chairlift around $15 USD, hiking is free)

Museo Marítimo y del Presidio

This maritime museum is housed in a former prison and offers a fascinating look at the history of Ushuaia and the region. Exhibits include artifacts from the prison era, as well as displays on the city's maritime heritage.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (Entrance fee around $5 USD)

Beagle Channel

The Beagle Channel is a stunning waterway that runs through Ushuaia and offers boat tours, wildlife viewing, and scenic views. It's a must-do activity for visitors to the city.

Nature 2-4 hours for boat tours Moderate to Expensive (Boat tours range from $30-$100 USD)

End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo)

This historic train journey takes you through the Tierra del Fuego National Park, offering stunning views of the landscape and insights into the region's history. The train runs on a narrow-gauge track and is a unique and memorable experience.

Historical/Cultural 1.5 hours for the full journey Moderate to Expensive (Around $25-$50 USD for the full journey)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Centolla (King Crab)

A delicacy of the region, king crab is typically served steamed or grilled, with melted butter for dipping. The sweet and tender meat is a highlight of any visit to Ushuaia.

Main Course Gluten-free, low-carb

Cordero al Asador (Roast Lamb)

Patagonian lamb is a specialty in Ushuaia, often roasted over an open fire and served with chimichurri sauce. The meat is tender and flavorful, with a unique taste that reflects the region's rugged landscape.

Main Course Gluten-free, high-protein

Merluza Negra (Black Hake)

A type of fish found in the cold waters of the Beagle Channel, black hake is typically grilled or fried and served with lemon and herbs. It's a light and flavorful dish that's popular with locals and visitors alike.

Main Course Gluten-free, low-fat

Pan de Arbol (Tree Bread)

A unique bread from the Tierra del Fuego region, pan de árbol is shaped like a tree and has a crispy crust and soft interior. It's often served with butter or jam and is a delicious accompaniment to any meal.

Bread Vegetarian, contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing and snowboarding Boat tours Wildlife viewing Mountain biking Spa treatments Scenic drives Wine and beer tasting

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Ushuaia, with the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and exploring the city's attractions. However, it can be crowded, and accommodations are more expensive.

5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) 41°F to 59°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken (in tourist areas, limited in rural areas)

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

Time Zone

GMT-3 (Argentine Time, ART)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ushuaia is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas, so it's important to keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night
• Use reputable tour operators and guides

Getting there

By air

Ushuaia International Airport • 4 km (2.5 miles) from city center

By bus

Ushuaia Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and efficient, with routes covering most of the city and connections to popular tourist destinations like Tierra del Fuego National Park. Buses are reliable but may have limited schedules outside peak hours.

Taxis

Available

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Ushuaia Bahía Ensenada Cerro Albatros

Day trips

Tierra del Fuego National Park

11 km (7 miles) • Half day to full day

This stunning national park offers breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Estancia Harberton

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

This historic estate is one of the oldest in Tierra del Fuego and offers a fascinating look at the region's history. Visitors can explore the estate, museum, and surrounding natural beauty.

Cape Horn

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

Cape Horn is the southernmost tip of South America and one of the most remote and rugged places on Earth. It's a challenging but rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.

Festivals

Fiesta Nacional del Centolla • January Festival Internacional de Cine de Ushuaia • August Fiesta de la Nieve • July

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and save money
Pack layers and waterproof outerwear, as the weather can be unpredictable
Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak season
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a group tour for a more immersive and informative experience
Try the local cuisine, including king crab, lamb, and traditional Argentine dishes