Discover the top penguin watching tours in Ushuaia, where travellers can get up close to these adorable flightless birds in their natural Patagonian habitat.
(Photo: CANOERO CATAMARANES / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Nestled at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia offers an adventure like no other: penguin watching. The frozen landscapes, icy waters and rugged coastline provide a captivating backdrop for one of nature’s most charming spectacles – penguins waddling in their element. There are a wide range of penguin watching tours on offer in this most remote of destinations, each adding to the thrill of being, quite literally, on the edge of the world. We’ve selected our top three below.
Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran
This tour invites you to set sail on a five-hour adventure through Ushuaia’s Beagle Channel, with a comfortable catamaran taking you past dramatic landscapes and islands. The wildlife-spotting will began almost straight away as you cruise by Sea Lion Island, home to playful sea lions, and Bird Island, teeming with seabirds. There’ll be a stop at the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, where you’ll get to hear tales of the SS Monte Cervantes shipwreck. Then, you’ll reach Martillo Island – better known as Penguin Island – where you’ll encounter a colony of Magellanic and Papuan penguins going about their business in their natural surroundings, before returning to Ushuaia. From $145 per person.
Penguins Watching Tour by boats from Puerto Almanza
(Photo: Azul Latina Travel / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
In contrast to the above catamaran tour, this 5.5 to 6-hour adventure offers a more intimate experience aboard a semi-rigid boat, where you’ll glide closer to the water for an up-close encounter with the Gentoo and Magellanic penguins of Martillo Island. As you sail through the Beagle Channel, the smaller boat allows for better maneuverability, serving up an exclusive view of the penguins in their natural habitat. With 40 minutes of observation time from the boat, this tour also includes a scenic bus ride to Puerto Almanza, where you can recharge before returning to Ushuaia. From $281 per person.
Gable Island and Penguin Colony with Lunch
(Photo: Tangol / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Ideal for those with more time on their hands, this full-day tour transports you through the wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego, combining penguin watching, scenic boat trips, and a traditional lunch at the “end of the world.” This excursion provides a more immersive experience than the shorter tours, including a canoe ride through the Beagle Channel, wildlife sightings and a hike across Gable Island’s pristine reserves. After observing Magellanic and Gentoo penguins on Martillo Island, you’ll enjoy a Patagonian lunch with wine before your return journey to Ushuaia. From $418 per person.