Navigation Pingüinera and Isla Martillo

If you are planning your trip to the End of the World, there is one experience that stands out above all others for its ability to connect the traveller with Patagonia's purest wildlife: the navigation Pingüinera and Isla Martillo. This extended voyage not only takes you to the most iconic historic points of the Beagle Channel, but also takes you to the far reaches of the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego to witness wildlife in its most natural state.

El Zarpe: Beginning of the Adventure from Ushuaia

Our journey begins at the Ushuaia Tourist Quay. Depending on your preference, you can choose between two daily departures: an early morning departure at 09:00 hsideal for those who want to make the most of the early sunlight, or an evening one at 15:00 hsThe perfect place for those who prefer a relaxed morning in the city.

As we cast off, the city of Ushuaia unfolds before us, offering a panoramic view of the Andes Mountains and the Martial Glacier that will take your breath away.

Canal Landmarks: Lighthouse, Wolves & Birds

Before arriving at the penguin encounter, the catamaran takes you to the sites that have made the Beagle Channel world famous:

1. Bird Island: A true sanctuary of biodiversity. Here you can observe colonies of imperial and royal cormorants (often mistaken for penguins because of their plumage), black-browed albatrosses, skuas and southern gulls.
2. Isla de los Lobos: We'll slow down to get a closer look at the one and two fur seals. Watching them resting on rocky outcrops or playing in the cool waters of the channel is an unforgettable experience.
3. Les Éclaireurs lighthouse: We will stop in front of the "authentic" Fuegian symbol. This lighthouse, sometimes misnamed "at the end of the world", is the guardian of the entrance to Ushuaia Bay and the favourite place to capture the most emblematic photograph of your trip.

The Climax of the Journey: The Penguin Colony on Hammerhead Island

After leaving the lighthouse behind, the navigation continues eastwards, entering less travelled areas of the canal until reaching the Hammer Island. This site is home to a colony of Magellanic Penguins and some copies of Gentoo Penguin.

What makes our excursion unique is the approaching manoeuvre: the catamaran will set its bow gently on the beach. From the deck of the boat, and at a minimum and respectful distance, you will be able to watch how these friendly birds interact, walk along the shore and look after their nests. It is a moment of silence and admiration, where the closeness with the wildlife reaches its peak without altering their habitat.

Return and Coastal Landscapes

The return trip allows us to enjoy a quiet navigation, contemplating the historical estancias of the area and the dense vegetation of the sub-Antarctic forest that reaches the tide line. With a total duration of 5 hoursThis excursion guarantees a complete immersion in the nature of Tierra del Fuego.

Important Information and Logistics

To make your experience perfect, we recommend that you take the following points into account:

• Season: This excursion is exclusive to the southern summer, available only between the months of November and MarchDuring this period, the penguins migrate to the island for their breeding cycle.
• Duration: The total duration of the tour is approximately 5 hours.
• Inclusions: The tariff includes the PORT TAX.
• Not included: Transfer to the tourist pier. We recommend that you arrive 30 minutes before departure.
• Combination: Because of its timetable, it is perfectly combinable with the excursion to the End of the World Train + National Parkallowing you to do mountain and sea in the same trip.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

When do you see penguins in Ushuaia? The penguin season on Hammerhead Island runs from October to early April. During the winter, the birds migrate northwards, so navigation is only possible as far as the lighthouse and Isla de los Lobos.

Do you go walking with the penguins on this excursion? No, this is a whale-watching navigation. The catamaran approaches the beach of Isla Martillo and turns off the engines so that you can observe and photograph the penguins from the deck, without invading their territory.

What kind of penguins do you see? You will mainly see colonies of Magellanic Penguins and, often, a small colony of Papua Penguins (those with red beaks). Occasionally, King Penguins may be sighted.

Fees and Enquiries: The published values are valid until 31/03/2026. If you wish to travel on later dates, please ask us for availability and updated prices via email or WhatsApp.