Argentina, Chile · Cruise & Sailing

Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel

5 Hours Round trip from Ushuaia Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cruise the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia
  • 02 See Magellanic penguins at Martillo Island
  • 03 Spot sea lions and native Fuegian birdlife
  • 04 Admire Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse from the water
  • 05 Enjoy panoramic views of Ushuaia, mountains, and coastline
  • 06 Learn about local wildlife and maritime history from a professional guide

Set sail from Ushuaia on a scenic journey through the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island, one of the region’s most memorable wildlife-viewing destinations. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the dramatic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego as your guide shares stories about the area’s nature and maritime history.

Cruise past the Bridges Islands, Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, spotting seabirds, sea lions, and cormorants in their natural habitat. At Martillo Island, the catamaran pauses so you can observe Magellanic penguins during the summer nesting season—an unforgettable highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.

This relaxing boat trip combines striking scenery, local wildlife, and the unique atmosphere of the southernmost waters of the continent in one rewarding experience.

As we move away from the coast, a breathtaking panoramic view of Ushuaia and its most iconic buildings unfolds before your eyes, framed by a stunning combination of sea and mountains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Ushuaia
Languages English, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Beagle Channel Boat Trip

The tour begins at the Canoeros ticket office, located at the Tourist Port of Ushuaia, where you will receive all necessary instructions before boarding the catamaran. As we move away from the coast, a breathtaking panoramic view of Ushuaia and its most iconic buildings unfolds before your eyes, framed by a stunning combination of sea and mountains. From the water, you’ll clearly spot Mount Olivia and the Cinco Hermanos range, as well as the historic Fique and Túnel estancias and the winding Encajonado River.

We then head toward the Bridges Islands archipelago, sailing around Bird Island, home to an impressive variety of native Fuegian birds such as skuas, black-browed albatrosses, steamer ducks, upland geese, kelp gulls, and gray gulls. Shortly after, we approach Sea Lion Island, where you can observe one- and two-hair sea lions resting on the rocks. Both islands are part of the Bridges archipelago and offer an unforgettable encounter with Patagonian wildlife.

The navigation continues southwest to the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, one of the symbols of the Beagle Channel. In addition to admiring colonies of imperial and rock cormorants, you’ll hear the story of the SS Monte Cervantes shipwreck, which took place in 1930—a remarkable chapter in local maritime history.

The journey continues eastward through dramatic scenery, with stunning views of Puerto Almanza on the Argentine coast and the Puerto Williams Naval Base on the Chilean side. We then arrive at Martillo Island, where the catamaran stops to observe a colony of Magellanic penguins that nest there during the summer season. It’s a magical moment, perfect for wildlife photography and quiet observation of these charming creatures in their natural environment.

As we return to Ushuaia, the experience concludes with awe-inspiring views of the city, surrounded by mountains and untouched nature—an unforgettable ending to an exceptional journey through the southernmost waters of the continent.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 5-hour boat navigation
  • Local Professional Tour Guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

What's Not Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Boarding Tax Fee

Know before you go

  • Travelers must be present 50 minutes before the scheduled time at the meeting point: Canoero box office in order to exchange tickets and pay for the port fee. You must present your printed or digital voucher at boarding time.
  • We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
  • PROTOCOL FOR PORT CLOSURE OR ADVERSE WEATHER
  • Trip Rescheduling: If the port is closed or weather prevents departure, passengers can reschedule, subject to availability, with priority given to affected travelers.
  • No Refund for Weather: No refunds will be issued if the ship returns after completing at least 70% of the trip. Service may be altered due to weather.
  • Route Changes: The itinerary may change due to mechanical or weather issues. Safety will always be prioritized.
  • Passenger Notification: Passengers will be informed of any delays or changes. The company may adjust or reschedule trips due to force majeure.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Ushuaia, AR
Tour start
Ushuaia, AR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 hours finish where they began, in Ushuaia.

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