Penguin Colony Boat Trip

Service Description

The Penguin Colony Catamaran Tour is an unforgettable experience for those who wish to discover the natural and historical richness of the Beagle Channel. Over six hours, the journey combines breathtaking landscapes, marine wildlife, and native birds in a setting that reveals the essence of the end of the world. The voyage begins at the tourist pier in Ushuaia, where after boarding, we set sail towards the Beagle Channel. The first visual stop is Isla de Lobos (Sea Lion Island), home to colonies of sea lions that can be seen resting and playing on the rocks. Next, the tour continues to Isla de Pájaros (Bird Island), where gulls, cormorants, skuas, albatrosses, and other species create a true winged spectacle. The journey proceeds towards the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, a symbol of Ushuaia and an icon of the Beagle Channel. Further on, the navigation heads eastward, offering unique views of the Fuegian mountains and showing the artisanal port of Almanza in Argentina and the naval base of Puerto Williams in Chile in the distance. The high point of the excursion is the arrival at Martillo Island, known as the closest penguin colony to Ushuaia. Here, with the engines turned off and in complete respect for the environment, visitors can observe the penguins in their natural habitat. Two species coexist on the island: The Magellanic penguin, up to 45 cm (18 inches) tall, with its characteristic black and white plumage and amusing walk. The Gentoo penguin, which is larger, reaching up to 90 cm (35 inches) and considered one of the fastest swimmers in the world. On the return trip to Ushuaia, the vessel sails along the coast of the Channel, allowing for the discovery of other attractions such as Estancia Túnel and Estancia Remolino, where the semi-submerged hull of the historic steamship Monte Sarmiento has rested since 1912. The tour concludes with a panoramic view of the city framed by the majestic mountain range that surrounds it. This low-difficulty excursion is ideal for all ages and requires no prior experience. The tour is guided in Spanish and English, with both morning and afternoon departures available during the summer season. It is recommended to bring a hat or cap, a thermal fleece jacket, a waterproof coat, comfortable footwear, and gloves to fully enjoy the journey. To experience this tour is much more than a simple outing: it is to immerse yourself in a unique environment where history and nature meet to provide an indelible memory of the end of the world.