Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony on Martillo Island

Nestled in the southernmost region of Argentina, the Martillo Island penguin colony beckons adventurous travelers. A half-day boat trip from Ushuaia promises an immersive encounter with these charming seabirds. As the vessel glides past the dramatic Olivia and Cinco Hermanos Mountains, keep an eye out for playful sea lions and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can expect to learn about the local wildlife and get up-close with the adorable penguin residents. It’s an experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression, but the question remains – what else can this tour offer?

This experience made our list of the 23 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Ushuaia.

Key Points

• A half-day boat tour from Ushuaia, Argentina that takes visitors to Martillo Island to view a penguin colony.
• The tour includes stops at the Maritime Museum, End of the World, and Isla de los Lobos, with sightings of various islands and lighthouses along the way.
• Travelers can expect close-up views of sea lions on Isla de los Lobos and the opportunity to observe the penguin colony on Martillo Island, though no walking among the penguins is allowed.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and has age restrictions, with children required to be accompanied by adults and infants permitted but required to sit on laps.
• Travelers should dress appropriately for Ushuaia’s changeable weather, with layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes recommended, and be aware of the tour’s cancellation policy.

Tour Overview

The Boat Trip to Martillo Island is a half-day tour from Ushuaia, Argentina that takes visitors to witness the penguin colony on Martillo Island.

The 4.0-rated tour, with 88 reviews, offers morning and afternoon departure options. The 5-hour boat navigation includes highlights like the Maritime Museum, End of the World, and Isla de los Lobos.

Once at Martillo Island, travelers can observe and photograph the penguins while listening to a guide’s commentary. Hotel pickup, drop-off, and a professional guide are included, though gratuities, food, and drinks are extra.

Travelers must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time and bring appropriate clothing to enjoy this tour that operates in all weather conditions.

Highlights of the Itinerary

During the boat navigation, travelers can witness several highlights along the Beagle Channel, including the Maritime Museum, End of the World, and Isla de los Lobos.

The tour offers opportunities to view and photograph the vibrant penguin colony on Martillo Island while learning about their fascinating biology and behaviors from the knowledgeable guide.

Key highlights of the itinerary include:

• Passing by the Olivia and Cinco Hermanos Mountains

• Sighting the Pajaro Islands

• Viewing the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

• Observing the sea lions on Isla de los Lobos

• Spending time on Martillo Island among the penguin colony

After the memorable encounter with the penguins, the boat returns to the Ushuaia port, concluding the half-day adventure.

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

Travelers have shared a mix of positive and negative experiences with the boat tour to Martillo Island. On the positive side, many praised the amazing scenery, close-up views of the penguins, and knowledgeable staff who provided insightful commentary on the animals’ biology and behavior. The on-board cafeteria was also appreciated. However, some noted the tours can be quite crowded, with language barriers and miscommunication about access to the island itself. Rough seas have also caused seasickness for some, and there have been concerns about refund policies. Overall, while the opportunity to see the penguins up close is a highlight, travelers should be prepared for potential challenges as well.

Positive Experiences	Negative Experiences
Amazing scenery	Crowded conditions
Close views of penguins	Language barriers
Knowledgeable staff	Miscommunication about island access
On-board cafeteria	Seasickness from rough seas

Important Tour Details

Aside from the mixed traveler experiences, there are some important details to consider when booking the boat trip to Martillo Island.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by adults. It operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is crucial.

Some other key details include:

• Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

• The tour doesn’t include walking among the penguins; viewing is from the boat.

• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

• The tour has a maximum capacity of 120 travelers per departure.

• Travelers must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring travelers to navigate steps and uneven terrain. Children must be accompanied by adults throughout the experience. Infants are welcome but must sit on their parents’ laps during the boat ride.

While the tour operates in all weather conditions, visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the changeable climate of Ushuaia. Though the penguins can only be viewed from the boat, not up close, the tour provides ample opportunities to see and photograph the colony.

With a maximum capacity of 120 travelers per departure, visitors should expect a lively, though not overcrowded, atmosphere on the half-day excursion to Martillo Island.

Weather and Dress Recommendations

As the tour operates in all weather conditions, visitors should dress appropriately for the changeable climate of Ushuaia. The region is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s important to be prepared for any eventuality.

Some key recommendations include:

• Wear layers that can be easily added or removed, such as a waterproof jacket, fleece, and thermal base layers.

• Bring a hat, scarf, and gloves to keep warm on the boat.

• Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots to navigate the uneven terrain.

• Pack sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun can be strong.

• Carry a small backpack or bag to keep your hands free.

Cancellation Policy

According to the tour operator, travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind and allows visitors to adjust their plans if needed.

However, the operator notes that no-shows or last-minute cancellations will result in forfeiture of the tour price. Travelers are encouraged to review the cancellation terms carefully before booking to ensure they understand the policy.

The operator aims to accommodate unforeseen circumstances while also managing their operations effectively. The cancellation policy strikes a balance between customer convenience and operational considerations.

Customer Service and Feedback

The tour operator acknowledges the concerns raised by travelers regarding language barriers and incomplete information provided about the tour. They take this feedback seriously and aim to enhance the clarity of tour descriptions to avoid future misunderstandings.

To improve the customer experience, the operator has committed to:

• Enhancing communication with multilingual staff

• Providing more detailed information about tour inclusions and exclusions

• Addressing issues related to refund processes

• Improving coordination with the Martillo Island management

• Continuously monitoring and addressing traveler feedback

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Walk Among the Penguins on the Island?

No, travelers can’t walk among the penguins on the island. The tour only allows viewing the penguins from the boat, as it’s not wheelchair accessible and doesn’t include walking on the island.

What Type of Penguins Can We See on the Tour?

The tour allows visitors to view and photograph Gentoo penguins, a species native to Martillo Island. While visitors cannot walk among the penguins, they’ll have the opportunity to observe them from the boat during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

While there is no explicit option to extend the tour duration, the tour operator may be able to accommodate requests for a longer excursion upon prior arrangement, subject to availability and additional costs.

Is It Possible to Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on board the tour. However, the tour operator does not provide any catering services, so all food and beverages must be self-provided.

What Is the Recommended Camera Equipment for the Tour?

The recommended camera equipment for the tour includes a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens. Travelers should also bring extra batteries and memory cards to capture the close-up views of the penguins and the scenic landscapes.

Recap

This half-day boat tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to observe the captivating penguin colony on Martillo Island.

Travelers can expect stunning mountain vistas, sightings of sea lions, and up-close encounters with the adorable penguins.

With knowledgeable guides, proper attire, and an early arrival, visitors can maximize their enjoyment of this popular Ushuaia excursion.