Walk with Penguins on Martillo Island, Ushuaia

Walk with Penguins on Martillo Island, Ushuaia: A Close Encounter with Nature’s Most Charming Birds

Imagine spending a day in the company of endearing penguins—walking beside them in their natural habitat, surrounded by breathtaking Patagonian scenery. This tour, offered by Onaisin Travel, takes you to Martillo Island near Ushuaia, where you can walk among Magellanic and Gentoo penguins for about an hour. It’s an experience that combines comfortable transportation, expert guiding, and unforgettable wildlife moments, all in a roughly 8-hour outing.

What we particularly love about this excursion is the intimate nature of the encounter — it’s not just a boat ride or a quick viewing from afar, but a chance to actually walk with these curious birds. Plus, the scenic drive through forests and mountains along National Route No. 3 sets the stage for an immersive day. The tour’s combination of land, sea, and wildlife makes it a full, enriching experience.

A possible consideration is the length of the day — it’s a long trip, and some might find the drive and boat rides tiring, especially if you’re not accustomed to full-day excursions. Also, weather can shift quickly in Ushuaia, meaning waterproof clothing is advisable to stay comfortable during the outdoor walking portion.

This tour is best suited for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and travelers eager to get up close to wildlife in a respectful and sustainable way. If you’re after a more personal, guided experience with knowledgeable guides (like marine biologists), and if you enjoy scenic drives and boat rides, this outing should hit the mark.

Key Points

• Close Penguin Encounters: Walk among Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, observing their behavior and nests.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, passionate, and fluent in both Spanish and English, enhancing your experience.
• Scenic Journey: Travel through forests and mountains of Tierra del Fuego, with views of lenga forests and coihues.
• Multimodal Transport: The adventure includes a comfortable bus ride and a semi-rigid zodiac boat for the island crossing.
• Long but Rewarding: The full tour lasts about 8 hours, with a well-paced mix of travel, wildlife viewing, and scenic moments.
• Wildlife Respect: Guides emphasize respectful interaction, maintaining proper distance and minimizing disturbance.

Comprehensive Review of Walk with Penguins on Martillo Island, Ushuaia

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

This tour begins with a check-in at the tourist office at Av. Naval Prefecture 410, in Ushuaia. From there, you board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for the roughly 1.5-hour drive across Tierra del Fuego’s stunning landscapes, following National Route No. 3. The drive itself offers a visual feast — lush lenga forests, coihue trees, and mountain vistas provide a beautiful preamble to the wildlife adventure ahead.

The bus ride is more than just transportation; it’s a chance to soak in the patagonian scenery and get some background from guides who share insights into the local flora and fauna. Many reviews highlight this part as enjoyable, with comfortable seating and professional guides making the journey pleasant.

Once you arrive at the embarkation point, you’ll board a semi-rigid zodiac boat for a 15-minute crossing to Martillo Island. This boat transfer is a highlight, especially if the weather is clear — it offers a chance to see the surrounding waters and possibly wildlife like whales on the way back, as some reviewers have experienced.

The main event unfolds on Martillo Island, where you’ll walk with a specialized guide for about an hour through the penguin colony. You’ll visit areas populated by both Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, able to see their nests, chicks, and watch their curious behaviors. One reviewer described the experience as “seeing penguins very close, with some venturing right beside us,” emphasizing how personal and intimate the encounter can be.

The guides are committed to maintaining a respectful distance — the official protocol is to stay at least three meters away, but many penguins are so unbothered that they walk right past you, creating fantastic photo opportunities. Guides like Pablo and Juan are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and respect for the animals, making sure visitors are both informed and mindful.

After the walk, you’ll return by zodiac, and the tour concludes with a scenic return drive to Ushuaia, often during a warm, glowing sunset, a perfect end to a full day.

The Value of the Experience

One of the most compelling aspects of this tour is the value for money. Although it’s free to book (price listed as “$0.00” in the description), the experience is considered well worth the cost, especially given the expert-guided walking tour and the opportunity to walk among penguins — a rare privilege.

Reviews echo this sentiment, with many travelers describing it as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” and worth every penny. The tour’s combination of transport, guide, boat ride, and wildlife viewing provides a comprehensive, engaging day. Those who have visited emphasize how close and personal the interactions are, with some noting penguins coming right up to them, providing fantastic photo ops.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour is designed for a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring that groups are manageable and the experience remains intimate. The bus ride is described as comfortable, with many reviews mentioning its efficiency and the scenic beauty along the way. The boat ride adds a touch of adventure and excitement, making the journey more than just a bus trip.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Given the length and outdoor nature of the tour, dressing warmly is essential. Many reviews mention bringing layers, waterproof clothing, and accessories like hats and gloves. Ushuaia’s weather can be unpredictable, and rain is common, so wearing waterproof clothes (or bringing rain ponchos, although these are not provided or sold on-site) is recommended.

Since food and drinks are not included, travelers might want to bring snacks and water — the day can be long, and some reviewers found themselves quite hungry by evening. Entrance to nearby attractions like Estancia Harberton is not included in this tour, but the focus on penguins makes it a more wildlife-centric experience.

Authentic Moments and Genuine Reviews

What truly sets this tour apart are the reviews from past travelers, many of whom describe their experience as “amazing,” “fabulous,” and “a dream come true.” Several mention how guides like Pablo, Fabricio, Juan, and Tommy add value through their knowledge, friendliness, and passion—factors that elevate the outing from just a wildlife walk to a genuinely enriching experience.

Some reviewers note the respectful approach towards the penguins, with guides explaining the importance of not disturbing these wild birds. Others highlight special moments like seeing chicks, nests, and even whales on the way back, adding surprises to an already memorable day.

Challenges and Considerations

The primary drawback is the long duration — nearly 8 hours — which might be tiring for some. The drive and boat ride add to the length, but many feel that the quality of experiences outweighs the fatigue. Weather conditions can also influence the day; heavy rain might affect visibility or walking comfort, although the tour does not get canceled easily thanks to its flexible schedule and alternative plans.

Another note from reviews is the group size and logistics — some found the information not perfectly clear about check-in times or group sizes. However, the guides’ professionalism generally ensures smooth operations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, bird lovers, and those looking for a meaningful, personal experience with penguins. It’s ideal if you want to walk among the birds, rather than just see them from a boat or distant viewpoint. The scenic drive and boat crossing add layers of adventure, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy a full-day excursion.

However, if you’re limited on time, or prefer a shorter, less physically demanding activity, this might be less suitable. Also, be prepared for a long day outdoors, with some walking and variable weather.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a genuine, up-close encounter with Magellanic and Gentoo penguins in their natural environment, this tour offers an authentic and memorable experience. The combination of scenic driving, boat rides, and guided walks, coupled with expert guides committed to conservation and education, makes it stand out.

It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value personal interactions with wildlife and are willing to spend a full day exploring the unique landscapes of Tierra del Fuego. The positive reviews and enthusiastic testimonials speak to the genuine joy and awe this experience can inspire.

While the journey is long, the chance to walk among penguins and observe their behaviors closely makes it a worthy investment for those seeking an adventure that’s both fun and meaningful. Whether you’re a dedicated birdwatcher or simply looking to tick a bucket-list item, this tour will likely leave you with stories to tell for years to come.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
This tour is most suitable for most travelers, but it’s not recommended for those with reduced mobility due to walking and outdoor conditions.

How long does the entire trip last?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including transportation, boat rides, and walking on the island.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, as weather in Ushuaia can be cold and unpredictable. Waterproof clothing or ponchos are recommended, but note they are not provided on the tour.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance to Estancia Harberton is not included, and you should budget for food, drinks, and possibly a small fee for the island’s reserve.

Can I see whales during this tour?
Some travelers have reported whale sightings on the boat ride back, but it’s not guaranteed.

How many people are in each group?
The tour limits groups to a maximum of 40 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate experience.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While not specified, the scenery and wildlife viewing are ideal during the warmer months, but the tours run year-round with weather conditions in mind.

Experience the charm of Ushuaia’s penguin colonies with this engaging, well-organized tour that promises personal moments with nature’s most adorable birds. It’s a superb choice for travelers eager to see wildlife up close and enjoy Tierra del Fuego’s rugged beauty.