Walking with Penguins in Ushuaia Hammer Island — Terrestrial offers a chance to get up close and personal with Magellanic and Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat. For around $190 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring scenic forested routes, riding a zodiac boat, and walking amid thousands of penguins on Martillo Island. Led by knowledgeable guides who love sharing their insights, you’ll have the chance to walk alongside these adorable birds for an hour, learning about their behavior and environment.
What we really enjoy about this experience is how it combines a scenic bus journey through Tierra del Fuego’s lush lenga forests with the thrill of walking among penguins in a protected area. The boat ride adds a splash of adventure, and the guides’ passion makes all the difference. However, the tour is quite long and involves early planning — booking well in advance is recommended to secure your spot. This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic wildlife encounters and don’t mind a full day of activity.
We had a great experience on the tour!!
Fabrisimo was a wonderful guide. He always provided clear specific instructions and made sure we all had a great experience. Fabrisimo is very knowledgeable about the island, penguins, and the areas history. Seeing and walking among over 7000 penguins was absolutely fabulous!!! Thank you for such…
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Excellent all the way round. Tour guide was terrific, good commentary, good information and well organized
For those considering this tour, keep in mind that weather can influence the experience — rain or wind might impact the boat ride or walking conditions. Also, the tour involves some walking over uneven terrain, so it’s less suited for those with reduced mobility. If you’re keen on seeing penguins in their natural environment, enjoy scenic drives, and relish expert-guided storytelling, this tour is a fantastic choice.
Key Points
- Authentic penguin encounters: Walk among thousands of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat.
- Scenic journey: The tour includes a comfortable bus ride through Tierra del Fuego’s forests and a short zodiac boat trip.
- Expert guides: Guides like Pablo and Fabrico are praised for their knowledge, humor, and passion for wildlife.
- Full-day experience: Expect an 8-hour adventure, including transportation, walking, and museum visits.
- Weather dependence: Conditions can affect the boat ride and walking, so dress warmly and be prepared.
- Great value: Many reviews highlight this tour as worth the price, especially for the close encounters and scenery.
A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience
Starting Point and Timing
We meet at Av. Prefectura Naval Argentina 410 in Ushuaia at 2:30 pm, where the adventure begins. The tour, operated by Onaisin Travel, is perfect for those who want a mix of wildlife, scenery, and storytelling. The group size is limited to 40 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience, and most travelers book about 26 days in advance — a smart move given the tour's popularity.
Transportation and Forest Drive
Once checked in, you'll board an air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic drive along National Route No. 3. The landscape is a highlight in itself—lenga forests, coihue trees, and rugged mountains dominate the scenery, giving you a taste of Tierra del Fuego’s wild beauty. The route takes you along Complementary Route J, which cuts deeper into the forests, setting a peaceful, almost untouched backdrop before heading to the island.
The bus ride is praised for its comfort and the guides' engaging commentary. It’s a good way to relax and get excited for what’s ahead while taking in the natural beauty of the region. Several reviews emphasize the scenic drive as a highlight worth savoring.
Embarkation and Zodiac Ride
Reaching the embarkation point, you'll switch to a semi-rigid zodiac — a quick 15-minute boat ride that gets you to Martillo Island. Many reviews describe the boat ride as fun and efficient, with some lucky travelers seeing whales on the way back, adding an unexpected bonus.
Walking Among Penguins
The core of this experience is the one-hour walk among a colony of thousands of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. Guides like Pablo and Fabrico are passionate and well-informed, sharing fascinating details about penguin behavior, breeding habits, and their environment. Several visitors mention how close the penguins come, often walking right by or around visitors, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime feeling.
Reviewers frequently describe this part as "absolutely fabulous," with some noting that they got great photos and observed over 7,000 penguins. The rules for visitors include maintaining a minimum distance of 3 meters, but guides often remind everyone to respect the animals and avoid disturbing their routine.
Museum and Research Center
After the walk, visitors are taken to a museum and scientific research center. While many find this educational and interesting, some reviews point out that it can feel too long—lasting about an hour and a half—and somewhat morbid, with detailed descriptions of carcass preservation and post-mortem procedures. Several travelers mention that they wish this part was optional, as it can dampen the joyful mood after the penguin encounter.
Return Journey and Sunset View
After exploring the museum, the tour concludes with a return trip to Ushuaia, offering beautiful views of the setting sun. Many reviewers mention how the sunset adds a magical touch to the day, making it a perfect end to the adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Ushuaia
Transportation and Duration: What it Means for You
The tour’s 8-hour length allows ample time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed. The comfortable bus ensures a pleasant ride, and the boat trip is short but lively. The group size is kept manageable, promoting engaging guides and fewer crowds around the penguins.
The early booking recommendation is key because this experience is highly popular, with most travelers booking 26 days ahead. Since it starts at 2:30 pm, it’s well-suited for travelers who want a flexible afternoon activity, especially if you've spent your morning exploring Ushuaia or Tierra del Fuego National Park.
Price and Value
At $190, many reviews consider this a worthwhile investment. The price covers transportation, boat ride, guided walks, and entry to the island, which many feel provides excellent value, especially considering the chance to walk among thousands of wild penguins.
The tour’s inclusion of biologist-guided commentary enhances the experience, giving depth to what you see. The small group atmosphere and passionate guides significantly boost the value, turning a simple wildlife viewing into a memorable educational experience.
Weather and Practical Tips
Weather is a factor here. Many reviews highlight that the tour is weather-dependent, and poor conditions might lead to cancellations or changes. Wind, rain, or rough seas could influence the boat ride or walking conditions.
Dressing appropriately is crucial—layers, waterproof clothes, and sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable. Despite the lack of on-site facilities like cafes or bathrooms on the island, the tour provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Some travelers mention the museum visit can be long and intense, so consider if that suits your interests.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re eager to see penguins in their natural environment and enjoy guided storytelling, this tour is a must-do. It appeals especially to wildlife lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. If you’re traveling with children or have mobility challenges, keep in mind it involves some walking and exposure to weather conditions.
It’s perfect for travelers looking for a full-day adventure with a mix of scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and educational moments. If your time in Ushuaia is limited but you want a meaningful wildlife experience, this tour offers good value and a memorable story to bring home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 8 hours, including transportation, boat ride, walking, and museum visit.
What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers air-conditioned transportation, a bilingual guide, boat ride to the island, and walking among the penguins. Entrance to the museum is not included.
What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes, as weather can be windy or rainy. The guides recommend being prepared for outdoor conditions.
Is the tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for those with reduced mobility due to walking on uneven terrain and exposure to weather.
Can I see whales on this tour?
Some travelers have reported seeing whales on the way back from the island, which adds an extra special touch.
What is the best time to book?
Booking approximately 26 days in advance is advised because the tour is popular and fills quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Walking with Penguins tour near Ushuaia blends scenic forest drives, wildlife encounters, and educational moments into an immersive day in Tierra del Fuego. The opportunity to walk among thousands of penguins in their natural environment is a highlight that many reviewers remember as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The guides’ expertise and passion make the day even more memorable, transforming a simple trip into a meaningful adventure.
While weather can sometimes interfere, proper planning and warm clothes make it manageable. The museum visit, while informative, may be lengthy for some — so if you’re mainly after penguins, it’s worth noting that part is optional.
For travelers who love animals, scenic landscapes, and appreciate guided insight, this tour provides excellent value for the price and an authentic glimpse into the life of Tierra del Fuego’s iconic penguins. It’s a full-day outing that will leave you with stories to tell and photos to cherish.
