Walking With Penguins on Martillo Island: The Ultimate Ushuaia Experience

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Seeing penguins in the wild is special anywhere, but stepping onto a remote island in Patagonia while they casually waddle past you? That’s something else entirely. It felt surreal, emotional, and honestly a little unreal. It was one of those travel moments that instantly becomes a core memory.

Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, had been on my bucket list for years. Yes, I wanted to hike and explore the dramatic landscapes and wild nature, however there was one experience I was most excited about: walking with penguins on Martillo Island.

If you’re planning a trip to Ushuaia and wondering whether this experience is worth it, here’s everything you need to know — including how to book it, what it’s really like, and why it’s one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Patagonia.

Chilling amongst the penguins on Martillo island

Can You Really Walk With Penguins in Ushuaia?

Yes — but only if you book the right tour.

There are several penguin tours in Ushuaia, but most of them only allow you to see penguins from a boat while circling Martillo Island. That’s a great option if you’re short on time or if you’re on a tight budget, but it’s a completely different experience.

If you want to walk among penguins on Martillo Island, there is only one company that can legally offer this: Piratour. They are the only authorized operator allowed to land on the island and let visitors walk freely (and respectfully) among the penguins.

Walking with penguins on Martillo Island, Ushuaia

This is the exact tour I booked — and if walking with penguins is high on your bucket list, this is the one you want. I highly recommend booking this in advance like I did to make sure there are spots available.

Book the Walking With Penguins on Martillo Island Tour here

The tour costs around $250-300USD, which might feel steep at first, but this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that truly delivers. Only a small number of visitors are allowed per day, so booking in advance is essential — especially during peak season from November to February.

What the Walking With Penguins Tour Is Actually Like

The Journey to Martillo Island

The day starts with a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Ushuaia to Estancia Harberton, one of the oldest ranches in Tierra del Fuego. The landscape alone is worth the trip — wide open spaces, dramatic skies, and that rugged Patagonia feeling.

From the estancia, you board a small zodiac boat for a short 15-minute ride across the water. It’s a little bumpy, very exciting, and the moment you approach Martillo Island, you’ll already start spotting penguins standing along the shore.

That first glimpse felt unreal and for me it was one of those “this can’t actually be happening” moments.

Walking Among Penguins on Martillo Island

As soon as we stepped onto the island, we were surrounded by hundreds of penguins. Magellanic and Gentoo penguins were everywhere — standing in pairs, waddling between burrows, resting, digging, and completely ignoring us.

We were asked to keep about two meters (6 feet) of distance, but the penguins clearly didn’t care about that rule. Some of them walked right past us, close enough that I had to remind myself not to move.

I visited in January, which meant we were lucky enough to see baby penguins. They were already fairly grown but still covered in fluffy feathers, looking slightly awkward and incredibly cute. Watching them follow their parents around felt like stepping into a National Geographic documentary — except I was right there inside it.

If I ever come back, I’d love to visit even earlier in the season to see the babies when they’re a bit smaller. That’s officially on my Patagonia wish list now.

The hour on the island passed way too fast. At one point, I just stood still, watching the penguins go about their day, and tried to take it all in. No barriers. No zoo feeling. Just nature, as it is. It was pure magic!

Lunch Break at Estancia Harberton

After leaving the island, we returned to Estancia Harberton for about an hour. There’s a small café and restaurant on-site, and while prices are a bit high, it’s warm, cozy, and very convenient.

You don’t need to bring food unless you want to. Sitting down with something warm after being out on the island felt like the perfect way to slow things down and process what we’d just experienced. You can also wander around the area and take in the stunning scenery.

An Interesing Museum Visit

After lunch, we joined a guided visit to the nearby museum — and honestly, I didn’t expect much. But it turned out to be really interesting.

The museum is small and mostly run by volunteers, but the guide made it really fascinating. We learned about marine species living in the surrounding waters and how scientists study animals that live so deep below the surface they can only be examined once they’ve died and washed ashore.

One story that really stuck with me was about a species where the males’ teeth keep growing until they eventually die from asphyxiation — while the females live for decades longer.

Heading Back to Ushuaia

After the museum visit, it was time to head back to Ushuaia. The return journey takes about 1.5 hours, passing through beautiful Patagonian scenery.

This is almost a full-day tour, so I’d recommend not scheduling anything else for the same day. You’ll be tired, happy, and still thinking about penguins anyway. However, if you’re short on time in Ushuaia you can choose to explore more of the city afterwards.

Where to Stay in Ushuaia for Penguin Tours

You’ll need to walk to the meetup point in the city center quite early, so it’s nice to stay close to the city center, but other than that you just pick what suits you and your budget. Below are some of my favorite places to stay in Ushuaia if you need help picking a good spot.

Hostel Cruz del Sur ($25 per night)

This Hostel has simple, but cozy rooms where can choose between shared dorms or private rooms. It’s in the heart of the city with a friendly vibe.

Hostel Los Cormoranes ($70 per night)

Los Cormoranes offers a quieter vibe with clean rooms and a shared kitchen. It’s a short walk to restaurants and shops, and feels like a home base rather than a party spot — ideal if you want calm evenings.

Hotel Albatros ($200 per night)

A longtime favorite in Ushuaia for travelers who want more comfort without a luxury price tag. Spacious rooms, excellent service, and panoramic views over the Beagle Channel make it a standout. The location is just a few blocks from the waterfront — perfect for afternoon walks and ferry departures.

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa ($370 per night)

If you’re going to splurge, Arakur should be at the top of your list. Set above Ushuaia in a private nature reserve with its own trail network, it feels like a mountain lodge and a luxury spa all in one. The views are extraordinary, the spa is perfect after long days of hiking, and the setting is truly unique.

Why Walking With Penguins on Martillo Island Is So Special

If you’re traveling to Ushuaia, don’t miss this experience. Walking with penguins on Martillo Island is one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters you can have in Patagonia. There are very few places in the world where you can walk freely among penguins in their natural habitat. Unlike zoo experiences or crowded tours where you’re stuck behind a rope, this felt wild, untouched, and completely magical.

Check availability for the Martillo Island Walking With Penguins Tour here

This is the exact tour I booked and loved.

If you have any questions about walking with the penguins, hiking in Patagonia or travel in Argentina in general, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid