Penguins in Ushuaia: season, best months and how to book
Quick answer: Visits to the Martillo Island penguin colony take place between October and March, the period when the penguins are on the island, according to C5N (January 2026). There are Magellanic and gentoo penguins. Other guides extend their presence to April: the exact dates are set by each operator.
Updated November 4, 2026.
When are there penguins in Ushuaia?
The Martillo Island colony is in the Beagle Channel and receives the penguins during the austral spring and summer. The C5N article places visits between October and March; other travel sources speak of October to April. Because the sources do not agree, the safe departure date is the one on the partner's booking.
Outside that season the colony is practically empty, so the tours that depend on it are not offered all year.
Which species you can see
C5N mentions Magellanic and gentoo penguins on the tour with a walk on the island.
Watching from the boat or with a landing
According to C5N, there are two options: from the vessel (visitors stay on the catamaran and watch from the deck) and with a landing, in a small group, with guides and marked trails. The daily quota for the landing is very limited and booking weeks in advance is recommended. Each partner details on its page what its departure includes.
Penguin tours from our list
| Tour | Duration (partner) | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| Martillo Island penguins by boat | 4 h 30 min | ARS $ 208,717 (≈ US$ 134) |
| Puerto Almanza + Martillo Island penguins | 5 h 30 min | ARS $ 235,275 (≈ US$ 151) |
| King Crab Route + Martillo Island penguins | 7 hours | ARS $ 361,218 (≈ US$ 232) |
| Walk among penguins on Martillo Island | 8 hours | ARS $ 823,803 (≈ US$ 530) |
| Gable Island and Martillo Island penguins + Beagle Channel canoeing | 10 to 11 hours | ARS $ 575,109 (≈ US$ 370) |
| King penguin reserve | 12 hours | ARS $ 1,088,044 (≈ US$ 700) |
Reference prices per person, converted from reais at the 30/10/2026 exchange rate (1 BRL = 286 ARS = 0.184 USD) and collected from partner pages in November 2026. The final price is the one the partner shows at checkout.
To compare them in more detail, see the guide on which tour to choose.
Tips for booking in season
- Book in advance in December, January and February.
- Choose a morning departure if you want to keep the afternoon free for another tour; durations are in the table.
- Read the partner's description: it sets the schedule, minimum age and what happens if the weather prevents sailing.
Quick questions
When is the penguin season in Ushuaia?
Visits take place between October and March, according to C5N; other guides go up to April. Confirm the date with the partner.
Which penguins are on Martillo Island?
Magellanic and gentoo, according to C5N.
Do you need to book in advance?
For the landing on the island, yes: C5N states a very limited daily quota and recommends booking weeks in advance.
Sources
- C5N, January 2026: the Martillo Island penguin colony
- Prices and durations: public partner pages (Civitatis and GetYourGuide), November 2026
