Ushuaia: Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

Martillo Island is the star of this Beagle Channel catamaran cruise, where you watch Magellanic and Gentoo penguins from the boat rather than walking ashore. Along the way, you pass sea lions, cormorants, historic wreck sites, Chilean territory, and the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.

I like the comfortable boat, useful for a long ride, and the careful stops that give you time to photograph wildlife. I also like the price, $92, which is among the cheaper ways to reach Penguin Island. The catch is simple: you spend nearly six hours on the water, and some passengers find the return trip long or the guide’s microphone hard to hear.

Key points to know before you book

• Penguins from the water: You see Magellanic and Gentoo penguins along Martillo Island, but you do not get off the catamaran.
• A full Beagle Channel route: The cruise includes Sea Lion Island, Bird Island, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Estancia Remolino, Gable Island, and views toward Chile.
• Comfort for a long outing: The boat has indoor seating, outdoor viewing decks, bathrooms, and a café.
• Wildlife is never guaranteed: Sea lions, cormorants, penguins, whales, and dolphins depend on weather, animal movement, and the captain’s decisions.
• Dress for cold and wind: Even on a pleasant day, the lower deck can feel chilly. Bring warm outdoor clothing, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Good value, with limits: At $92 per person, the trip is fairly priced for a long wildlife cruise, though food, drinks, and port transfers cost extra.

Sailing out from Ushuaia at 3 p.m.

You meet at Tolkeyen Patagonia’s blue office at the tourist pier. Be there 30 minutes before the 3 p.m. departure. You arrange your own way to the port, so leave enough time to find the office and board without a last-minute dash.

The first stretch gives you a useful introduction to Ushuaia from the water. As the catamaran pulls away, you see the city spread along the shore, with the Maritime Museum, the End of the World Museum, the industrial area, Mount Olivia, and Mount Cinco Hermanos in view.

This part is more than a slow warm-up. It helps you understand Ushuaia’s setting at the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego. The city looks compact from the channel, while the mountains rise sharply behind it. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole first hour outside. You have many more viewing stops ahead, and the wind can be tiring.

The exact boat can vary according to the company’s operations. Still, the usual setup includes indoor seating, outside decks, bathrooms, and a café. You can buy refreshments onboard, but food and drinks are not included in the $92 fare.

Sea lions and cormorants in the Beagle Channel

The catamaran heads toward Sea Lion Island, where sea lions gather on the rocks. The captain slows near the colony so you can watch the animals interact in their natural setting. This is a good early wildlife stop because you see the animals without leaving the boat or disturbing the colony.

Next comes Bird Island, home to Magellanic Cormorants and Imperial Cormorants. From a distance, cormorants can look a bit like penguins, especially when they sit upright on the rocks. They are birds built for the sea, but they fly, unlike penguins.

The crew points out marine life and explains what you are seeing in English and Spanish. The quality of the announcements can matter on a trip like this. On some sailings, the sound system has been difficult to hear from parts of the lower deck, so I would choose a seat where you can see the guide or speakers clearly. The scenery remains worthwhile, but the background information adds much more to the ride.

The catamaran may also encounter whales or dolphins. Humpback whales and dolphins have appeared during some outings, and captains have slowed or repositioned the boat to give people a better view. Treat this as a lucky extra, not as part of the promised wildlife list. Nature sets the schedule here.

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and two shipwreck stories

The boat then reaches the Les Eclaireurs archipelago and its well-known lighthouse. The lighthouse is often called the Lighthouse at the End of the World, though that nickname can create confusion with another lighthouse farther away. What matters on this cruise is the striking red-and-white tower rising from the small rocky islet.

The lighthouse is linked with the story of the Mount Cervantes, a vessel that wrecked in 1930. The captain usually allows enough time for photographs, and this is one of the places where moving between the indoor and outdoor decks pays off. The best view may not remain on your side of the boat for long.

The route continues along the southern coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego toward Estancia Remolino. Here you hear about the Mount Sarmiento, which ran aground in the area. These shipwreck stories give the cruise a human side. You are not simply passing rocks and water. You are following a route shaped by difficult navigation, strong weather, and the working life of the channel.

Expect the boat to pause or alter its course based on conditions. The published order of stops can change, and the captain may adjust the route if wildlife moves or the weather turns. That flexibility is part of a wildlife cruise, even if it makes the timetable less exact.

Crossing toward Chile and Navarino Island

The catamaran crosses the Beagle Channel from north to south, with views of Gable Island and the Port Williams Navy Base on Navarino Island in Chile. You are looking across an international boundary, even though there is no border crossing or shore visit.

Port Williams adds a useful geographic detail to the journey. The channel is not just a scenic corridor beside Ushuaia. It separates parts of Argentina and Chile, and the boat’s route shows how close the two countries are at the southern end of South America.

This crossing can feel exposed. The boat may move smoothly in calm weather, but conditions can change quickly, and the return ride can be bumpy. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon and consider staying near the center of the vessel rather than spending the entire trip at the bow.

The upper deck often gives you the clearest views, but it is also the coldest place to sit. One practical tip is to claim a comfortable indoor seat early, then step outside at each wildlife stop. You get warmth between sightings without giving up the photographs.

Martillo Island, the penguin highlight

Martillo Island is the main reason to choose this cruise. During the southern summer, Magellanic and Gentoo penguins nest along the island’s shore. The boat follows the coastline so you can watch the colony from the water.

The catamaran can approach close enough for strong photographs, though the distance depends on navigation rules, weather, and the position of the penguins. You do not land on Martillo Island during this excursion. That distinction matters. If your main goal is to walk among penguins, you need to compare this boat-based outing with a land-access option. If you want a comfortable way to see the colony while adding a full channel cruise, this trip makes more sense.

Crowd management can affect the penguin stop. Many people naturally head to the bow, which may offer the most direct view. If a small group holds that area for the whole stop, people farther back can struggle to get a clear photograph. I would move around early, use the side decks as well as the front, and avoid assuming that the first good spot will remain yours.

You should also keep your expectations realistic about viewing time. The catamaran spends much of the day getting to and from Martillo Island, so the penguin stop itself may feel short compared with the total duration. That is the trade-off for combining penguins with the lighthouse, sea lions, cormorants, islands, and channel scenery in one outing.

The long return through Tierra del Fuego

After the penguin viewing, the boat returns toward Ushuaia along a route that includes views of Estancia Tunnel and Estancia Fique. By now, you have been onboard for several hours, so comfort and weather matter more than they did at the start.

Some people enjoy the quiet ride back and the changing views. Others find nearly six hours of navigation a lot for a cruise with no shore landing. I would choose this experience only if you genuinely enjoy being on the water. The penguins alone may not justify the long ride for someone who wants a short wildlife visit.

The return can also produce surprises. Dolphins or whales may appear, and the captain may pause to give everyone a look. On another day, the water may be empty. The tour cannot control that part, and the published sights should be your reason for booking, not a hoped-for whale encounter.

Is $92 a fair price?

At $92 per person, this is a reasonable price for a nearly six-hour guided catamaran cruise in Ushuaia. You get the ferry ride, bilingual guide service, several wildlife locations, the lighthouse, and a long route through the Beagle Channel.

The value is strongest if you want several sights in one outing. Paying for a boat that reaches Martillo Island, Sea Lion Island, Bird Island, and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse can make sense when your time in Ushuaia is limited.

The value is weaker if you measure the price only by minutes spent near penguins. You do not receive food or drinks, and you do not walk on the island. The café is useful, but you pay separately for anything you buy. Port transfers are also not included.

I would call this a solid mid-range choice rather than a bargain. It costs less than some other penguin options, but the long sailing time and boat-only viewing should be clear before you pay.

Comfort, clothing, and photography tips

Bring warm layers, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and outdoor clothing. The sun can be strong on the water, while wind can make the temperature feel much lower. A waterproof outer layer is sensible for a boat trip, though the supplied information does not promise specific equipment.

The boat has indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and the upper floor is often the better choice for broad views. One useful compromise is to sit inside when the catamaran is moving fast, then go outside when the captain reaches wildlife or scenic stops.

For photographs, keep your phone or camera ready before the boat arrives. Wildlife can shift position quickly, and the best viewing area can become crowded. Try the side decks instead of waiting only for the bow. You may get a cleaner angle there, especially when the boat turns.

Do not bring pets or drones. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but the vessel layout and access details are not specified, so you should confirm any particular mobility needs before booking.

Cancellation and weather planning

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Ushuaia schedule depends on weather or flight timing.

Bad weather or a port closure can cancel the navigation. The operator will try to reschedule, and if that is not possible, the amount paid is refunded. Since conditions in the Beagle Channel can change, I would avoid placing this cruise on the same day as an important flight or other fixed appointment.

The listed itinerary is a guide, not a guarantee. The captain can change the order of stops or adjust the route because of wind, sea conditions, animal movement, or port rules.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see penguins without arranging a separate land excursion, enjoy long scenic boat rides, and like having several wildlife and history stops in one day. It also suits photographers who are prepared to move around the boat and work with changing views.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the indoor seating, bathrooms, and café. The bilingual guide service makes the trip more accessible to English- and Spanish-speaking passengers.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, suffer badly from seasickness, need a short activity, or want to walk among penguins. The cruise is also less appealing if you expect constant narration. The route has useful information, but sound quality can vary, and some parts of the return are simply open-water travel.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a full Beagle Channel outing with penguins as the main prize and sea lions, cormorants, a lighthouse, islands, and shipwreck stories along the way. At $92, it offers a fair amount for the money, provided you accept boat-based viewing and a nearly six-hour schedule.

Skip it in favor of a shorter or land-based option if your only priority is time with penguins. For everyone else, this is a comfortable and well-rounded way to experience the water around Ushuaia, with enough wildlife and scenery to make the long ride worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran depart?

It departs from the tourist pier in Ushuaia. Check in at Tolkeyen Patagonia’s blue office at the pier.

What time should I arrive?

Departure is at 3 p.m., and you must present yourself 30 minutes before departure.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or about five and a half hours. Some outings can take longer because of wildlife sightings or navigation conditions.

Do I get off the boat on Martillo Island?

No. You view the penguin colony from the catamaran as it follows the island’s coastline.

Which penguin species can I see?

The colony includes Magellanic penguins and Gentoo penguins, also called Papua penguins in the activity description.

Can I see sea lions?

Yes. The route includes Sea Lion Island, where you can watch sea lions from the boat.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A café is available onboard for refreshments.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A live guide is included, with commentary in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, outdoor clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

Can the cruise be canceled?

Yes. The navigation can be canceled because of bad weather or port closure. The operator will try to reschedule it, or provide a full refund if rescheduling is not possible.