If you want to see penguins in Ushuaia then there’s only one tour you can take – this one.

There is only one company authorized to offer tours on the island itself, allowing you to walk among the two breeds of penguins that live here: Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.

NOTE: Both breeds of penguins are only on Martillo Island in Ushuaia from mid-October through mid-April.

The tour starts with a drive down Ruta 3 to reach Estancia Haberton.

You’ll tour the estancia and take a 15 minute ride in a zodiac boat (covered and safe from the elements) to Martillo Island.

Here you’ll spend an hour on the island viewing the penguins.

We LOVED, LOVED this tour. Because, obviously, we love penguins and this was one of the best places to see penguins in Patagonia.

The group of 40 splits into two once it arrives at

berton. While one group visits the penguin colony, the other visits the fascinating marine wildlife museum, Museo Acatushun. Then the groups swap places before returning to Ushuaia.

Estancia Harberton is closed on Tuesdays. If you book on Tuesdays you will see the penguins but will miss the museum. Try not to book on Tuesdays, the museum and the beauty of the estancia is well worth it!

Click here to reserve your Isla Martillo Penguin tour.