Isla Martillo Penguins: The Ultimate Wildlife Experience in Ushuaia

Seeing the Isla Martillo penguins had been on our minds long before we arrived in Ushuaia. But for us, this wasn’t about ticking off another wildlife sighting — it was about experiencing penguins in Patagonia in a responsible and respectful way.

All in all, for us, wildlife travel has never been about collecting animal sightings. It’s about experiencing animals in their natural habitat, respectfully, quietly, and in a way that puts their wellbeing first.

That’s exactly why visiting the penguin colony on Isla Martillo became one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of our Patagonia journey.

If you’re looking for a responsible way to see penguins near Ushuaia, this is everything you should know.

Why the Isla Martillo Penguins Are So Special

Located in the Beagle Channel near Ushuaia, Isla Martillo is home to one of the most remarkable penguin colonies in Argentine Patagonia.

Unlike many wildlife tours built around speed and mass tourism, visiting Isla Martillo can still feel intimate and respectful — if you choose the right operator.

This small island is home to both Magellanic penguins and Gentoo penguins, and during breeding season, the island becomes a living, breathing wildlife sanctuary.

Watching penguins build nests, care for their eggs, rest in the grass, or return from the ocean is something no zoo, aquarium, or artificial wildlife attraction could ever replicate.

This is Patagonia at its most raw and beautiful.

Choosing a Responsible Penguin Tour Near Ushuaia

Before booking our tour, we spent a long time researching which operator actually prioritised the protection of the penguins.

That was non-negotiable for us.

We wanted:

• small group sizes
• strict wildlife protection rules
• minimal disturbance to the colony
• trained guides with conservation knowledge
• no mass tourism approach

This approach is essential for us while travelling and we found only one operator that truly aligned with these values.

Instead of large tourist crowds, the experience was carefully controlled to protect the island and its wildlife.

That made all the difference.

The Journey Through the Beagle Channel

Our tour started from the port of Ushuaia, where we boarded a boat and crossed the Beagle Channel.

The boat journey itself was already incredible.

We made stops near Sea Lion Island, where we observed a large sea lion colony directly from the boat, and we also spotted cormorants along the way. Passing Port Williams added another beautiful layer to the journey — the landscapes alone were worth it.

The boat ride to Estancia Harberton took around two hours and felt like part of the wildlife experience itself.

Slow travel at its best.

Estancia Harberton and the Transfer to Isla Martillo

Before reaching the penguin colony, all visitors stop at Estancia Harberton, a privately owned historic estancia.

Groups are intentionally kept small — around 20 people total — and then split into two even smaller groups.

While one group visits the estancia and museum, the other heads to Isla Martillo by Zodiac boat.

This system ensures that only around 10 people are on the island at the same time.

From a wildlife perspective, we loved this.

From a visitor perspective, the mandatory museum stop felt slightly restrictive, especially since access is tied to agreements with the private owners and you can’t move around freely.

Still, for us, protecting the penguins mattered far more than convenience.

Walking Among Isla Martillo Penguins

This was the moment we had been waiting for.

And honestly — it exceeded every expectation.

We had one hour on the island, guided by a specially trained expert who made sure everyone stayed together, kept a respectful distance, remained quiet, and fully respected the animals’ habitat.

At no point did it feel like tourism came before conservation.

That was exactly what made it so special.

We visited in November, and conditions were perfect: dry weather, calm skies, and temperatures that were cold, but comfortable.

We saw both Gentoo penguins and Magellanic penguins.

• Some were nesting.
• Some were swimming.
• Some were resting.
• Some were building nests.

Watching them simply exist in their natural environment was one of the most beautiful travel moments we’ve ever had.

It felt peaceful, humbling, and honestly unforgettable.

The hour passed far too quickly.

Best Time to See Penguins on Isla Martillo

The best time to visit Isla Martillo is during the Southern Hemisphere spring and summer, usually between October and March.

November is an especially beautiful time because many penguins are already nesting and breeding activity is in full swing.

If your goal is to experience active wildlife behaviour rather than simply spotting penguins from afar, this is one of the best months to go.

We visited in November and saw a lot of Magellanic penguins nesting.

Isla Martillo vs Punta Arenas – Which Penguin Experience Is Better?

Many travellers compare Isla Martillo with Isla Magdalena near Punta Arenas in Chile.

Both are fantastic, but they offer very different experiences.

Isla Martillo feels more intimate and conservation-focused, with very limited visitor numbers and guided walking access among the penguins. The wellbeing of the penguins was always ensured and in the focus of the guided tour.

Isla Magdalena is easier to access and often more popular for day trips from Punta Arenas, but it can feel more touristic depending on the season.

Therefore, for us, Isla Martillo felt more aligned with our philosophy of responsible wildlife travel.

It wasn’t about seeing more penguins. It was about seeing them better.

Therefore, if we had to choose all over again, we would definitely visit Isla Martillo.

You can always have a look at our Instagram-profile to get a much better view of the both penguins tour as we have published a view videos on our experience.

Final Thoughts on Responsible Penguin Travel in Patagonia

Wildlife travel should never be about getting closer.

It should be about understanding how to be less intrusive.

Our visit to Isla Martillo reminded us that the best wildlife encounters happen when humans take a step back.

Being one of only ten people allowed on the island at that moment made the experience feel incredibly special — but also like a privilege, not a right.

That mindset matters.

If you’re planning to see penguins near Ushuaia, choose the experience that protects them first.

The memory will be better because of it.

And honestly — it may become one of the most unforgettable moments of your entire Patagonia trip.

If you want to learn more about responsible wildlife watching, make sure to read our wildlife guide.