There is a fantastic place called Martillo Island where penguins live in Ushuaia. There, they have found an extraordinary home and established their rookeries, where the number of breeding pairs has grown remarkably. From 519 nests in 1992 to nearly 2,000 nests in 2005.. This small island, located just 15 kilometers from Ushuaia, has become a natural sanctuary for the “guardians of the ice”: the Magellanic penguins and a smaller colony of gentoo penguins.

In fact, Martillo Island, spanning 32 hectares, offers the perfect environment to observe these fascinating birds in their natural habitat. The ideal season to visit runs from October to April, when the penguins arrive to breed and raise their chicks. During this period, visitors can witness a unique spectacle: the males arrive first to claim their nests, followed by the breeding season, which lasts between 70 and 100 days.

We’ll share the most relevant information so you won’t feel overwhelmed by too many details and can have everything you need to plan your visit to Penguin Island—from the best times for spotting them to the most important facts about the species you’ll encounter in this incredible place.

When to Visit Martillo Island to See Penguins in Ushuaia

The pairs begin to arrive in the spring to occupy their nests and prepare for incubation, which lasts between 40 and 50 days depending on the species.

Visiting the penguin colony on Martillo Island requires careful planning, mainly because these fascinating animals are only present in the region during specific months of the year.

If you want to ensure penguin sightings in Ushuaia, you should plan your trip between October and April. During this summer period, these migratory birds arrive on the Fuegian coast for their breeding season. In fact, the official season confirmed for 2024–2025 specifically extends from October 10th to April 10th.

Although the entire season offers wonderful experiences, the months from November to March are the peak of the breeding activity. During this time, penguins build their nests using stones and twigs, mate, and lay their eggs. The pairs then take turns incubating the eggs for approximately 40 days.

For those who wish to witness the hatching of the chicks, January and February are particularly special. During these months, the eggs begin to hatch, and the adult penguins care for their young for about two months until they are ready to fend for themselves in the sea.

In winter, around 20 pairs usually remain on the island, and during some months, guided walks are offered to see them.

Given all of the above, the conclusion regarding their presence is that outside of this season, you will find a few penguins on Martillo Island, as these beautiful birds migrate north in search of warmer waters. Therefore, if one of your main goals is to see penguins in Tierra del Fuego, you should avoid planning your trip between May and September.

The Penguin Species That Inhabit Martillo Island

A few species of penguins inhabit Martillo Island. Here, you’ll find exceptional biological value—not just one, but multiple penguin species—making it a unique destination for birdwatching in South America.

The predominant species is the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), easily identifiable by their distinctive black plumage on the upper body and white underside, with a characteristic black band across the chest, Magellanic penguins are the most striking inhabitants of the island. They build impressive nests in the island’s peaty soil, some stretching over a meter in length.
The colony is divided into two areas: the main one on a terrace with shrubs and grasslands, and another in a dense coastal forest—an unusual habitat for this species.

The island’s standout ornithological species is its gentoo penguin colony (Pygoscelis papua), which represents the only breeding population of this species in all of South America. These penguins, recognizable by their bright orange beak and a white patch above the eyes, began nesting on the island in the mid-1980s. Their presence has grown steadily over the years, increasing from just one pair in 1992–1993 to nine pairs in 2003.
Unlike the Magellanic penguins, gentoo penguins remain on the island year-round.

Occasionally, you may also spot individuals of the majestic king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus patagonicus), one of the largest species along with the emperor penguins, these individuals are rare, with only a few breeding pairs present.

Completing this extraordinary group, it is possible to find a few yellow-crested penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome). Outside of the Falkland Islands, Martillo Island is the only accessible place in southern Argentina where these four penguin species can coexist.

A noteworthy fact is that, due to the scarcity of natural predators, Martillo Island provides an ideal habitat for these penguin species to live and thrive.

Tour Options for Penguin Watching in Tierra del Fuego

The most popular option is the navigation through the Beagle Channel. with a stop at Martillo Island, this tour departs from the Ushuaia tourist pier, lasts approximately 5 hours, and operates daily during the penguin season.
Along the way, in addition to the penguin colony, you’ll also visit Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often mistakenly referred to as the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.”

It is recommended to bring waterproof warm clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat, gloves, and sunscreen to ensure the excursion is as safe and enjoyable as possible. This tour includes a stop in front of the island, where the penguins can be observed from the boat. There are also options that allow you to walk on the island and observe the penguins up close.

Essential Preparations for Your Visit to Penguin Island

First of all, book well in advance.. The walking tours on Martillo Island have limited spots (some allow only 40 people per departure) and sell out quickly, especially during peak season. The most forward-thinking travelers secure their spots 5 to 6 months in advance to avoid missing out on this unique experience.

Weather conditions in the Beagle Channel can change suddenly, so being properly equipped will allow you to focus on the experience without additional concerns.

Also, keep in mind that some excursions are subject to cancellation due to bad weather. In such cases, they are generally rescheduled for another day. At Ushuaia Travel, we make sure to clearly inform our clients about this, as they need to be aware of the possible weather-related changes that may occur.

If you choose the experience of walking among the penguins, you must strictly follow the behavior guidelines: maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the birds, do not smoke, do not eat, do not touch anything in the environment, and watch your step to avoid damaging the underground nests.