Birdwatching Boat Trips in Argentina: Our Top 6

1.Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 439 reviews · 5 hours · from $180Our pick

Cruise from Ushuaia to Martillo Island aboard a modern catamaran, stopping near Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. A Spanish and English-speaking guide explains the wildlife and the 1930 SS Monte Cervantes wreck. You watch Magellanic and gentoo penguins from the boat, with a heated cabin, snacks, and drinks available.

“Really fun way to get up close to the penguins. Also saw other sea life -- sea lions and various birds -- but the penguins are the main show. The scenery is spectacular and the guide was knowledgeable and informative. Her English was good and she was very attentive. Don't miss this if you are in Ushuaia.”

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2.Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 436 reviews · 5h 30m · from $92Cheapest here

You’ll spend about five and a half hours aboard a catamaran from Ushuaia, with guides speaking English and Spanish. The route passes sea lions, cormorants, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Chilean islands, and Martillo Island, where Magellanic and Gentoo penguins gather in summer. You watch the colony from the boat, not from shore.

“Lovely trip boat is comfortable and does really well on ensuring all get a chance to get up close to the sights”

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3.Catamaran Tour through the Beagle Channel and Penguins in Isla Martillo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 124 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $240

Sail from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel with bilingual guidance, stopping near seabird and sea lion colonies, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Martillo Island. You stay aboard while the catamaran circles close to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. The boat has restrooms, a café, indoor seating, and outdoor viewing decks.

“We managed a great weather day and also lots of sea lions and penguins to be seen. Quite a leisurely day and the cafe on board was good too, they had a great way of queuing around the boat so everyone gets a great opportunity to see the penguins and take pictures making it really fair for all. The guide was really knowledgable too, a great day out.”

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4.Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 108 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $177

Sail from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island, watching Magellanic penguins from a comfortable catamaran. Along the way, your guide points out sea lions, cormorants, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, mountain views, Puerto Williams, and local history. This shared tour does not include walking on the island.

“This was a lovely and memorable experience, and one I would absolutely recommend. Seeing the penguins in their natural habitat was a real highlight. We observed them from the boat, which felt respectful and in line with responsible tourism practices. It was disappointing to see another tour operator arrive and walk on the island itself — I really hope this is something that will be restricted or stopped in the near future, as watching wildlife without disturbing it is so important. The scenery along the Beagle Channel was stunning, and the overall experience was smooth, well organised, and easy to enjoy. Everything ran on time and the crew were professional…”

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5.Beagle Channel Boat Tour and Penguin Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 86 reviews · 9h 30m · from $449

Spend a full day pairing a close penguin encounter with a Beagle Channel cruise. A bilingual guide such as Fabricio leads the one-hour walk on Martillo Island, while the boat ride visits sea lion and bird colonies, Bridges Islands, and Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. The order depends on availability, and Harberton Ranch is closed Tuesdays.

“We were lucky with the weather, a fabulous day. The guides gave us lots of info about penguins.”

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6.Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 55 reviews · 5 hours · from $177

Spend about five hours sailing from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel to Martillo Island. Along the way, you’ll see sea lions, cormorants, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Ushuaia’s waterfront, and possibly the wreck of the SS Monte Cervantes. A live guide speaks English or Spanish, and hotel pickup may be available.

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