Gable Island and Penguin Watching in Ushuaia

5.0/5 Stars - Based on 5 Reviews

Gable Island and Beagle Channel Expedition: Canoes, Penguins and Trekking

Explore the end of the world like few others do! Immerse yourself in the pristine Tierra del Fuego with a comprehensive full-day journey combining sailing, trekking, and unspoiled nature on the Beagle Channel.

The best part of the tour

🛶 Canoe adventure: Row through the Guaraní Pass through the waters of the Beagle Channel.
🐧 Fauna on Isla Martillo: Boat tour of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, along with sea lions and seabirds.
🥾 Trekking and history on Gable Island: Hike through virgin forests, beaver dams and legacies of ancient settlers.
🍷 Exclusive Lunch: Full meal with drinks in a natural refuge in the middle of the island.
🏡 Harberton Ranch and return: Visit to the legendary southern ranch and photo stops on the way to Ushuaia.
10 hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Centrally located hotels in Ushuaia - From 8:00 am
Centrally located hotels in Ushuaia - Approx. 6:00 pm

About this tour

The excursion begins with a transfer from the central hotels of Ushuaia towards the Lasifashaj River area, passing through the characteristic landscapes of Tierra del Fuego.

Once there, we will receive safety instruction and the necessary equipment for navigation , including rubber boots, overtrousers, life jacket, paddle and canoe.

We will begin our canoe trip through the Guarani Pass of the Beagle Channel , surrounded by forests, mountains, and virtually untouched coastlines. During the journey, we will have the opportunity to observe different species of birds and, depending on conditions, sea lions and other representatives of the local fauna .

We will continue our boat trip to Isla Martillo , one of the highlights of the excursion. From the boat, we will be able to observe Magellanic and Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat.

Important: The viewing is done from the boat. This excursion does not include the descent to Isla Martillo or a walk among the penguins.

Next, we`ll arrive at Gable Island , where we`ll enjoy a lunch prepared on-site, accompanied by drinks. After lunch, we`ll take an interpretive walk around the island , exploring its forests of lenga, coihue, ñire, and canelo trees, and observing features that reveal the natural and cultural history of the region.

The tour also allows you to discover beaver dams, vestiges linked to the Yámana people and old testimonies of the presence of Anglican missionaries .

From the higher areas of the island we can contemplate the Beagle Channel and its glacial formations , before embarking on the voyage towards the Estancia Harberton area.

Once there, the vehicle will be waiting to begin the return trip to Ushuaia. Along the way, we will make a brief stop for photographs at the famous Flag Tree , subject to road conditions.

Option without canoes

Passengers who prefer to avoid the canoe activity can opt for an alternative without canoeing , which includes a more extensive visit to the area of the main house of Estancia Harberton and then sailing to Isla Gable and Isla Martillo to observe penguins from the boat.

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What's included

  • Transfers to/from centrally located hotels in Ushuaia; Entrance to Harberton Ranch; Bilingual Spanish/English guide; Necessary navigation equipment; Interpretive walk on Gable Island; Lunch and drinks during lunch

Not included

  • Port taxes. Extras not mentioned as included in the itinerary. Penguin walk on Martillo Island

🧥 Waterproof jacket. 🧣 Coat or fleece jacket. 👟 Waterproof footwear. 🧢 Hat. 🕶️ Sunglasses. 🧦 An extra pair of socks to change into after canoeing.

- Starter: Chicken meatballs (vegetarian option: spinach fritters) with lettuce and tomato salad. - Main course: Mushroom risotto. - Dessert: Brownie. - Drinks: Red wine, soft drinks, mineral water. *Please indicate any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

* Please note that penguin watching is done from the boat. There is no disembarkation on the island. * Minimum 2 passengers, Maximum 20. * Children under 4 years old cannot participate in this excursion. To board the canoes, passengers must be 5 years old or older. Children under 4 years old must take the option without canoes. Harberton Ranch is closed on Tuesdays. This excursion may be subject to change due to weather conditions - please inquire about available times. Harberton Ranch will be closed from December 25th to January 2nd.

Location

Rates

From ARS 891,008 ARS 712,806

Group Service

From ARS 899,695 ARS 719,756

Includes: Entrance to Harberton Ranch, Transfer, Spanish/English speaking guides, Canoeing equipment, Penguin watching, Lunch with drinks.

Starts 08:30 10 hours Español, English
Operates: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Private Service

From ARS 1,538,556 ARS 1,230,845

Includes: Entrance to Harberton Ranch, Transfer, Spanish/English speaking guides, Canoeing equipment, Penguin watching, Lunch with drinks.

Starts 08:30 10 hours Español, English
Operates: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
CANCELACION
48hs Before The Trip
COSTO
Average
DIFICULTAD
Moderate
VIAJERO

Frequently asked questions

The Gable Island and penguin watching excursion includes transportation to and from your accommodation in Ushuaia, an expert guide who will provide detailed information about the local flora and fauna, and all scheduled activities. It also includes a cruise to Martillo Island to observe the Magellanic and Gentoo penguin colony. A picnic lunch is also provided to enjoy the complete experience of being in contact with Patagonian nature. This excursion is ideal for nature lovers and those interested in landscape and wildlife photography.

The best time to take the Gable Island excursion and go penguin watching in Ushuaia is during the southern hemisphere summer, between October and March. During this period, the weather is warmer and sea conditions are more favorable for sailing. This is also the time when penguins are present on Martillo Island, making the experience an enriching one. It's also important to consider that during these months, there are more daylight hours to fully enjoy each activity and contemplate the Patagonian landscapes in all their splendor.

To fully enjoy your Gable Island excursion and penguin watching, it's recommended to wear comfortable, warm clothing suitable for the Patagonian climate. A waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and a good pair of hiking boots are essential. Don't forget your camera or phone with enough battery to capture the wonderful views and local wildlife. It's also advisable to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun and glare. Finally, bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

The Gable Island and penguin watching excursion lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours. The itinerary begins with a transfer from your accommodation in Ushuaia to the port, where you will board the ship and begin sailing to Martillo Island. During the voyage, you will make a stop to observe Magellanic and gentoo penguins in their natural habitat. Then, you will continue to Gable Island for a guided hike along its scenic trails. The tour also includes a picnic lunch before returning to Ushuaia. A full day immersed in nature.

The Gable Island and penguin watching excursion is suitable for families, including young children, as long as certain precautions are taken. It's important to consider that the activity involves hiking and open-water sailing, so it's recommended that children be accustomed to this type of excursion. It's also vital to equip them with weather-appropriate clothing and bring entertainment for the trip. Checking with the tour operator in advance about accessibility and specific requirements can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
5.0 5 reviews
5.0

Great experience in Ushuaia

If you are visiting Ushuaia, consider the tour Gable Island And Penguin Watching. We had a really great time!

Hellen
5.0

Visita a Ushuaia

Se você for visitar Ushuaia, você deve considerar o tour Ilha Gable E Avistamento De Pinguim. Vair ser uma experiência daquelas!

Jan 26 2019 6:49AM
5.0

ÎLE DE GABLE

EXCELLENT TOUR À USHUAIA !! Nous l'avons fait dans un canoë et c'était génial de le faire comme ça pour le sentir plus dans le corps. Les endroits que nous avons vus impressionnants: l'un meilleur que l'autre. Très bien la visite au pays des pingouins et spectaculaire le Gable Island, qui est le plat principal mais croyez-moi, tout le circuit en vaut la peine!

Martiniano
5.0

GABLE ISLAND

AUSGEZEICHNETE TOUR IN USHUAIA !! Wir haben es in einem Kanu gemacht und es war toll, es so zu tun, um es mehr im Körper zu fühlen. Die Orte, die wir gesehen haben, sind beeindruckend: einer besser als der andere. Sehr gut der Besuch im Land der Pinguine und spektakulär das Gable Island, das ist der Hauptgang, aber glauben Sie mir, die ganze Tour lohnt sich!

Martiniano
5.0

ISLA GABLE

EXCELENTE TOUR EN USHUAIA!! Nosotros lo hicimos en canoa y estuvo genial hacerlo asi para sentirlo mas en el cuerpo. Los lugares que vimos impresionantes: uno mejor que el otro. Muy buena la visita a la tierra de los pinguinos y espectacular la Isla Gable, que es el plato principal pero creanme que todo el recorrido vale la pena!

Martiniano
From ARS 891,008 ARS 712,806

Price from, per person ARS 891,008.00 ARS 712,806.00

October 2026
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