Walking with penguins is an experience that can only be experienced in the southern hemisphere
at
Nature
WALKING
WITH PENGUINS
ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE ...
Departing from the tourist dock in Ushuaia, we drive in our modern mini buses towards northeast along Nationals route 3 & J, the legendary road to Estancia Harberton (the first farm on the island, founded in 1886 by the Anglican missionary Thomas Bridges, located 90 Km from Ushuaia, on the Beagle Channel).
We sail from Harberton harbor to Martillo Island, a 15-minute ride on a semi-rigid boat (vessel capable of navigation in the area).
On the island, we will walk for 1 hour along with Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, always with a guide, experiencing a unique adventure only with us! During summertime, penguins establish on the island. They share the habitat with other birds, such as skúas (their main predator), petrels, cormorants, vultures and South American terns.
Martillo Island, on the Beagle Channel, is part of the Estancia Harberton, and home to Magellanic penguins between September and April. The rookery hosts around 1000 nests and is one of the three Magellanic penguin rookeries in Tierra del Fuego. There is also a small colony of 9 breeding couples of gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis Papua), the only one in South America. A limited area of the nesting area can be visited nowadays with a tour guide.
The first chicks are born in mid-November and first weeks of December and stay in their nests for around a month. They can’t walk nor stand up on their own, and their parents will have to nourish them for some time. Once the chicks are two months old, they’re big and strong enough to walk on their own and start to come out of their nests, but if they sense danger they quickly go back in to get protection.
During the last days of January, the chick will have reached around sixty/seventy days of age, weighing nearly as much as an adult penguin. They then start molting their baby feathers and get the juvenile plumage, and will soon leave the rookery. These juveniles may stay at sea for many years until they come back to the island; others may come back every year until they reach adulthood.
IMPORTANT:
- The visit to Estancia Harberton is done only at the confirmed departures of the 14.30 hs. On Tuesdays the stay is closed.
- Depending on the days and times available, the tour may include a visit to Puerto Almanza where you will stop for a moment to enjoy hot drinks and sweet snacks. (not included)
- The order of activities may be modified according to the operation and climate.
SEASON
NOVEMBER TO MARCH
DIFFICULTY
EASY
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH – SPANISH
DURATION
HALF DAY – 6 HS.
IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT
Nature in its purest form, keeping protection distance from penguins.
ITINERARY
14:00 – Check-in at the tourist pier
14:30 – Departure by bus
16:00 – Arrival at Estancia Harberton
17:00 – Crossing to Isla Martillo and walk with penguins
18:30 – Departure of Harberton by bus
20:00 – Arrival to Ushuaia
DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Write to us. Our specialized team will contact you shortly. Usually within 24 hours.
INCLUDED
✔ Transfers from the tourist pier to Estancia Harberton (round trip).
✔ Sailing 10 minutes in zodiac to Martillo Island (round trip).
✔ Hike with penguins for 50 minutes.
NOT INCLUDED
✖ Transfer from the accomodation up to tourist pier
✖ Entrance fee to Estancia Harberton
✖ Meals or drinks (in case of stop for a snack or breakfast)
DEPARTURE
Tourist pier (optional: transfer from hotel to tourist pier)
SCHEDULE
Summer
14:00 hs.
The schedule can be modified
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Important: in order not to break this delicate balance or interfere with your daily habits, it is recommended to be silent to appreciate the magic of nature in its purest state and not disturb them. They cannot be fed or touched. When using your cameras photographs make sure you do not use flash. The guides of the Hammer Island will remind us at all times these recommendations to live an afternoon that will remain in the memory of this unforgettable trip.
- We recommend to wear a cap or hat, buff, waterproof jacket, trekking shoes, gloves and sunglasses.
- The visit to Estancia Harberton is done only at the confirmed departures of the 14.30 hs. On Tuesdays the ranch is closed. At the departures of 15.30 and 16.00 hs will not be charged entry to Estancia Harberton
- Depending on the days and times available, the tour can include a visit to Puerto Almanza where you will stop for a moment to enjoy hot drinks and sweet snacks.
- The order of activities may be modified according to the operation and climate.
