Have you ever dreamed of walking with penguins in Argentina? Does the idea of putting on a striped blazer and a bow tie to do a little choreographed dance with them, like in Mary Poppins, speak to your soul? Then this is the post for you. At least for the walking with penguins in Argentina part. I can’t really help you with the second part, because it turns out that penguins are better at napping in the sun and screaming into the sky than they are at dancing. Keep reading to see how you can walk amongst the penguins in Argentina, with a quick trip to beautiful Ushuaia.
In this post, I’ll cover:
Where can I walk with penguins in Argentina?
Ushuaia, located in the southernmost tip of Argentina, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable experience with these adorable penguins. In this post, I’ll give you some tips on how to walk with penguins in Ushuaia and make the most of your trip.
Choose the Right Time of Year to visit Ushuaia, Argentina
The best time to visit Ushuaia for a penguin-watching experience is between November and February, when their population is highest. I’ve also read October – April, but since the former seemed to be peak, we aimed for that! During these months, the penguins come to shore to breed and raise their chicks.
Needless to say, if walking with the penguins is your ultimate goal, It’s essential to plan your trip during this time to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the penguins up close. We went in mid-February and the weather was absolutely beautiful, in the 50s and with plenty of sunshine. Remember that Argentina’s seasons are opposite of ours in the USA, and summer is a beautiful time to be in Ushuaia. It’s cold but a mild cold, and you want to be outdoors as much as possible.
Magellanic penguins are monogamous for life, finding each other year after year to reconnect and nest together. We came across a couple of Magellanic penguins on Martillo Island who were cuddling like they were the only two penguins in the world. Our guide said, “This is a tender moment. They’re spending time together because they won’t see each other until the next breeding season.” We asked why they separate for so long, and he said, “Penguin business. I don’t ask.” I loved our guide! He was extremely knowledgable and passionate about the penguins and also had a great sense of humor. And a tour guide is absolutely necessary, because you can’t just wing it when walking with the penguins in Argentina. After I explain, I’ll see myself out for that joke.
Select a Reputable Tour Company
Not all Argentina penguin tours are equal. It’s important to choose a reputable tour company that specializes in penguin-watching tours, and I’ll make the choice even easier for you! There is only one tour company who is allowed to bring you onto Martillo Island to walk with the penguins in Argentina: Piratour. While there are plenty of tours in Ushuaia that will allow you to see the penguins from afar and on a boat, Piratour is the only tour allowed to bring a small and highly limited group of people to walk amongst the penguins on Martillo Island. Their guides are highly skilled and knowledgeable about the Gentoo and Magellanic penguins of Argentina, and they put their well-being above all else.
Book directly for the best price
I can explain more in detail in another post, but try to book directly through Piratour (in Argentine Pesos) for the best rate. If you charge it to your Visa or Mastercard you will get a fantastic rate that is very close to the unofficial Blue Dollar rate. It basically gives you twice the buying power. Booking through a third party company will usually come with a surcharge, and if you’re charged in USD you will be paying much more.
Book well in advance
It’s important to book well in advance, since the tours to walk with the penguins on Martillo Island are extremely limited. But if they sell out, contact Piratour directly and they can assist you in being put on a waiting list. We got lucky and were able to join a group, after staying in touch directly through whatsapp!
Dress Appropriately
When walking with penguins, it’s essential to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Ushuaia can be cold and windy, even during the summer months. Dress in layers and wear warm clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or dirty. Remember that the penguins in Argentina are wildlife and they’re not going to tidy up their home for you! I was shocked to hear a tourist at our hotel who was complaining about all of the penguin poop…I guess he expected them to have indoor plumbing? Or tiny penguin maids? I am not sure, but I’ll walk through penguin poop any day to get to admire these beautiful creatures. That’s what these boots were made for.
Follow The Rules
Penguins are wild creatures, and it’s important to follow the rules when walking with them. Keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the penguins or their habitats. Do not touch, feed, or startle the penguins. Follow the instructions of your guide and stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem. They have a strict rule of stopping the tour if anyone even tries to touch a penguin. I mean, I definitely have dreams of cuddling a baby penguin and singing it soft penguin lullabies, don’t get me wrong. But I also know that is about as realistic as doing penguin choreography. (Which, it turns out, isn’t realistic.) So don’t be disrespectful! Leave the penguins alone.
We maintained a respectful distance and still felt plenty close to get photographs and video and feel fully immersed in their penguin colony. They seemed just as curious about us, but not enough to let it disturb their naps or cuddle time.
Our guide joked that he would be checking our backpacks for penguins, once we boarded the boat. Thankfully, I only had a few in my backpack and had just enough time to let them hop back onto the island. KIDDING. I’m kidding! Pengys would hate Florida. (Or would they? Kinda feels like their vibe, if only it were a little colder.)
Other Helpful Tips
Take Plenty of Photos and Videos
Walking with penguins is a unique experience, and you’ll want to capture as many memories as possible. Bring a good camera and plenty of memory cards or batteries. Don’t be like me and leave your battery charger at home! I ended up using my phone for so much during our trip because I was trying to save my battery. It led to me rushing through shots. Take your time to get the perfect shot, but remember to be respectful and not disturb the penguins while doing so. Give everyone else a chance to get their shots without a person in the background, too!
I ended up just bringing one lens, my Canon L series 28-70mm. I wish I would have brought the 70-200! But as you can see, I still got plenty close to shoot with a wider lens without issue.
Bring Cash
After our visit to Martillo Island, we took the boat back to Estancia Harberton. While others walked around the museum, I wandered the Estancia and took in the beautiful surroundings. After our brief stay, we hopped on the bus and stopped for lunch. Make sure you have cash on hand, because you will be hungry and the price isn’t included in the tour! Plus, who can resist a freshly made crab empanada?
Make visiting the penguins in Argentina a priority!
If you plan on visiting Argentina, add Ushuaia to your trip for an unforgettable experience of walking with penguins on Martillo Island. I’m thrilled we added this excursion to our trip. I can’t wait to share more of my recommendations for your next trip to Argentina! Check back for more posts about my recent trip to Argentina, and see more of my travel posts here.
