Summer ToursGable Island & Penguin Colony with Canoes

A true expedition to the confines of Tierra del Fuego: paddle in the Beagle Channel, walk on the remote Isla Gable, and visit the penguin colony on Isla Martillo.

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Summer : October to March

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A complete and memorable Tierra del Fuego experience: an epic day of adventure where we'll paddle canoes on the waters of the Beagle Channel before disembarking on the remote Isla Gable for a walk through its pristine nature. We'll enjoy lunch in an exclusive shelter with spectacular views and end the day with a sighting of Magellanic penguins on Isla Martillo.

This authentic, full-day expedition begins in Ushuaia, from where we will head east along National Route 3, connecting with the winding Route "J", which will take us to the coast of the Beagle Channel.

Once on the shore, we'll get equipped with rubber boots, over-trousers, and life vests to start our journey in inflatable canoes towards the mythical Gable island. We'll paddle through the same waters that the ancient Yámana indigenous people navigated for thousands of years until we reach our private shelter.

When we disembark on Gable island, we will discover a rustic but comfortable shelter with an unparalleled panoramic view of the Beagle Channel and the surrounding mountains. There, we'll enjoy a well-deserved hot lunch with Patagonian wine, soft drinks, and mineral water, in a truly privileged natural setting.

After lunch, we will start a walk to explore this uninhabited island. Here, the feeling of being at the End of the World becomes palpable. During the tour, we will find traces left behind by the Yámana civilization and the first settlers, silent witnesses to the island's history.

Once the walk is over, we will board a motorboat. From the boat, we will visit Martillo island to spot the penguin colony in their natural habitat. Finally, we will return to the mainland, where a vehicle will be waiting to start the journey back to Ushuaia.

Itinerary

08:00 / 08:30 am: We will start with a pick-up from hotels in Ushuaia, beginning our journey towards adventure.
10:15 am: We arrive at the majestic Beagle Channel coast. We'll receive a technical safety briefing and get ready to board the canoes.
12:15 pm: We finish our paddle. Arrival and disembarkation on the remote Isla Gable.
12:30 pm: We'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in our rustic shelter with unbeatable views.
02:00 pm: We start our walk to explore Gable island, discovering its history and pristine nature.
04:30 pm: We board the boat for our journey towards Martillo island and its famous penguin colony.
04:45 pm: Sighting of penguins from the boat in their natural habitat—a truly unforgettable experience.
05:15 pm: The penguin sighting ends. We will continue navigating back to the mainland, where our vehicle will be waiting.
07:00 pm: Estimated arrival in Ushuaia, concluding our expedition.

*All descriptions and itineraries are illustrative: the start time, activity times, the order of activities, and the attractions visited may vary depending on the time of year, the guide's assessment, and the group's characteristics.

Activities

Walking:

Intensity: Moderate.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Elevation Gain: 90 meters / 295 feet.
Elevation Change: 50 meters / 165 feet.
Distance: 4.5 km / 2.8 miles.

Canoeing:

Intensity: Moderate.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
If you prefer not to paddle, you can opt for an alternative tour of the area. Please check availability in advance.

Meals

Appetizer: A selection of pickles, olives, cheeses, and ham.
Main Course: Hake papillote with lemon butter, rustic potatoes, and vegetables with thyme.
Dessert: Panna cotta with forest fruit jam.
Beverages: Mineral water, soft drinks, and Patagonian red wine.

Includes

Transfers: Transportation from and to your hotel.
Guides: Specialist guides in English/Spanish.
Equipment: All equipment for the canoeing activity.
Penguin Sighting: Viewing the penguin colony from the boat.
Lunch: A complete lunch with beverages.

Does not include

Estancia Harberton entry: the entry fee to Estancia Harberton is not included and must be booked separately.
Walking among the penguins: The penguin sighting is from the boat only. If you wish to walk among the penguins on Isla Martillo, a special fee applies (available for private groups only; check for availability).

Recommendations

The climate in Tierra del Fuego is known for its variability. It's not uncommon to experience sun, rain, and wind on the same day. Average temperatures in summer hover around 10°C (with variations between 5°C and 15°C), while in winter they are usually around 0°C. Being prepared is key to fully enjoying the experience.

Essential Clothing: The "Onion" Method

To ensure comfort during outdoor activities, dressing in layers is crucial. The "onion" system allows you to adapt your clothes to changing weather conditions and your level of physical activity.

Layers: Wear several thin layers that you can easily put on or take off to regulate your body temperature in response to wind or sun.
Footwear: This is the most important item. We recommend waterproof footwear that offers robust protection, ideal for walking on wet, muddy, or snowy terrain.
Jacket: Essential a waterproof or water-resistant jacket will effectively protect you from rain and wind.

During the canoeing activity, we will provide you with the necessary equipment. You can bring cameras and cell phones during the paddle. However, for comfort and the safety of your devices, we suggest opting for compact cameras or cell phones that can be easily stored in case of rain. The use of large photographic equipment is not recommended.

Recommended Clothing

Thermal undergarments (shirt and leggings for those who are particularly sensitive to the cold).
Comfortable long pants for trekking.
Waterproof trekking boots for walking on mountain terrain.
A fleece or microfleece jacket/sweatshirt.
A rain/windproof jacket. Ideal: Gore-Tex or softshell.
Warm hat and neck warmer (buff). Gloves.
An extra pair of socks.
Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Bringing your own bottle helps us avoid using disposable plastics: we will have water to refill it!