The 15 Best Península Valdés Wildlife Tours

1.Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

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

Spend five hours aboard a warm, modern catamaran from Ushuaia, stopping near Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Martillo Island. An English and Spanish guide explains the wildlife and the SS Monte Cervantes, while onboard snacks, drinks, and optional photography add convenience. You watch the penguins from the boat rather than walking on the island.

“Trio was awesome! Captain was great! Don’t hesitate to book this tour!”

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2.Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 436 reviews · 5h 30m · from $92Best value

Set out from Ushuaia at 3 p.m. on a 5.5-hour catamaran cruise with English and Spanish guiding. You’ll pass sea lion and bird colonies, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Chilean and Argentine viewpoints, and Martillo Island, home to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. The boat has outdoor decks, bathrooms, and a café, but food and drinks cost extra.

“While we really enjoyed our trip on the Catamaran and loved seeing the sea lions, I think there could be better crowd management when you get to the penguins. While they did ask people to keep moving so that everyone could get photos, etc., in reality, the same 20 or so people had the best spots for the entire time we were on the island, and we never got a chance to get up to the front for even a minute to grab a good photo. I possibly could have pushed my way through, but I would have preferred if a crew member asked people to move along after a…”

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3.Beagle Channel and Penguin Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 318 reviews · 5 hours · from $178

Spend about five hours aboard a Catamaranes Canoeros boat from Ushuaia, cruising past Bird Island, Sea Lions Island, and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse before reaching Martillo Island. You watch Magellanic and Gentoo penguins from the deck, with bilingual guiding, snacks for sale, and possible whale sightings along the way.

“We had a fabulous time on the cruise. We were able to see all the animals from the boat. They gave us enough time to take pictures. I even dropped my glove in the channel and they fished it out for me. We really liked all the facts the guide was telling us. We also appreciate them taking pictures of us.”

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

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

Cruise from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel to Isla Martillo, viewing Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, sea lions, seabirds, and the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse from a comfortable catamaran. The 5 to 6-hour trip includes bilingual guidance, a café, restrooms, and outdoor viewing decks, but no island landing.

“The boat tour itself was great, but the directions about where and how to get your ticket were very confusing. On the website it says to click here for ticket, but then you get a message that “this is not a ticket!” When we got to the meeting place it was very busy with lots of cruise ship people and the rest of us. Did not know that we needed to go to one of the hurts to get our actual ticket for the boat. Thankfully, some very nice locals helped us and we JUST made the trip. Let me say again that was super! Loved the penguins!”

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5.Cruise Shore Excursion Península Valdés – Pto Madryn – Patagonia – Argentina

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 111 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $95

Travel from Puerto Madryn’s pier into Peninsula Valdes with an English-speaking guide, stopping at the interpretation center, Caleta Valdes, elephant seal colonies, penguins, and possible sea lions. Guides such as Mary, Carolina, Santiago, and Nora add wildlife expertise. Expect a long ride, variable sightings, and a boxed lunch.

“Our guide on this tour, Carolina, is extremely knowledgeable and professional. She competently explained, in both English and Spanish what to look for and provided a great description of the background and a little history of the places we visited. She made the tour most enjoyable.”

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

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

Set out from Ushuaia’s tourist port on a roughly five-hour catamaran trip through the Beagle Channel. See sea lions, cormorants, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Puerto Williams, and Martillo Island’s Magellanic penguins from the boat. A guide provides commentary, but you do not walk among the penguins. The boat holds up to 120 people.

“This was an amazing experience. Yes, there’s a lot of people on the boat, but you have your own space and there’s even a cafeteria on board where you can buy food. You stay on the boat to see the penguins, but you get very close to them. This was our favorite part of the Ushuaia trip!”

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7.Valdes Peninsula: Full Day with Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $298

Travel from Puerto Madryn into Valdés Peninsula Protected Natural Area with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide and a small group of up to 10. Cruise from Puerto Pirámides for southern right whales from mid-June to November, or see sea lions and cormorants from December to March. Expect long drives, wild scenery, and excellent chances for wildlife.

“Very nice trip. We got to see a lot of whales. The guide on the boat knows where he is talking about and can answer all of your questions. As a bonus we saw the pinguins. sealions and sea elephants. Also we saw a lot of Guanacos and a Mara.”

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8.Beagle Channel Boat Tour and Penguin Experience

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

Spend about 9.5 hours combining a Beagle Channel catamaran cruise with a guided walk among wild Magellanic and Gentoo penguins on Martillo Island. English and Spanish guides, including praised leaders such as Fabricio and Agustina, explain the wildlife and Fuegian scenery. The order varies, and Harberton Ranch fees and port tax cost extra.

“Excellent and highly recommended. This tour is an experience of a lifetime. Our tour guys, Milko, Gerardo and Norbi…(apologies for misspelling) were amazing. Loved our day walking among penguins and learning about them. Thank you”

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9.Navigate through the Beagle Channel: Seal, Bird & Penguin Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 84 reviews · 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $158

Cruise from Ushuaia with a local captain and bilingual guide through the Beagle Channel. See sea lions, cormorants, albatrosses, the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Chilean and Argentine shores, and Magellanic penguins from a heated catamaran. The 5.5-hour trip includes indoor seating, outdoor decks, bathrooms, and close wildlife viewing, but no hotel transfer or meals.

“Be sure you have arranged transport to the marina as hotel pickup isn't included. It was fantastic to be so close to the cormorants, sea lions and penguins...they put the catamaran right on the sand and the penguins were on the beach and swimming around the boat. We got lucky too and saw a pair of King penguins, not very common there. The estancia was interesting, though I thought it was a working one when I booked that part of the trip, but it's been a tourist destination since the 1990s when a big snow storm killed most of the areas sheep and that estancia decided to go all tourist.…”

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10.Snorkeling Trip with Sea Lions

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 81 reviews · 2h 30m · from $150

Set out from Madryn Buceo in Puerto Madryn for a 150-minute boat trip to Punta Loma Nature Reserve. You’ll pass Paraná Beach and its Spanish shipwreck, watch for whales, dolphins and penguins, then spend about 40 minutes snorkeling beside wild sea lions. Guides speak Spanish, English and Italian, and names such as Mauro, Lucio, Saira, Julian and Marcelo appear among the experienced team.

“Overall, this was a great tour experience. We loved the family environment and how helpful they were in getting our family ready. The weather was great and guides were very informative - and included photos! It would have been great if there were souvenirs that we could have purchased from this tour. The port didn’t have a lot of options and it would be a great option.”

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11.Penguin walk in Ushuaia + navigation option

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 81 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $291

Travel from Ushuaia to Harberton Ranch and Martillo Island for a guided walk near wild Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. The day includes navigation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a visit to the Acatushun marine museum. Guides such as Pablo, Paulo, Julie, and Tom have led past departures. Bring cash, lunch, warm layers, and motion-sickness medicine.

“This tour was the best experience I have had! The tour guide provided all sorts of information about the area on the bus ride and the museum/research centre is great. Being able to walk on Martillo Island was a highlight. The penguins are adorable and it was fascinating to see them nesting. The scenery on the boat ride back was awesome but many got seasick so bring your anti nausea meds. Best day ever!”

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12.Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo with Boxlunch from Pto Madryn

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $120Top rated

Travel from Puerto Madryn’s cruise pier to Punta Tombo, South America’s largest Magellanic penguin reserve. You’ll have about two hours to walk the 1.5-kilometer trail, see nests and coastal penguins, and spot guanacos or rheas. A box lunch, air-conditioned transport, and port return are included, but the entrance fee costs about $20.

“It was nice to start the trip early in the morning. We were the first group of visitors to reach Punta Tombo that day. It was great when the light was good, the beach less crowded, and penguins more active. We still were able to see plenty of penguins in the end of March, which was a major concern for us and even the tour guide. The bus had plenty of leg room and the seat was comfortable, which was important for a 2.5 hour ride. The lunch box had good portion size and the taste was Ok.”

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13.Península Valdés Tour with Optional Whale Watching

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $157

Spend about 12 hours exploring UNESCO-listed Peninsula Valdes from Puerto Madryn with hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a bilingual guide such as Juan or Ignacio. See penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, rheas, and maras. Add a two-hour whale-watching boat trip from Puerto Piramides, subject to weather and season.

“Magical chance to see these amazing creatures close up. Nothing is guaranteed - our guide couldn't find anywhere with orcas to view on our day despite his best efforts. But in addition to whale cows and their calves, we saw sea lions, elephant seals and Magellan penguins. Like so many expeditions in Patagonia, it's a long distance across bumpy roads and a long day - but it's one you'll never forget. Excellent driver and guide.”

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14.Navigation to Beagle Channel and Sea Lions Island with Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 63 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $118

Join a small catamaran cruise from Ushuaia for about four hours, including hotel transfers, Beagle Channel scenery, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, sea lions, cormorants, and Bird Island. The boat carries up to 40 people, with several departure times depending on the season. Bring binoculars and warm layers.

“My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this catamaran cruise in the Beagle Channel in late October 2016. It was short enough to not tie up the entire day, but long enough to give us a wonderful experience in the Channel. The views were spectacular. We loved our guide. He spoke both English and Spanish although we were the only English speakers on the trip. He made a point of speaking with us personally several time throughout the trip, sharing some personal experiences. We got very close to several islands and were able to watch the birds and sea wolves sea lions sitting on the rocks and swimming in the water.…”

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15.Penguin Watching Tour by Catamaran

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

You’ll spend five hours aboard a catamaran from Ushuaia, sailing past sea lions, cormorants, mountains, the SS Monte Cervantes wreck, and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse before reaching Martillo Island’s Magellanic penguins. An English or Spanish guide explains the wildlife and Tierra del Fuego’s history. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Catamarano stra colmo di gente . As ogni attrattiva da vedere ci si ammassava fuori e se eri dietro non vedevi assolutamente nulla e la gente non si spostava. Siamo arrivati dai pinguini prima di tutte le altre barche e nonostante questo la nostra si é fermata dove c’erano solo una decina di pinguini mentre il “gruppo super grande “ non siamo riusciti a vederlo nemmeno ha fatto un giro per poter mostrare anche a chi non ha visto nulla. In prezzo assurdo si quasi 169€ a persona ! I peggio spesi. Sxonsiglko !!!meglio barca piccola”

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