Summer ToursGable Island and Penguin Colony with Harberton

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Explore the End of the World in a unique way. An expedition by land and sea to Gable Island and a penguin colony, with a visit to the historic Harberton Ranch.

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Summer : October to March

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A full-day excursion that combines history and nature. We navigate the Beagle Channel on a boat to spot penguins in their breeding habitat and then head to the pristine Gable Island to immerse ourselves in its dreamy landscape with a hike. The adventure culminates with a visit to the historic Harberton Ranch, the first in Tierra del Fuego, where the region's past is revealed. A complete tour that allows you to experience the essence of the End of the World.

This is a full-day excursion that combines a land trip, a navigation on the Beagle Channel, and a hike in one of the wildest and most beautiful places in Tierra del Fuego.

The journey begins by leaving Ushuaia eastward on National Route 3 and then on Route J. Once on the coast of the Beagle Channel, we enter Puerto Almanza, a small fishing village located at the edge of the continent.

Next, we will board a semi-rigid motorboat to head to Martillo Island. During the navigation, we will have the opportunity to admire the region's rich marine bird life and, with some luck, also sea lions. Upon arrival, we will observe the penguins in their breeding habitat directly from the boat.

The boat journey will continue to the highlight of the day: the majestic Gable Island. There, our hike begins. We will traverse a pristine and extreme landscape, finding remains left by the Yámana civilization and the first settlers. In the midst of a silence only disturbed by the wind and the birds, you can experience the sensation of being alone in the world.

After about two hours of hiking, we will arrive at a shelter with a privileged view, where a delicious lunch awaits us, accompanied by Patagonian wine, soft drinks, and mineral water.

After lunch, we return to the mainland by boat to disembark near the historic core of Harberton Ranch, the oldest on the island. After a brief visit, we will take the bus back to Ushuaia.

  • 08:30 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Ushuaia.
  • 10:30 am: Arrival at Puerto Almanza and the start of the navigation by motorboat. We head to Martillo Island and Gable Island.
  • 11:00 am: Penguin sighting in their natural habitat, from the boat.
  • 11:30 am: Arrival and landing on the majestic Gable Island. We will take a walk to explore its pristine landscapes and the history of the Yámana civilization.
  • 01:45 pm: Break for a delicious lunch in a shelter with privileged views.
  • 03:00 pm: Return navigation to the mainland.
  • 03:30 pm: Visit to the historic center of Harberton Ranch (*).
  • 04:30 pm: The return to Ushuaia begins.
  • 06:30 pm: Final arrival in the city.

(*) The visit to the Ranch is subject to opening days and hours.

(**) 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.

Hiking:
We offer two options:

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

  2. Intensity: Low to Moderate.
    Duration: Approximately 1:30 hours.
    Elevation Gain: 40 meters / 120 feet.
    Elevation Change: 30 meters / 100 feet.
    Distance: 2.5 km / 1.5 miles.

This excursion is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or who have difficulty walking. The ascent and descent from the boat can be complex, and the trails on the island can be uneven or slippery. To learn about more accessible options or if you have any questions, we invite you to contact our team.

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

Transfers, English/Spanish speaking guides, penguin sighting from the boat, and lunch with beverages. The navigation is a regular group service, shared with other passengers. If you desire an exclusive navigation service, please inquire for a special quote.

Entrance fee to Harberton Ranch (included separately in the reservation), canoeing, or walking among the penguins on Martillo Island (if you wish to disembark and walk among them, please inquire about this additional option).

The climate in Tierra del Fuego is famously unpredictable; it is possible to experience sun, rain, and wind all in a single day. The rains are rarely torrential. In summer, average temperatures are around 10°C (with variations between 5°C and 15°C), while in winter they are usually close to 0°C. The key to enjoying your trip is to be well-prepared.

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 garments that can be easily put on or taken off to regulate your body temperature in response to wind or sun.
  • Footwear: This is the highest priority. We recommend waterproof footwear that offers robust protection, ideal for walking on wet, muddy, or snowy terrain.
  • Jacket: Indispensable. A waterproof or water-resistant jacket will effectively protect you from rain and wind.

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 mountainous terrain.
  • A fleece or microfleece jacket/sweatshirt.
  • A rain/windproof jacket. Ideal: Gore-tex or softshell.
  • A warm hat and neck warmer (buff); gloves.
  • An extra pair of socks.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Bringing your own reusable bottle helps us avoid using disposable plastics: we will have water to refill it!

Excursion
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Make it
your way

We can modify this excursion to create an experience that perfectly fits your times and interests.

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