Penguin Island (Isla Yecapasela) is on Isla Yecapasela at Estancia Harberton, 52 miles (84 kilometers) east of Ushuaia, 40 nautical miles by sea. The best way to get there is on a boat tour.
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How to Get There. Magdalena Island (Isla Magdalena)is accessible by boat, with tours departing regularly from the main pier in Punta Arenas. If you're not taking a guided tour, there's also a public ferry to the island that leaves from the Tres Puentes ferry dock, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) from Plaza del Armas.
September is the season for penguins to arrive in Patagonia. This is when they come to breed, with most chicks hatching every year in November. You can see penguins in Argentina between September and mid-March.
So, is Ushuaia worth visiting? Yes, absolutely. It´s a wonderful city. Furthermore, it is also perfect to be combined with El Calafate from where you can visit the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier and many other glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park, and then continue to Chile to visit Torres del Paine.
You should plan to spend around AR$9,875 ($28) per day on your vacation in Ushuaia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, AR$1,886 ($5.41) on meals for one day. Also, the average hotel price in Ushuaia for a couple is AR$9,741 ($28).
2 days is enough to explore central Ushuaia but I recommend allowing yourself at least 5 if you plan on hiking in Parque Nacional Tierra Del Fuego or taking a boat trip to explore the islands of the Beagle Channel.
Beagle ChannelUshuaia faces out towards a crystal channel of spectacular fjords known as Beagle Channel. Tours along this channel weave in and out of sparkling icebergs whilst spotting seabirds gliding above and marine animals diving below.
Located 32 km northeast of Punta Arenas, in the middle of the Strait of Magellan, Magdalena Island is a must for animal lovers, hosting the greatest colony of penguins in the continental region. This island is a protected area since 1982, year in which it was renamed “Los Pinguinos Natural Moment”.
Ferry tickets to Isla Magdalena run around 55,000 Chilean pesos (~$70 USD) and can be bought in advance at the Punta Arenas TABSA ferry terminal up to about one hour before the ferry's departure. During peak season, they can sell out, so don't wait – book in advance!
The State Government's decision not to rebuild the facility on the island was based on climate change impacting the island's vulnerable penguin population and following strong feedback from the City of Rockingham, local tourism operators and university researchers.
Facilities. There is a picnic area with seating and water taps, and waterless composting toilets on the island. Litter bins are not provided on the island and all visitors are required to take away their own rubbish.
For Penguin Island, wear comfortable footwear. Most visitors wear thongs or sandals. Hats, sunscreen and a long sleeve or UV resistant shirt are recommended for sun protection. Bring swimmers and towels if you are planning water activities.
Ushuaia is known for its cool, wet climate, with average temperatures ranging from about 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 10 degrees Celsius) throughout the year.
Ushuaia is generally safe for solo female travellers. The city is well-policed and has a low crime rate. It is also a popular tourist destination, so there are plenty of people around to help if needed.