Gable Island: Penguins and Canoes

The Gable Island: Penguins and Canoes excursion will allow us to experience the true spirit of the island of Tierra del Fuego. By combining mountains, sea and forest, we will discover the incredible landscapes that this area offers us. You will be able to see the Martillo Island penguin colony and the islands that surround it, learning about these waterfowl and their lifestyle. Lunch is included at the Gable Island shelter.

We will begin by leaving the city of Ushuaia to head along the iconic Route 3, crossing typical landscapes of the Fuegian Andes. We will leave the paved road to take Route "J," a less traveled path that leads us deeper into the heart of Tierra del Fuego until we reach the banks of the Lasifashaj River. Here, we will have a technical talk about canoeing and prepare to paddle down the river until we reach the Beagle Channel, where we can paddle through its waters, enjoying the landscape that unites the Andes Mountains with the sea, and observing the local wildlife.

Once we finish the canoe route, we will head to Harberton Estancia, the oldest ranch in Tierra del Fuego, founded in 1886. Here, we will board a motorboat that will take us on a brief but exciting journey to Martillo Island. The island is known as a breeding site for Magellanic and papúa penguins, and from the boat, we can observe these charming animals in their natural habitat, awkwardly moving along the beach or swimming swiftly in the channel's waters. This sighting is an extraordinary opportunity for nature and photography lovers.

The navigation continues to Gable Island. Upon arriving at this vast and uninhabited island, we will enjoy a well-deserved rest and a lunch prepared with fresh ingredients and Patagonian flavors. The lunch includes wine, soft drinks, and mineral water, allowing us to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Then we will embark on a guided moderate-difficulty trek of approximately 4.5 km, lasting around 2,5 hours.. This hike will take us along trails that traverse varied landscapes, from lenga forests to rocky shores. During the journey, we will encounter remnants of the ancient Yámana civilization, who inhabited these lands long before the arrival of European settlers. There are also remnants of the first settlers who ventured to establish themselves in this remote part of the world.

Finally, we will return to Harberton Port, where we will enjoy one last look at the stunning landscapes of the Beagle Channel before beginning our return to the city of Ushuaia.

Important: The canoe and boat routes may be modified depending on weather conditions.