Ushuaia: Beagle Channel Navigation to the Penguin Colony

4.1
(18 reviews)

6 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

A unique experience on the Beagle Channel, one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world.
We will sail through the channel, visiting Sea Lion and Bird Islands, where you can observe sea lions, cormorants, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.

We will make a stop at the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse located on an archipelago of the same name, offering a unique view of the region.

The highlight of our journey will be the visit to the penguin colony on Martillo Island. This is, without a doubt, the most anticipated moment of the tour. Our boat will dock on the island, allowing you to experience an unparalleled opportunity: to observe up close the charming Magellanic penguins. These friendly animals, known for their curiosity, come within a few meters of visitors, providing a unique chance to admire them in their natural environment.

This tour is designed for those seeking a nature and adventure experience in Tierra del Fuego.

What's Included

sail to Pájaros sland
Heading north to south, we will spot Gable Island and the Puerto Williams Naval Base
Beagle Channel Navigation
At Martillo Island, we approach the beach and stay there to observe the penguins in their natural habitat.
We sail to Los Lobos Island, where, from the boat, we can see the sea lions.
Sail to Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse
Pick up and drop off hotels: Meeting point at tourist Pier

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Departing from the Ushuaia Tourist Pier: Av. Int. Jorge Garramuño, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, V9410 Ushuaia, half an hour before the boat’s departure — we will send the schedule with each itinerary. We need the name of your hotel in Ushuaia to contact you if necessary.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Canal Beagle

    We begin the navigation departing from the Tourist Pier of our city, heading towards the center of the Beagle Channel. As we sail away, we enjoy panoramic views of the Ushuaia coast, spotting important buildings such as the Maritime Museum (the former prison), the End of the World Museum, the industrial area, and the Olivia and Cinco Hermanos mountains. We navigate southwest, approaching Sea Lion Island, where from the boat we can enjoy views of sea lions in their permanent habitat, set in a marvelous scene. Continuing our navigation, we head towards Bird Island, home to Magellanic and Imperial cormorants, a privileged area to observe marine birdlife. We continue sailing towards the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, located in the archipelago of the same name. On these islets, parts of the Monte Cervantes shipwreck, which sank in 1930, can be observed. Following the southern coast of the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego, we will spot Estancia Remolino, where the Monte Sarmiento ship ran aground. Crossing the Beagle Channel north to south, we will see Gable Island and the Puerto Williams Naval Base (located on Navarino Island, Republic of Chile). Upon arriving at Martillo Island, we approach the beach and stay there. It is amazing to observe how the Magellanic penguin colony, which nests during the summer season, approaches the boat with notable curiosity, swimming underneath the catamaran and resurfacing—an unforgettable spectacle that invites countless photographs. From here, we sail back to the Tourist Pier, passing by Estancias Túnel and Fique along the way.

    6 hours Admission ticket not included
  • Faro Les Eclaireurs (Pass by)

    We continue towards the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, located in the archipelago of the same name, where the ship Monte Cervantes wrecked in 1930. The return will be via Paso Chico, passing by Estancias Túnel and Fique, returning to Ushuaia with a view of the impressive backdrop provided by Mount Martial and its glacier.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Martillo Island

    Upon arriving at Martillo Island, we approach the beach and remain there. It is amazing to observe how the Magellanic penguin colony, which nests during the summer season, approaches the boat with notable curiosity, swimming under the catamaran and resurfacing. It’s a spectacle that invites us to take countless photographs. From here, we sail back to the Tourist Pier, passing by Estancias Túnel and Fique along the way.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego (Pass by)

    On the shores of the Beagle Channel and surrounded by the Martial mountain range, Ushuaia offers a unique landscape in Argentina, combining mountains, sea, glaciers, and forests. With its unmatched scenery, Ushuaia provides endless possibilities and activities. In summer, visitors can enjoy trekking, horseback riding, sport fishing, and mountain biking, allowing them to explore nature and discover unexplored places like the incredible Tierra del Fuego National Park. In winter, the magnificent geography and cold temperatures invite skiing—both alpine (downhill) and cross-country (on flat terrain). Sailing the Beagle Channel is another unmissable experience, as it was the stage for the feats of the first colonizers and is home to the region’s characteristic marine wildlife. To fully enjoy your stay in Ushuaia, we recommend always bringing at least one waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear for moving around safely and comfortably on the city’s characteristic sloped streets. Regarding tourist services, the city offers accommodations and restaurants of all categories, as well as banks and currency exchange offices.

    Admission ticket free
  • Faro Les Eclaireurs (Pass by)

    Once in the Les Éclaireurs archipelago, we will be able to see the famous lighthouse of the same name, which is also home to colonies of imperial and rock cormorants on its islets. We will leave the lighthouse to continue sailing towards our destination. Along the way, you will be able to observe the predominant vegetation of the area, as well as the settlement of Puerto Williams (Chile) on Navarino Island.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    The End of the World Museum preserves the heritage of life in Tierra del Fuego, from the pre-Columbian era through the early 20th century.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Partner

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Passengers must arrive at the Tourist Pier half an hour before the service departure. Address: Tourist Pier, Av. Prefectura Naval Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, V9410 Ushuaia.
  • This service is non-refundable for cancellations made within 4 days prior to the service date. However, if you need to modify your reservation—such as adjusting the number of participants, changing the date, or requesting a cancellation with a refund—we can accommodate your request as long as it is made at least 4 days before the service date.
  • Passengers will not disembark from the catamaran during the tour because penguins are very sensitive to environmental contamination, and we cannot risk their natural habitat. However, we will dock at Martillo Island, where the penguins will approach the catamaran and even play around its hull just a few meters from us. We will be able to observe them up close, as if we were on land.
  • This tour does not include hotel pick-up; however, we need the name of the hotel where you will be staying in Ushuaia to be able to contact you in case of any last-minute schedule changes.
  • This tour is a 6-hour navigation through the Beagle Channel on a flat catamaran that will approach the coast of the most important islands.
Supplied by Azul Latina Travel

Show 1 more

Tags

Half-day Tours
Water Tours
Adventure Tours
Involves Animals
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Show more

Rating

4.1 Based on 18 18 reviews
5 stars
12
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
3
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}