Ushuaia: Beagle Channel Navigation to the Penguin Colony

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Ushuaia

   Unique experience on the Beagle Canal, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world. We will cruise the canal, visit the Lobos and Birds Islands, where you can observe sea lions, cormorants and other seabirds in their natural habitat.

   Pass by without stopping

2. 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.

   360 minutes here · Admission not included

3. Faro Les Eclaireurs

   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.

   Pass by without stopping

4. 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.

   60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 10 travelers per booking

Operated by

Azul Latina Travel

Know before you go

• 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.
• The tour includes boat transfer, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the visited sites. The tour difficulty level is low. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing.

Photos