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Ushuaia: Beagle Channel Navigation to the Penguin Colony

Location Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina
$175.00
This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.

Overview

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.
Season 2025/2026
Tour guide
Language: English
Human tour guide
Duration: 6 hours

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

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.
Return details
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.

  • 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.
  • 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)
  • 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.
  • 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. (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. (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. (pass by)
  • Partner (pass by)

  • 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.
  • All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
  • This experience requires good weather.
    If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!

    Ushuaia: Beagle Channel Navigation to the Penguin Colony

    Location Ushuaia, Patagonia, Argentina
    $175.00
    This is an experience gift voucher. The recipient will book the experience after they redeem the gift voucher.
    How it works?
    01 You choose from 10,000+ experience gifts
    02 We deliver the eVoucher or the Physical box to the recipient
    03 Recipient books the experience and creates unforgettable memories!
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