Catamaran in front of island with hundreds of penguins
Landscape from the sky of boat in the sea in front of island
Father with two children watching penguins from the boat
Boat sailing in the middle of the sea with rainbows
Boat passengers spotting penguins on an island
black sea lion opening its mouth
Group of several penguins on an island
1 / 7

Beagle Channel Boat Tour + Penguin Watching

Cruise the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia to see sea lions, a lighthouse, and penguins

(2 reviews)
Ushuaia
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: Port Ushuaia at the selected time
Ends: Port Ushuaia 6-7 hours after the start of the tour.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Beagle Channel Boat Tour + Penguin Watching

One of the most popular boat tours in Ushuaia, this cruise lets you experience the stunning landscapes of the Beagle Channel. Sail on a catamaran past sea lion colonies at Lobos Island, admire the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The highlight of the tour is watching penguins at Martillo Island, where you’ll see these fascinating birds in their natural habitat. A professional guide in English and Spanish will share insights about the region’s wildlife and history throughout the journey.

We’ll be waiting for you at the Ushuaia Port to start this incredible adventure. See you on board!

📅 This tour is available only from November 1st to March 31st. If you’d like to explore the Beagle Channel outside of these dates, check out our Beagle Channel Navigation + Minitrekking on Bridges Islands tour, available year-round.

Tour details

Included

  • Professional bilingual Spanish/English speaking guide
  • Boarding fees

Not included

  • Transfers to or from the port to the accommodation
  • Landings while sailing (sightings are made from the boat)

Important information

Please note that the sightings on this tour will always be made from the boat, so at no time will you disembark to see sea lions or penguins.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation!

If you cancel at least 72 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.

Tour itinerary

Beagle Channel Boat Tour + Penguin Watching

Duration: 6-7 hours

Season: November 1st – March 31st

✨ Highlights: Penguin colony at Isla Martillo

Port of Ushuaia - Beagle Channel

The tour starts at the Port of Ushuaia at the indicated time.

We will start sailing south through Ushuaia Bay from where we will have beautiful panoramic views of the city. We will observe renowned buildings such as the Maritime Museum and the Museum of the End of the World.

Minutes later, we will be crossing the Beagle Channel and we will set course to the Bridges Archipelago, where we will observe sea lions and other species characteristic of the area such as South American Gulls and Albatrosses.

Group of sea lions resting on a rock

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse- Navarino Island

We will continue sailing east until we reach Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, with more than 100 years of history and the most famous in Argentina for its continuous operation defying all kinds of storms.

Then, we will continue heading east to enjoy an environment surrounded by mountains and valleys. This will be the perfect moment to take some postcard pictures.

We will also observe small isolated constructions and villages such as Puerto Williams (Chilean village on Navarino Island).

Travelers taking pictures of the lighthouse from the boat

Martillo Island

After sailing in front of Gable Island, we will arrive at the awaited Hammerhead Island, home to an important colony of Mallaghanic and Gentoo penguins. Remember that you will not be allowed to disembark, but this will not be an impediment to see these animals up close and take home the most beautiful souvenirs. Did you know that they are the birds that spend the most time caring for their offspring? You will be lucky enough to see numerous families to prove it.

Group of penguins on the island's shore

Return to Ushuaia

Although we know that you would like to stay much longer with these endearing animals, it is time to head back to Ushuaia where we will leave you at the same point after 6-7 hours.

We hope to see you back on board!

Views from boat with rainbow and argentine flag

What to bring to Beagle Channel Boat + Penguin Watching tour

During the months of December to February, when Ushuaia is in summer, you will find a cool and humid environment, with temperatures that vary between 10°C and 14°C (50°F and 59°F). It is worth mentioning that, during this season, there are many hours of sunlight, which allows you to enjoy outdoor activities, unlike the rest of the year.

For this activity, you will not need specific clothing, but we leave you a list of essentials so that you do not forget them:

  • Documentation (original passport)
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Raincoat or waterproof poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Photographic equipment

Where does the tour Beagle Channel Boat + Penguin Watching start

This tour does not include pick up, so you will have to go directly to the Port of Ushuaia half an hour before the departure of the boat, that is, around 8:30.

There are different ways to get to Ushuaia:

  • By Air: There are several daily flights that land at the Malvinas Argentinas International Airport. Direct flights with a duration of 3 hours and 5 hours for those with stopovers. It is possible to fly from cities like Cordoba and Mendoza -in addition to the Capital: Buenos Aires- and also the Patagonian cities.
  • By Land: The main national route to get there is the number from Rio Gallegos (Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina and you can also get to Ushuaia from Punta Arenas, Chile (in the Continent) to Porvenir (in the Big Island of Tierra del Fuego) -duration of 2.30 hours.

Questions & Answers

  • Does this tour include meals/drinks?

    No, this tour does not include food and beverages, but the boat has a cafeteria service that you can use throughout the trip (for a fee).

  • Does the tour include disembarkation to see penguins?

    No, the sighting of penguins and other animals will be done solely and exclusively from the boat, getting as close as possible to the shore.

  • Is this activity for all audiences?

    Yes, this activity can be done by people of different ages, especially families with children. It is also suitable for people with reduced mobility.

  • Does the activity include pickup service?

    No, you must go directly to the meeting point half an hour before the boat departs.

  • Is the tour cancelled in case of bad weather?

    No, the tour departs daily as long as it is safe to sail.

  • When is this tour available?

    This tour is available only from November 1st to March 31st.

    If you're looking to sail the Beagle Channel outside of those dates, we recommend our Beagle Channel Navigation + Minitrekking on Bridges Islands tour, which runs year-round.

Beagle Channel Boat + Penguin Watching tour reviews with Howlanders

Loading...

Other tours that might interest you from Argentina

Other travelers also booked

from ‌
Trustpilot