Beagle Channel Cruise Ushuaia + Penguin Watching
Beagle Channel Cruise with penguin watching, sea lions, and Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse
Departures from November 1 to March 31
Briefing
Why book the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour?
Because it is one of the most complete cruises on the Beagle Channel. During this 6-hour Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour, you’ll explore some of Ushuaia’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife sites. You’ll cruise by catamaran, observe sea lion and cormorant colonies, and reach the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse.
The highlight of the tour is Martillo Island, where you’ll see a large penguin colony from the catamaran and observe the birds in their natural habitat. Throughout the cruise, a professional bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking guide will tell you about the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and history.
The tour begins at the Port of Ushuaia and is available only from November 1 through March 31. To cruise the Beagle Channel outside these dates, you can book the Beagle Channel Cruise Ushuaia + Bridges Islands Mini-Trekking, which operates 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
All wildlife sightings during the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour take place from the catamaran. The tour does not include landing on the islands to see the 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 Cruise & Penguin Watching
Duration: 6–7 hours
Season: November 1–March 31
✨ Highlight: Penguin colony on Martillo Island
Port of Ushuaia and Ushuaia Bay
The Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour begins at the Port of Ushuaia at the selected departure time.
You’ll sail south through Ushuaia Bay while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. From the catamaran, you’ll see landmarks such as the Maritime Museum and the End of the World Museum.
Bridges Archipelago
After crossing the Beagle Channel, you’ll sail toward the Bridges Archipelago, where colonies of sea lions and cormorants inhabit the rocky islands.
The catamaran will approach the islands so you can observe and photograph the wildlife from the boat without disturbing its natural habitat.
Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse and Navarino Island
The cruise continues east to Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, one of the most iconic landmarks on the Beagle Channel. This historic lighthouse has been operating for more than 100 years and is often referred to as the Lighthouse at the End of the World.
You’ll then continue through a landscape surrounded by mountains, islands, and valleys, with plenty of opportunities to take photos. Along the way, you may also see Puerto Williams, a Chilean town located on Navarino Island.
Martillo Island
After sailing past Gable Island, you’ll arrive at Martillo Island, the highlight of the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour.
The island is home to an important colony of Magellanic and gentoo penguins. All sightings take place from the catamaran, which approaches the shoreline so you can observe the penguins and take photos without disembarking.
Return to Ushuaia
After visiting Martillo Island, the catamaran will begin the journey back to Ushuaia.
You’ll return to the Port of Ushuaia approximately 6–7 hours after departure, where the tour will end.
What to bring to Beagle Channel Cruise Ushuaia + Penguin Watching tour
Ushuaia’s weather is cool and changeable year-round. Even during summer, from December through February, temperatures usually range from 50 to 57 °F (10 to 14 °C), with wind and occasional rain.
No technical equipment is required, but we recommend bringing:
- Original passport
- Comfortable waterproof shoes
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Beanie or hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera
Where does the tour Beagle Channel Cruise Ushuaia + Penguin Watching start
The tour begins and ends at the Port of Ushuaia. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Please arrive directly at the port 30 minutes before departure to complete check-in.
Questions & Answers
Does the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included. However, the catamaran has a snack bar where you can purchase refreshments throughout the cruise.
Does the tour include landing on the island to see the penguins?
No. Penguins, sea lions, and other wildlife are observed exclusively from the catamaran. The boat approaches the islands so you can see and photograph the animals without landing or disturbing their natural habitat.
Is the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour suitable for all ages?
Yes. The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages and is especially popular with families with children. It is also accessible to people with reduced mobility, although we recommend mentioning any specific accessibility requirements when booking.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must go directly to the meeting point at the Port of Ushuaia 30 minutes before departure.
Is the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour canceled in bad weather?
The tour operates whenever weather and navigation conditions are safe. If conditions are unsuitable, the operator may modify the route, delay the departure, or cancel the tour.
When is the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour available?
The tour operates only from November 1 through March 31, during the penguin season on Martillo Island.
To cruise the Beagle Channel during the rest of the year, you can book the Beagle Channel Cruise + Bridges Islands Mini-Trekking, which operates year-round.
How long does the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, from departure to return to the Port of Ushuaia. It is one of the most complete options for exploring the Beagle Channel and observing the region’s wildlife.
Where will I see penguins during the tour?
You’ll see penguins at Martillo Island, home to a large penguin colony. The catamaran approaches the shoreline so you can observe them from the boat.
What animals can I see during the Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour?
During the cruise, you may see penguins, sea lions, and several species of seabirds, especially cormorants. Since these are wild animals, sightings may vary depending on the conditions on the day.
What places are visited during the cruise?
The route includes Ushuaia Bay, islands inhabited by sea lions and cormorants, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, and the penguin colony on Martillo Island. All wildlife sightings take place from the catamaran.
What is the best tour from Ushuaia to see penguins without landing?
The Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching tour is one of the best options for seeing penguins from a catamaran. The 6-hour cruise reaches Martillo Island and combines penguin watching with a panoramic journey through the Beagle Channel.
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