Magpie
5.0(10 reviews)

Beagle Channel Canoeing & Penguin Colony Adventure

FromARS 450
10 hours
Ushuaia, Argentina

About this activity

Embark on a thrilling 10-hour canoeing adventure through Ushuaia's Beagle Channel, visiting a penguin colony and Gable Island, guided by expert naturalists.

Highlights

  • Paddle through Beagle Channel's pristine waters
  • Encounter Magellanic penguins up close
  • Explore the rugged beauty of Gable Island
  • Learn about local marine ecosystems
  • Experience the thrill of open-water canoeing

Full description

Set out on an exhilarating 10-hour canoeing journey through the Beagle Channel's crystal-clear waters, guided by knowledgeable naturalists. Paddle alongside the rugged coastline, encountering playful Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat. Explore the untouched beauty of Gable Island, with its diverse flora and fauna. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with Patagonia's pristine wilderness, combining physical activity with environmental education. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, this tour provides an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most remote and beautiful regions.

Included / Excluded

  • Canoeing equipment and safety gear
  • Guided tour with expert naturalists
  • Visit to Gable Island and penguin colony
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Start your full-day excursion with pickup from your hotel by minibus. Depart Ushuaia for the Lasiphashaj River, where you have the option to take a guided trip by inflatable canoe down the river and along the Beagle Channel. You’ll hear a safety briefing and learn paddling techniques, then slip on provided rubber boots, overpants and a life jacket before setting out on an exciting aquatic adventure leading to the sea.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Once you’re paddling on the Beagle Channel, set your course for the Harberton port. Experienced guides help you spot wildlife, including many different species of seabirds as well as sea lions basking in the sun on small islands along the way. (Note: There is one guide per two canoes, and less experienced paddlers will have a guide in their boat with them.)

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
3

Alternatively, if you don't want to paddle, enjoy a scenic drive straight to Estancia Harberton (Harberton Ranch) and tour the surroundings of one of the first settlements in Tierra del Fuego, established in 1886 by an English missionary turned sheep farmer. His descendants have created a fascinating museum that exhibits the bones of whales and other marine animals — it has about 4,000 specimens in all.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
4

After 2 hours on the rafts, the canoeing group reaches the shore and has about 30 minutes to explore the homestead. Then everyone gathers together at the pier in Harberton to board a Zodiac for Isla Martillo (Martillo Island), also known by its native name, Isla Yécapasela. Upon arrival you will see a penguin rookery, where you can observe, from the boat, penguins in their breeding lair. With abundant food and few predators, the Magellanic penguin colony has reached around 3,000 pairs and is growing each year.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
5

Then continue your boat ride to Gable Island, where lunch is served in the afternoon with provided wine, mineral water and soft drinks. Sate your hunger with baked fish and potatoes along with picada — a sampler tray of cured meats (salami, pepperoni, ham), cheeses and olives. After an hour of relaxation, including coffee, embark on an easy, guided 1.5-hour hike around the gorgeous island, crossing over beaver dams, passing the coast and walking through a forest. When you reach the shore of the Beagle Channel, a boat takes you back to Harberton.

Duration: 5 hoursAdmission: YES
6

After this nice afternoon, you will start your return by minibus to Ushuaia, with drop-off at your hotel.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Ushuaia, Argentina

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour is suitable for participants with a moderate level of fitness; prior canoeing experience is beneficial but not required.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult; please inform the operator in advance if bringing a child.
  • The tour operates in all weather conditions; cancellations due to weather are rare but possible.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for canoeing and walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring a waterproof jacket and hat to protect against wind and potential rain.
  • Ensure you have a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Cancellation policy

0

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

Good to know

  • Minimum age is 4 years
  • On October, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • Children under 5 years old are cannot take part in the canoe portion of the tour
  • It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes
  • Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Cruise Passengers are not allowed to take this tour

Traveler reviews

5.0
10 reviews
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One of the best activity in Ushuaia

One of the best activity in Ushuaia. The boat trip to penguins island, trekking through the beautiful nature on island and canyoning will be a perfect memory’s of all.

Krzysztof_BNov 8, 2025VIATOR

Otto Wulff

It made me see with other eyes the details of that Otto Wulff building, it is impressive the details and the construction of it, as well as the history that houses the place

hildaa649Sep 29, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Dream

Do not stop doing this tour if you visit the area, and arrive at the Lighthouse of the End of the World is unforgettable

daniellarabidaSep 14, 2022TRIPADVISOR

Don't miss this tour!

One of the absolute best tours we've ever taken! The guides were amazing. We learned so much from them about the history of Gable Island. The lunch was incredible. The canoeing, the penguins, the hike- all of it felt like we were in a dream. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone once the world reopens again (we were their last tour before the world shut down).

Ashton_SApr 13, 2020VIATOR

Fantastic trip with great...

<p>Fantastic trip with great fun.....wonderful guides, good food, adorable penguins and beautiful scenery.... a must-do if you are in Ushuaia. Highly recommended.</p>

Ho TJan 1, 2016VIATOR

Additional information

Minimum age is 4 years On October, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required Children under 5 years old are cannot take part in the canoe portion of the tour It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes Not recommended for participants with back problems, heart complaints or other serious medical conditions Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required Cruise Passengers are not allowed to take this tour
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