Beagle Channel Catamaran Cruise with Transfers

FromARS 120

4 hours

Ushuaia, Argentina

About this activity

Experience a 4-hour guided catamaran cruise through the Beagle Channel, including transfers, to witness sea lions, the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

Cruise through the Beagle Channel's stunning waters
Spot colonies of South American sea lions on Sea Lions Island
Marvel at the historic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
Enjoy panoramic views of Ushuaia and the surrounding mountains
Learn about the region's rich history and wildlife from expert guides

Full description

Set sail on a captivating 4-hour catamaran cruise through the Beagle Channel, departing from Ushuaia's picturesque harbor. This tour offers a unique opportunity to observe colonies of South American sea lions basking on Sea Lions Island and to admire the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, a beacon guiding sailors through these southern waters. Along the journey, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Ushuaia and the surrounding mountain ranges, providing ample photo opportunities. Expert bilingual guides will share insights into the region's rich history, diverse wildlife, and the unique ecosystem of the channel, enriching your understanding of this remote part of the world. Round-trip transfers from your accommodation to the port are included, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience from start to finish. Please note that meals and beverages are not included in the tour package, so plan accordingly. This excursion is available year-round, making it a must-do activity for visitors seeking to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Tierra del Fuego. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure at the end of the world!

Included / Excluded

Round-trip transfers from your accommodation to the port
4-hour guided catamaran cruise through the Beagle Channel
Expert bilingual guide (English and Spanish)

Meals and beverages

Itinerary

After hotel pickup, board a catamaran at Don Eduardo Arturo Brisighelli pier to begin your journey through the narrow strait dotted with the Tierra del Fuego islands. Take a 2.5-hour cruise to admire rocky isles, glaciers, city landmarks and wildlife on the Beagle Channel, named in honor of Charles Darwin’s ship Beagle that traversed the gunmetal-gray waters in the 1830s.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NO

As the boat heads east and hugs the coastline, enjoy views of Maritime Museum, housed in former prison buildings, and the End of the World Museum that specializes in the area’s natural and aboriginal history. Learn from guided commentary on board about the infamous old prison, now displaying a replica of Darwin’s ship, and Ushuaia’s origins as a penal colony. Pass by the serrated snow-covered peaks of the Olivia and Cinco Hermanos (Five Brothers) mountains looming behind the city’s industrial area. Amid panoramas of water, sea and mountain, sail past the Tunnel and Fique Ranch, and the Encajonado River. The boat approaches the tiny promontory of Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, a candy-striped beacon surrounded by colonies of rock shags. Perhaps under a sky brooding with clouds, learn about the SS Monte Cervantes that met its fateful end here in 1930, parts of which poke through the water’s surface.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Heading to the center of the Beagle Channel, we will encounter the Les Éclaireurs lighthouse. Built in 1920, this iconic red-and-white striped beacon serves as a symbol of Ushuaia. On one of the islands, remnants of the 1930 shipwreck, Monte Cervantes, are still visible, adding a layer of history to the scenic beauty of the area.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Pass by: On the way back west, your catamaran quietly approaches 'Isla de Lobos,' home to hundreds of sea lions, fur seals, and king cormorants that resemble small penguins. Delight in close-up views of the mammals as they grunt, bark, and maybe even jostle one another to claim territory.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Continue towards Bird Island, where you can marvel at the diverse bird species. Observe the seagulls, the majesty of the king cormorants, the beauty of petrels, steamer ducks, and giant albatrosses, encountering up to 20 fascinating bird species along the way.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Admire views of Martial Glacier as you sail through Paso Chico (Small Passage) to return to the pier in Ushuaia. From here, enjoy transport back to your hotel.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels; however, be prepared for a 4-hour boat ride with potential sea conditions.
The tour operates year-round, but schedules may vary seasonally; check the latest departure times when booking.
Meals and beverages are not included; consider bringing snacks or purchasing them at the port before departure.

Know before you go

Dress in layers to accommodate varying weather conditions; bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable footwear suitable for a boat trip.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens to capture distant wildlife and scenic views.
Arrive at the port at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure timely boarding.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Good to know

You may bring your own food and drinks
It is recommended that you bring binoculars
Cruise Passengers are not allowed to take this tour

Traveler reviews

4.1

63 reviews

Magnificent

Magnificent trip to do with the family... we hired through Penguin Expeditions... it is a beautiful 3 hours... we were lucky enough to spot whales... we would definitely do it again... one of the best of Ushuaia

Departure47279309560Jun 12, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Unmissable

Indescribable. The place is beautiful, the guides are nice, I consider this tour unmissable. Outside the boat you can enjoy the view better, but inside it is hotter. I recommend the outside lol

M6046HMviniciusrJun 7, 2024TRIPADVISOR

nice trips but nothing extra

There's not much special about it. A lot of People on the boat. We were lucky: very nice weather and so, we had many nice views

N6448YFjandApr 13, 2024TRIPADVISOR

I loved!!

I loved the tour so much that I went twice! It's the kind of trip we don't do every day. There's cold, snow, penguins, sea lions... and the special touch that the catamaran has with drinks and food, making the experience even more welcoming. I loved!

Camila MApr 11, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Sensational

Speechless! It was so beautiful that we went twice! The view is stunning and seeing all those animals up close is like no other. I love the cold and animals, so for me it was very exciting. I will come back as many times as I can. Furthermore, inside the catamaran there are drinks and food, which makes the trip even more welcoming.