Ushuaia: Catamaran Sailing to Penguin Island

Ushuaia Department, Argentina



Adventure through the mythical Beagle Channel. Discover the different birds, sealions, and the lovely penguins of this remote area on your voyage.

Beagle Channel Navigation Tour from Ushuaia

This boat tour departs from Ushuaia’s tourist pier, suited for nature enthusiasts interested in wildlife and regional landmarks.

Highlights

  • Navigate through the Beagle Channel
  • Observe sea lions and various bird species in their natural habitats
  • Visit the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
  • See Magellanic and Gentoo penguins living together on Martillo Island

Description

The tour begins at Ushuaia’s tourist pier, offering panoramic views of the city, coastline, and landmarks such as the Maritime Museum, the End of the World Museum, Mount Olivia, and Mount Cinco Hermanos.

Heading southwest, the boat approaches Sea Lion Island where you can watch sea lions interacting. Next, the tour continues to Bird Island, home to Magellanic and Imperial cormorants and other marine animals.

The vessel then sails toward Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, located in an archipelago known for the 1930 wreck of the Mount Cervantes ship. Along the south coast of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, you will see Estancia Remolino, near the site where Mount Sarmiento ran aground.

Crossing the Beagle Channel, you will view Gable Island and the Port Williams Navy Base on Navarino Island, Chile. On arrival at Martillo Island, you can spot colonies of Magellanic and Papua penguins nesting during the summer. The return trip passes Estancia Tunnel and Fique before reaching the pier.

Includes

  • Ferry tour
  • Guide

Excludes

  • Transfer to the port
  • Food and drinks

Important Information

  • Itineraries and times may vary based on the captain’s decisions, wildlife movement, or weather conditions.
  • The vessel type depends on company operations.
  • Navigation may be canceled due to bad weather or port closure; rescheduling will be offered or a full refund provided.

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring warm clothing, waterproof layers, and a camera. The tour is weather-dependent; the summer months offer the highest chance to see penguin colonies on Martillo Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can see sea lions, various bird species, the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Magellanic and Gentoo penguins on Martillo Island in Argentina.
The tour departs from Ushuaia’s tourist pier, located in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina.
Tour duration varies; check the website for the most up-to-date schedule and length.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children interested in wildlife and nature in Argentina.
Penguin sightings depend on the season; generally, the best time is during the breeding season when colonies are active.
Yes, expert guides provide information about the local wildlife and environment during the sail.
Bring warm clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture wildlife and scenic views in Argentina.
Accessibility varies depending on the vessel; check with the tour operator for specific accommodations in Ushuaia.
Yes, the tour includes a stop at Martillo Island where you can see penguin colonies up close.
The tour can be taken year-round, but wildlife activity is most abundant during the southern spring and summer in Argentina.

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