Navigate through the Beagle Channel: Seal, Bird & Penguin Islands
Description
The cruise departs from Ushuaia’s Tourist Pier, offering panoramic views of the coast, including landmarks like the Maritime Museum and Mount Olivia. Sailing southwest, we approach Los Lobos Island to observe sea lions, then continue to Los Pájaros Island, home to Magellanic and Imperial cormorants. We sail on to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and see remains of the Monte Cervantes shipwreck. Crossing the Beagle Channel, we view Gable Island and Puerto Williams before reaching Martillo Island, where we observe curious Magellanic penguins swimming and nesting. After this unforgettable encounter, we return to Ushuaia, passing Estancias Túnel and Fique.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We begin the cruise departing from the city's Tourist Pier, heading for the center of the Beagle Channel. As we sail away, we enjoy the panoramic view of the Ushuaia coast, seeing the most important buildings, the Maritime Museum (former prison), the End of the World Museum, the industrial area, and Mount Olivia and Mount Cinco Hermanos.
We sail southwest, approaching Los Lobos Island, where, from the boat, we can enjoy the sight of sea lions, observing their permanent habitat in a wonderful setting.
Continuing our cruise, we will head toward Los Pájaros Island, home to Magellanic Cormorants and Imperial Cormorants, and a prime spot for spotting marine birds.
We continue sailing toward Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, in the archipelago of the same name. On these islets, it's possible to see parts of the Monte Cervantes, a ship that sank in 1930.
Crossing the Beagle Channel north to south, we'll see Gable Island and the Puerto Williams Naval Base (located on Navarino Island, Chile).
Upon reaching Martillo Island, we approach the beach and stay there. It's amazing to watch the colony of Magellanic penguins, which nest there during the summer, approach the boat with remarkable curiosity. You can see them swim under the catamaran and then emerge again. A celebration that invites us to take countless photographs. An unforgettable moment for the entire family that will remain a memorable experience. From here, we sail back to the Tourist Pier, seeing Estancias Túnel and Fique along the way.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is accessible for people with reduced mobility, as the points visited have access ramps and wheelchair storage. We also have adapted restrooms, and we have trained staff to provide advice and assistance to people with reduced mobility.
- All descriptions and itineraries are illustrative only: activity times, order of activities, and attractions visited may vary depending on the captain's assessment and weather conditions.
- The descent to Karelo Island is subject to weather conditions and the captain's assessment.
- The type of boat will be subject to the company's internal procedures.
- We recommend bringing a coat, hat, gloves, and a waterproof jacket. In summer, we recommend bringing sunglasses and sunscreen.
Reviews(85)
This tour slows down and stops to take photos of the birds and lighthouse before arriving at the penguins. Guide narration in English and Spanish which tells all about the Beagle channel. Bar in board for snacks and coffee. The travel time is about 3 hours out and back but lovely scenery to enjoy. Plenty of time to take photos of sea lions and penguins as long as you are happy to squeeze yourself inbetween the selfie takers.
There is a lack of information prior to the trip. Despite the voucher stating that you will be contacted the day before, this will not happen. So it's just a matter of finding out for yourself at the start. The boat trip through the Beagle canal is beautiful where you spot all kinds of animals along the way. However, the stop at the penguins is chaotic, it could be a little better coordinated so that everyone at the front of the boat has time to look and take pictures. Overall the boat trip is long and if you have already seen penguins elsewhere (e.g. Punta Arenas or Antarctica), certainly no added value!
A very pleasant experience. We also enjoyed talking to the couple that shared the table with us. It was beautiful.
When we arrived at the gray line office, we were told we should not take the tour as it would not get us back to the ship on time. Very disappointed, we took instead a shorter tour of the bagel channel and did not see any penguins. This was a much cheaper excursion and we are entitled to a refund.
I encountered a very rude staff member at the reception of Tolkeyen. She had a lot of attitude when I tried to show my email booking confirmation and refused to look at it or accept my booking reference number. Instead, she insisted on an “actual voucher,” which is not provided when booking through TripAdvisor. Only after comments from other staff members did she finally check the system and find my name. Very poor effort and unprofessional behavior from the worker. The rest of the trip was fairly average. There were far too many people crowding and jostling for position when trying to take photos, which took away from the experience. Overall, it felt overpriced, and there are probably better options available.
Great experience, boat starts from a very convenient location opposite hotel albatross. On Tim departure, great staff and good drinks on the boat. They get within 3 meters of the penguins
Beautiful experience with incredible views of penguins, lighthouse, cormorants and sea lions!
The boat circled POI well and theOA kept us up to date, not always clear out on deck. The photographers were discreet but handy.
Superb. Easy, well-staffed and organized tour of the Beagle Channel. Sea lions. More birds than you can count. Views that make every single person NOT on the trip jealous. This is another MUST DO from Ushuaia. Well organized. Check-in, get a badge/lanyard, board a boat, ENJOY. That simple. Boat is large, stable, and well-equipped. Views are great from windows ALL around and the decks. Coffee, water, snacks, etc are all available at extra cost (a little pricey, but acceptable). Bathrooms onboard are available and clean. Crew and guides are super knowledgeable of history, geography, animals, etc... and happy to answer questions. This is a SUPERB way to spend 3/4 of a day in Ushuaia and includes a decent chance at seeing a penguin, whale, or flare bird species... and an ABSOLUTELY sure chance of seeing AMAZING panoramic views of Patagonia. Don't hesitate... BOOK this NOW.
Unfortunately, the tour offered was not carried out in this way, but this was not announced to us. The company given as the meeting point, Rumbo sur, stated that they were not responsible and could not help, that we would have to book again and see how we could get our money back. A very nice lady from the uninvolved company Terramar spoke to the agency on the phone and then referred us to the company Tolkeyen, which offers a shorter trip for the agency. We didn't have to pay extra for it, but we were still given the significantly higher amount paid in advance not refunded. Conclusion: do not book online but directly on site.
