Beagle Channel Lighthouse & Sea Lions – Catamaran

Sailing the legendary Beagle Channel, formerly known as  Onashaga by the first settlers, is one of the best ways to encounter marine wildlife from Tierra del Fuego. Join us to enjoy a three-hour sailing trip aboard a catamaran, a very stable sailing boat that ensures a smooth navigation on the channel. Embark on this unforgettable experience to see sea lions, austral birds, and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and truly feel at the End of the World. 

Duration
3 hours

Season
All year round

Difficulty
Low

Itinerary

  • 09:00 AM / 15:00 PM Meeting at the port for check-in
  • 09:30 AM / 15:30 PM Departure from Ushuaia Bay
  • 10:00 AM / 16:00 PM Visit to Birds Island (cormorants)   
  • 10:30 AM / 16:30 PM Visit to Sea Lion Island
  • 11:15 AM / 17:15 PM Visit to Les Eclaireurs lighthouse
  • 12:15 AM / 18:15 PM Hike on Bridges Island
  • 13:30 PM / 19:90 PM Return to Ushuaia 

* The schedule and itinerary could be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions. Please ask when booking.

THE EXPERIENCE

We depart from the port of Ushuaia on a catamaran and first sail through the Bay of Ushuaia. We’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the port and the city from the sea. Then, we’ll reach the Beagle Channel which, near Ushuaia, consists of two archipelagos, home to a great variety of native fauna. 

One of our first stops will be at ‘Birds Island’, home to cormorants, birds whose appearance and behavior are often mistaken for penguins. They make numerous colonies and built their nests of guano on the rocky islands of the Channel. Continuing our journey eastward, we’ll visit the ‘Sea Lion Island’ to observe the colony of sea lions that reside all year round on the Beagle Channel. On these islands are also habitat of a great diversity of marine birds, including albatrosses, petrels, ducks, oystercatchers, and gulls. We may also be surprised by marine mammals such as whales, seals, porpoises, among others. 

After immersing  ourselves in the wild and natural beauty of the Beagle Channel, we’ll arrive at the iconic landmark of our sailing journey and of the city itself: the famous Les Eclaireus lighthouse. We’ll pause here for a while, allowing us to capture photos, admire the breathtaking landscape, and truly feel ourselves at the End of the World.

Finally, we’ll disembark on the largest island in the archipelago, Bridges Island, to go on a short hike on the island rom where we can enjoy beautiful views of the channel. Returning to Ushuaia along the coast, we’ll appreciate amazing landscapes where the forest, the sea and the Andes mountains blend together to form a unique ecosystem.

What’s included / What’s not included

  • Navigation
  • Bilingual tour guide
  • Other expenses not covered
  • Port tax
  • Transport to the port. Consult us if needed

Frequently asked questions

The tour is suitable for the whole family. However, it’s not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

There is no age restriction for the tour.

No, children under 11 pay 50% while children under 4 are free of charge.

No, in the case of the navigations it is necessary to go to the tourist pier to embark. In case you need a transfer to the pier, please consult us.

Due to the variability of the weather and the possible presence of rain, we suggest dressing in layers, like a “layered dress”. This way, you will be able to adjust by removing or adding clothes as you feel hot or cold. Raincoats are recommended.

The excursions are conducted in Spanish and English, although there is also the possibility of tours in other languages. Please consult us.

The tour takes place regardless of weather conditions, except in exceptional cases. However, it rarely happens but the navigation could be canceled due to strong winds.