What’s the best way to experience the Beagle Channel?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Beagle Channel. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:<ul><li><a href="/tours/Ushuaia/Beagle-Channel-navigation-with-mini-trekking/d933-180409P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Ushuaia/Crab-Route-through-Tierra-del-Fuego-from-Ushuaia/d933-310409P1" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Crab Route through Tierra del Fuego from Ushuaia</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Ushuaia/Tierra-del-Fuego-National-Park-Hike-and-Canoe-Tour/d933-5674USHTREK" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Exclusive Tierra del Fuego National Park Hike and Canoe Tour</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Ushuaia/Guided-Hike-at-the-Penguin-Colony-in-Ushuaia/d933-265707P29" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Penguin Colony in Ushuaia</a></li><li><a href="/tours/Ushuaia/Half-Day-Navigation-to-the-Penguins-Colony-From-Ushuaia/d933-5674P295" class="markdown_inline_link" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony on Martillo Island</a></li></ul>

How much does it cost to visit the Beagle Channel in 2024?

Tours and excursions to the Beagle Channel start at US$80 and typically include visits to wildlife-rich islands to observe the birds and penguins that live there. Tours that let you disembark on places such as Martillo Island, famous for its large colony of Magellanic penguins, usually start at $US160.

What are the main attractions along the Beagle Channel?

The main attractions along the Beagle Channel are Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, a red-and-white-striped beacon nicknamed the “Lighthouse at the End of the World”; Martillo Island (Isla Martillo), where you can disembark and walk among hundreds of penguins during the breeding season; and Isla de los Pájaros, a bird watcher’s paradise.

What wildlife can I expect to see during a tour of the Beagle Channel?

Along with penguins, other wildlife you might see during a tour of the Beagle Channel includes huge colonies of sea lions at Isla de los Lobos and birds such as skuas, albatrosses, and cormorants at Isla de los Pájaros. During the whale-watching season from November through May, you might see orcas and humpback whales during their migration.

Is the Beagle Channel crossing rough?

The roughness of the Beagle Channel varies depending on the weather and sea conditions. While the weather during summer (December to February) is better, strong winds mean this season can create some of the most turbulent crossings. If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for a larger vessel that will feel less rocky.

What should you wear and bring when you cross the Beagle Channel?

Because of its location near Antarctica, the wind on the Beagle Channel can feel icy no matter what season you visit. Make sure you’re wearing closed-toe shoes with a good grip for getting on and off the boat, and take sunscreen even if it doesn’t look particularly sunny outside.

Beagle Channel Tours and Tickets

67 results

Sort by: Featured

Best Seller

Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Excursion through the Beagle Channel on a Tango Yacht

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Sail east along the Beagle Channel by catamaran from the port of Ushuaia to Martillo Island, home to a colony of Magellanic penguins and some Gentoo penguins. Along the way we pass Bird Island and Sea Lion Island, with seabirds and sea lions, and see Puerto Almanza on the Argentine coast and Puerto Williams on the Chilean coast, surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. A bilingual guide accompanies the whole trip. Penguins are viewed from the catamaran: there is no landing on the island. Season runs from October to early April, with the most penguins between November and February.

...More

Ushuaia: Beagle Channel Cruise to the Penguin Colony

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Get ready to live one of the most unforgettable adventures at the End of the World. The Beagle Channel awaits you with landscapes that look like they belong to another planet: snow-covered mountains, crystal-clear waters, and that pure southern air you can only feel in Ushuaia. The journey begins toward Bird Island, where hundreds of cormorants and seagulls greet you from the sky. We continue to Alicia Island to meet the two-furred sea lions, and then to the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse —yes, the one from all the photos! But the most magical moment comes at Martillo Island : Magellanic and Gentoo penguins walking freely by the sea, curious and calm. Seeing them up close is something you don’t explain —you feel it. It’s an experience made for those who love nature, photos that tell stories, and journeys that truly move you. Join the adventure! Book your spot and discover why Ushuaia is not just a destination —it’s a dream come true.

...More

Discover penguins on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel & more

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(14)

from $213

Member Pricing

Experience the absolute essence of Ushuaia with a classic catamaran cruise through the legendary Beagle Channel. Sail along the dramatic shoreline to reach the iconic red-and-white Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse for the ultimate End of the World photo. Along the way, get up close to thriving wildlife sanctuaries at Bird Island and Sea Lion Island, home to colonies of sea lions, black-browed albatrosses, and imperial cormorants. Combining heated indoor seating, panoramic open-air viewing decks, and expert local commentary, this cruise offers unmatched views of the Martial mountain range framing the southernmost city on Earth. October 1 to March 31: Departure at 9:30 AM. April 1 to September 30: Departure at 10:00 AM. ⏱ Duration: Approx. 3 hours. Check-in: 30 minutes prior to departure.

...More

Sailing through the Beagle Channel

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Martillo Island: Boat Trip to the Penguin Colony & Beagle Channel

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Navigating the Beagle Channel is a must-do experience from Ushuaia, and this half-day cruise tour makes it easy to experience. Cross the Bay of Ushuaia to the Beagle Channel. Look for birds as you sail around the Isla de los Isla de los Pájaros and sea lions around the Isla de Lobos. Enjoy an easy walk on Isla Bridges to a Yamanas settlement, and sail by to see the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse.

...More

Ushuaia Navigation through the Beagle Channel and Hike on Bridges Island

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

The excursion starts at the Ushuaia Tourist Pier, from where we will travel by land through mountains, forests, and rivers to Puerto Almanza Once there, we will sail to Martillo Island to live a unique experience with Magellanic penguins and Papúa in their natural habitat. During approximately 40 minutes of spotting from the boat, we will be able to observe them very closely as they swim around the boat, offering us an exceptional opportunity to photograph them, appreciate their behavior, and enjoy a close encounter with the colony. He does not disembark on the island. We will return to the Port of Ushuaia, where you will have free time to have lunch. In the afternoon, we will meet again at the port to sail the Beagle Channel and discover its landscapes and fauna, including Wolf Island, Bird Island, and the emblematic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. A complete experience that combines landscapes, navigation, and encounters with the most emblematic wildlife of Tierra del Fuego.

...More

Full Day Ushuaia and Beagle Channel: A Unique Encounter with Penguins

Member Pricing

Navigate through the Beagle Channel: Seal, Bird & Penguin Islands

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Season since October Beagle Channel Navigation + Penguin Hike: Departure by BOAT: 10:30 | Return by BUS: Between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM Departure by BUS: 08:30 | Return by Boat: Between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM Sail through the Beagle Channel, where we can observe the Fuegian fauna on Bird Island and Wolf Island, as well as the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Once arrived at Estancia Harberton, you will cross by boat to Isla Martillo where you can walk with penguins for 1 hour. Land Option - Penguin Walk: Round trip by bus to Estancia Harberton, zodiac crossing to Isla Martillo and return to Ushuaia. Does not include navigation through the Beagle Channel. Departure times are subject to demand, possibly 7AM/ 11AM / 2:30PM Schedules are subject to modification due to availability of spots at the time of reservation confirmation. Due to climatic or operational issues outside the company, the order or modality of the tour may be modified totally or partially.

...More

Walking with Penguins in Ushuaia

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Beagle Channel Navigation - Sea Lions Island

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Special Offer

...More

Penguin Discovery on Martillo Island in the Beagle Channel

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

We will enjoy a relaxing yatch sailing through the historic and challenging Beagle Channel, the cradle of countless historic shipwrecks in these icy waters south of the Strait of Magellan. One of the objectives will be to obtain the typical postcard with the lighthouse behind us. We set sail from the tourist pier along the wide Ushuaia Bay, observing from another perspective the profile of the city of Ushuaia and the geographical distribution at the foot of the Andes Mountains; until reaching the Beagle Channel through the Paso Chico. There we sail around the Island of the Birds where we appreciate the Fuegian birds such as Skúas, Steam Ducks, Cauquenes, Cook Gulls and Gray Gulls. We go on around the sea lions’ island where we can see specimens of sea lions with one and two hairs. Both islands belong to the Bridges archipelago.

...More

Sailing Ushuaia Beagle Channel in a yatch

Member Pricing

Beagle Channel Cruise to Sea Lion Island

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Depart from Ushuaia’s Tourist Pier and enjoy panoramic views of the city as you cruise the Beagle Channel. See sea lions, Magellanic and Imperial cormorants, and the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. At Martillo Island, the boat approaches the beach so you can watch and photograph Magellanic penguins from on board. Then return to the Tourist Pier. Holiday availability: For departures from December 24 through January 1, inclusive, please check availability with us before booking.

...More

Ushuaia Beagle Channel Cruise to Martillo Penguin Colony

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

An unforgettable journey from Ushuaia to Puerto Almanza, traveling along scenic Route 3 As we make our way through Tierra del Fuego, you’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes of mountains, native forests, rivers, and the surroundings of the Beagle Channel. Once in Puerto Almanza, we’ll board a boat and navigate the Beagle Channel toward the famous Martillo Island. The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to observe these beautiful animals from the boat, without landing on the island. During approximately 40 minutes of wildlife viewing, the penguins can often approach the boat and swim around it, sometimes coming remarkably close. This creates a truly special opportunity to observe their natural behavior, take beautiful photographs, and enjoy an intimate encounter with the colony in its natural habitat. After the penguin viewing, we’ll return by boat to Puerto Almanza, where you’ll have a moment to relax and enjoy a coffee and alfajor before traveling back to Ushuaia by bus.

...More

Ushuaia Half day: Martillo Island a Unique Penguin Encounter

Member Pricing

A unique experience that combines navigation through the Beagle Channel, a visit to Estancia Harberton, and a guided hike of approximately one hour among Magellanic penguins and puffins in their natural habitat. During the navigation we will tour the main attractions of the Beagle Channel, including Bird Island, Wolf Island, and the Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. From Estancia Harberton, we will make an approximately 15-minute crossing in a rigid inflatable boat to Martillo Island, where we will enjoy a walk among penguins accompanied by a specialized guide. The excursion has two departure times: Departure 08:30 am (presentation 08:00 am): Starts with the land transfer to Estancia Harberton and the penguin walk, finishing with the return to Ushuaia sailing through the Beagle Channel. Departure 10:30 am (presentation 10:00 am): Starts with a navigation through the Beagle Channel, continues with a penguin walk, and finishes with the return to Ushuaia by bus.

...More

Ushuaia: Martillo Island and Walk Among Penguins Full-Day Tour

Member Pricing

In 1883 when Charles Darwin set sail from Ushuaia on board the HMS Beagle, the peaks of Tierra del Fuego National Park must have looked as otherworldly as they do today. A haven for wildlife, the Beagle Channel is backed by the mountains of the last land of the Americas, and as you pass islands inhabited by sea lions, gulls and penguins rather than people, the proximity to Antarctica becomes tangible.

...More

Beagle Channel Navigation on Yacht

Member Pricing

Full-Day Gable Island Eco-Adventure in the Beagle Channel

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Discover Tierra del Fuego National Park through hiking and canoeing during this full-day excursion that includes a picnic lunch. With your guide leading the way so you don't have to navigate, experience Patagonia's stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, and rivers that are easily accessible from the coast. You'll take a 3-hour forest hike and a 1.5-hour paddle across Lapataia Bay during this day trip, which is ideal for active travelers.

...More

Exclusive Tierra del Fuego National Park Hike and Canoe Tour

Member Pricing

Most Ushuaia penguin tours sail past Martillo Island and view the colony from the boat—only one authorized operator can actually land on the island to explore among the penguins. Do just that with this combined tour, and pair a walk through the Magellanic and Gentoo colony with a Beagle Channel cruise past Isla de los Lobos, Isla de los Pájaros, and the Les Éclaireurs lighthouse on the return.

...More

Penguin walk in Ushuaia + navigation option

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

...More

Ushuaia : Hammer Island Hike among Penguins Navigation Wolves

Member Pricing

Beagle Channel Boat Navigation from Ushuaia

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Helicopter Overflight - Landing in the Cordillera - A30

30 minutesFree Cancellation

1 2 3

What are people saying about Beagle Channel

Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking

Reza_G, Oct 2026

Amazing experience...

Amazing experience exploring the Beagle Channel! Beautiful landscapes, stunning views, and a great opportunity to see Ushuaia from the water. The tour was memorable and definitely worth it. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Ushuaia!

Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking

XiaoJie_Q, Nov 2026

It was great experience...

It was great experience to make the Beagle navigation on a small boat. You can be at the best positions to enjoy the best views and take good photos wherever and whenever you like. It was incredible. The guide was very hospitable and made sure both the English and Spanish speaking travellers are well taken care of. Also he took very good photos. It was a great experience and truly lived up to all the anticipation.

Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking

Kev_S, Nov 2026

Amazing!

Christian was a fantastic guide and was very knowledgeable of the area. Highly recommend. Would definitely recommend while out in Ushuaia

Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking

Chengan_G, Oct 2026

Very nice experience...

Very nice experience traveling across the Beagle channel and visiting the lighthouse. The tour guides were knowledgeable and shared much information about the history and living creatures. Definitely worth a try in Ushuaia.

Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking

John_I, Sep 2026

Trip down beagle channel surrounded by snowy mountains

Great trip along beagle channel. Great to go in the snowy weather. Guide was amazing. We were the only English speaking people on the tour but she was really good at making sure we did not get left out. She even got us involved with other guests when we had discussions about how we celebrated Christmas in our home country.

Beagle Channel Navigation with Minitrekking

Julie_H, Sep 2026

Fab Time on the Beagle Channel

Beautiful views of the Beagle Channel and wildlife. I felt safe and well taken care of by the crew and my guide Christian. Christian explained everything well and checked in multiple times to make sure I was ok & if I had any questions or needed any recommendations for the remaining time I had left in Ushuaia. This was much appreciated 😁

Beagle Navigation and Walking with Papua Penguins in Hammer Island

Amelia_M, Sep 2025

Visit the Penguins on Hammer Island

Excellent day! This excursion leaves from Ushuaia port and returns about 6-7 hr later. The boat holds about 30 passengers. It was very clean and nice toilets on board. The wildlife viewing is good at the lighthouse. But the most exciting part is walking w the penguins. The crew and guide was excellent and it was fully bilingual Spanish and English.

Ushuaia: Beagle Channel Navigation to the Penguin Colony

Narguess_G, Dec 2024

An unforgettable experience

Great tour. Very well organised company. Clean boat and most importantly the captain did a great job for everyone to see well. Tourists on the boat were kind and gave an opportunity for others to move forward too to see as well. I highly recommend this trip. I believe it was better priced than many of the other ones too. Go see the penguins!

Beagle Channel

5.0

(1,683)

Ushuaia

Know before you go

Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse on an island in the Beagle Channel.

The Beagle Channel is a must-see for adventure travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers in Patagonia.
Day trips to the Beagle Channel can last anywhere from three to 10 hours, while multi-day tours last up to five days.
Don’t forget to dress in warm layers, as temperatures rarely go above 70 degrees, even during the South American summer.
Bring along a good pair of binoculars for better wildlife-spotting opportunities.

Beagle Channel Tours and Tickets

67 results

What are people saying about Beagle Channel

Beagle Channel

People Also Ask

What’s the best way to experience the Beagle Channel?

How much does it cost to visit the Beagle Channel in 2024?

What are the main attractions along the Beagle Channel?

What wildlife can I expect to see during a tour of the Beagle Channel?

Is the Beagle Channel crossing rough?

What should you wear and bring when you cross the Beagle Channel?