Beagle Channel boat trips from Ushuaia: which one to choose

The three trips compared

Which one to choose?

• To see the lighthouse, sea lions and seabirds, and step ashore: the Sea Lion Island and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse cruise, with a landing at the Yámana archaeological site on the Bridges Islands.
• To see penguins from the water, plus the lighthouse and the islands: the penguin colony boat trip.
• To walk among the penguins: the Martillo Island tour, by bus to Estancia Harberton and then by boat. Admission to the estancia is not included.

What you see on each one

Sea Lion Island and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse cruise

You sail by catamaran from the port of Ushuaia. On Bird Island (Isla Casco) you spot seabirds such as cormorants, albatrosses, skuas and gulls, and on Sea Lion Island (Isla Alicia), South American sea lions and fur seals. On the Bridges Islands there is a landing to visit an archaeological site of the Yámana or Yaghan people; the cruise then continues to the Les Eclaireurs Islands, where the lighthouse stands, and returns to port. The program does not state the duration: it is confirmed when you ask.

Penguin colony boat trip

It leaves from the Ushuaia Tourist Pier and takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the boat company. On the way it passes Bird Island, Sea Lion Island and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and its destination is the penguin colony, to see penguins up close. The program does not name the colony’s island or mention a landing: if that matters to you, ask when you inquire.

Penguin walk on Martillo Island

It is the only one of the three that starts on land: a bus takes you from a central point or terminal in Ushuaia to Estancia Harberton, through southern landscapes. From there you sail to Martillo Island, the nature reserve where colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins live, and walk alongside them before returning to Ushuaia. It takes about 6.5 hours. The island covers about 32 hectares and the visit on foot takes place in an area marked off with stakes.

Which animals you see on each one

Some of the Beagle’s islands are home to cormorants, penguins and sea lions. What each program lists:

• Lighthouse cruise: cormorants, albatrosses, skuas and gulls on Bird Island, and South American sea lions and fur seals on Sea Lion Island. Penguins are not in the program.
• Penguin colony boat trip: penguins, sea lions and seabirds.
• Martillo Island walk: Magellanic and Gentoo penguins.

What each one does not include

• Transfers: none of them picks you up from your hotel. You make your own way to both boat trips (for the lighthouse cruise, with the voucher to enter the pier); the Martillo Island tour includes the round-trip bus from the meeting point.
• Port fee: both boat trips include it; the Martillo Island walk does not.
• Meals: none includes meals; on both boat trips, food and drinks at the café are extra.
• Estancia Harberton: admission is not included in the walk; ask for the price.
• Schedule: the penguin colony trip depends on the boat company’s departures, and the Martillo Island time depends on the departure, so ask.

What about the End of the World Lighthouse?

None of the three goes to the End of the World Lighthouse, which stands on Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), more than 200 km from the city. The lighthouse that both boat trips pass is Les Eclaireurs, facing the city, often called the lighthouse at the end of the world: it has been in service since 1920, is 11 meters tall and is now automated and closed to the public, so you see it from the boat. The difference, with the Jules Verne story, is explained in where the End of the World Lighthouse is.

Penguins: on foot or by boat

The walk takes place on Martillo Island, a nature reserve with colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins; the boat trip shows them at the penguin colony and adds the islands and the lighthouse. To find out whether there are departures on your dates, check availability. Species, season and how to choose between the two are in penguins in Ushuaia: where and when to see them, and the islands and the channel’s history, in Beagle Channel.

What to combine it with

Both boat trips repeat Bird Island, Sea Lion Island and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, so one is enough. The Martillo Island walk does not pass those islands in its program: if you want both, you can add the lighthouse cruise on another day. How to fit them in with the National Park and a hike is in Ushuaia in 3 or 4 days.