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If you are in Ushuaia and are looking for a unique experience at the end of the world, this boat tour on the Beagle Channel is a must. During 6 hours of navigation, we will travel through some of the most iconic landscapes of the region, we will see sea lions, local birds and penguin colonies, and we will get close to the mythical Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. But the best part comes at the end: the visit to the penguin colony of Isla Martillo, where these friendly inhabitants will give us unforgettable moments. Here is my review of the Beagle Channel Tour:
Tour Itinerary: Beagle Channel Cruise & Penguin Watching at Martillo Island
Boarding at Ushuaia Port
The meeting point is the port of Ushuaia, next to the colorful booths that attract attention from afar. After checking our tickets, we are shown to the boarding pier. A crew member welcomes us and helps us on board.
Here’s a tip: arrive early to choose a good seat. The ideal is to sit by the window on the left side, as from there you get the best view of the lighthouse.
Setting Sail Through the Beagle Channel
As the ship sails away, Ushuaia is left behind like a perfect postcard. As we sail, the guide introduces us to the history of the channel, the local fauna and flora and some curious facts about the region.
During the crossing, we can go out on deck whenever we want. Normally, on long trips most people stay inside, but when we get close to a point of interest, everyone comes out to enjoy the views and take pictures.
First Wildlife Encounter: Fauna of the Bridges Archipelago
The first stop is at an islet inhabited by a colony of sea lions and some penguins that coexist in apparent harmony: Bridges Island.
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse: The Iconic “Lighthouse at the End of the World”
Then, we head to the famous Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, also known as the “Lighthouse at the End of the World” (although this title corresponds to another more remote lighthouse in the region). We left it to our left, perfect for photography from all angles.
Martillo Island: Penguin Watching in Ushuaia
After about three hours of navigation and after crossing the border with Chile (be careful with roaming, which can be expensive if you have data activated), we arrived at the most awaited moment: Isla Martillo.
Here, the boat stops so that we can observe the penguins in their natural habitat. It is impossible not to gawk at them splashing, fishing, resting or simply interacting with each other. Several species coexist, which makes the experience even more special.
You do not disembark on the island, but the ship gets close enough for us to enjoy these amusing inhabitants without disturbing their environment.
Return to Ushuaia
The way back gives us one last dose of breathtaking scenery. In addition, the guide tells us some fascinating stories about the Beagle Channel, such as the expeditions of Charles Darwin and Captain Fitz Roy, as well as other sailing adventures that marked the history of this remote corner of the world.
We arrived back in Ushuaia around 3:00 p.m., just in time to continue exploring, so much for my review of the Beagle Channel Tour!
Tomorrow a new adventure awaits us: a trekking through Tierra del Fuego!
