Introduction
Close to the port are numerous catamarans that operate a half-day tour into the Beagle Channel to see the marine wildlife such as sea lions, cormorants, penguins and to visit one of the oldest estancias in the area.
Detail of the following navigations can be found in the 'Detail' tab above :
- The Navigation to see sea lions and cormorants.
- The Navigation that includes an estancia visit.
- The Navigation that includes a visit to a penguin colony.
The catamaran is well-designed in terms of viewing from inside or outside on deck, the tour, with guided commentary, passes by cormorant and sea lion colonies and on some other tours, you will see penguins.
On the tour, that sometimes includes a stop off on an island, you will disembark and be able to walk around the island, which gives you the feeling that you are in the middle of the Beagle Channel. From here you can admire the surrounding beauty of the area, the Andes mountains, Ushuaia on one side and the Chilean island of Navarino on the other side.
Excellent for photo opportunities of marine life. Coffee and biscuits served on board.
The navigation will pass by the historically famous Ushuaia lighthouse.
Below we detail all three navigational tours into the Beagle Channel.
1 - The Navigation to see Sea Lions and Cormorants
- Operated: All year.
- Pick-Up: 15:00hrs.
- Departure: 15:30hrs.
- Return: 18:30hrs.
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Fitness: Ability to get on and off the catamaran.
- RECOMMENDATIONS: Coat, hat, gloves, waterproof jacket. In summer: Glasses and sunscreen.
Description
The navigation starts from the Tourist Pier of Ushuaia, in the direction to the Beagle Channel. From the back (stern) of the boat there is a direct view of Ushuaia city and the surrounding mountains.
If you are on this tour the route the route heads southwest towards the island of Los Lobos, where, from the boat, you will be able to view sea lions at close quarters.
Next is the island of Los Pájaros, the natural habitat of Magellan and Imperial cormorants. Again, from the catamaran you will be able to see, at close quarters, these aquatic birds nesting.
The navigation continues to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, in the archipelago of the same name, where the ship Monte Cervantes sank in 1930.
The return will be through Paso Chico, from where you will be able to see the historic, early settler estancias of Túnel and Fique. During the return to the city, you will get a view of the Monte Martial glacier behind Ushuaia.
Note: Experience Chile offers this excursion as part of the rest of the itinerary we have arranged for you and not as a standalone.
2 - The Navigation with Estancia
- Operated: Between November to March
- Departures: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
- Pick-Up: 08:30hrs
- Departure: 09:00hrs
- Return between: 17:30hrs – 18:00hrs
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Fitness: Ability to get on and off the catamaran.
- RECOMMENDATIONS: Coat, hat, gloves, waterproof jacket. In summer: Glasses and sunscreen.
Description
The navigation starts from the Tourist Pier of Ushuaia, in the direction to the Beagle Channel. From the back (stern) of the boat there is a direct view of Ushuaia city and the surrounding mountains.
The route heads southwest towards the island of Los Lobos, where, from the boat, you will be able to view sea lions at close quarters.
Next is the island of Los Pájaros, the natural habitat of Magellan and Imperial cormorants. Again, from the catamaran you will be able to see, at close quarters, these aquatic birds nesting.
The navigation continues to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, in the archipelago of the same name, where the ship Monte Cervantes sank in 1930.
The navigation continues to where Estancia Harberton is located. This belonged to the Bridge family and was a prefabricated building made in England and brought over to Patagonia. The family decided to settle here after the closure of the Anglican Mission in Ushuaia.
The tour of the Estancia will include the nature reserve, the Bridge family cemetery, the sheep-shearing shed and housing facilities.
The return back to Ushuaia will be by road transfer.
Note: Experience Chile offers this excursion as part of the rest of the itinerary we have arranged for you and not as a standalone.
3 - The Navigation with Penguin Visit
- Operated: Between November to March.
- Daily Departures
- Pick-Up: 15:00 hrs
- Departure: 15:30 hrs
- Return: 21:30 hrs
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Fitness: Ability to get on and off the catamaran.
- RECOMMENDATIONS: Coat, hat, gloves, waterproof jacket. In summer: Glasses and sunscreen.
Description
The navigation starts from the Tourist Pier of Ushuaia, in the direction to the Beagle Channel. From the back (stern) of the boat there is a direct view of Ushuaia city and the surrounding mountains.
If you are on this trip the route heads southwest towards the island of Los Lobos, where, from the boat, you will be able to view sea lions at close quarters.
Next is the island of Los Pájaros, the natural habitat of Magellan and Imperial cormorants. Again, from the catamaran you will be able to see, at close quarters, these aquatic birds nesting.
The navigation continues to the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, in the archipelago of the same name, where the ship Monte Cervantes sank in 1930.
Following the southern coast of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, we will see Estancia Remolino where the Monte Sarmiento ship is stranded. Crossing the Beagle Channel in a North-South direction, we will see Gable Island and the Puerto Williams Naval Base (located on Navarino Island, Republic of Chile). Upon reaching Martillo Island we approach the beach and there we will descend. It is amazing to observe how the colony of Magellanic Penguins that nest during the summer season approach the boat with remarkable curiosity, enter the sea by swimming under the catamaran and re-emerge. A party that invites us to take countless photographs.
From here we return by sailing to the Tourist Pier, looking out the Estancias Tunnel and Fique on the way.
Note: Experience Chile offers this excursion as part of the rest of the itinerary we have arranged for you and not as a standalone.
Included
- Return transfers from your hotel.
- Navigation on a catamaran.
Not Included
- Lunch.
