beagle channel penguin tour from ushuaia with local guide

Summary

Ushuaia boat trip to isla martillo for penguins & lighthouse views

You’ll ride a modern catamaran through Ushuaia’s Beagle Channel with a local guide, spot sea lions and nesting birds on remote islands, snap photos at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and watch Magellanic penguins up close at Isla Martillo—just meters away—on a day trip you’ll remember long after you’ve warmed up again.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed the boat because I couldn’t find my gloves — classic me. But standing on the dock in Ushuaia, with that sharp wind coming off the Beagle Channel (it really does bite), I was wide awake. Our guide, Martín, greeted everyone with this easy smile and a story about the Yámanas who once paddled these waters. He said something about how they’d read the sky like a book — I tried to imagine that as we pulled away from shore, engines humming underfoot.

The catamaran felt steady but you could still feel the chop now and then. We passed Isla de los Pájaros first — honestly, I didn’t expect to care much about birds but seeing those albatrosses and cormorants crowding every rock was kind of mesmerizing. Martín pointed out which ones were nesting (I wouldn’t have known), and there was this salty tang in the air mixed with something almost sweet from the seaweed. Then came Isla de los Lobos: sea lions everywhere, some barking so loud it made a few people laugh out loud. One big male rolled over and just stared at us like he owned the place.

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse looked smaller than I’d pictured — you know how photos always make things seem grander? Still, everyone crowded for that “famous photo” anyway (guilty). Martín told us about a shipwreck nearby in the 1930s; he got quiet for a second before cracking a joke about Argentine coffee being stronger than their ships back then. The wind picked up again as we crossed toward Isla Martillo. That’s when it hit me: penguins are way smaller than you think. We stopped right on the beach — maybe four meters away — and watched them waddle around, totally ignoring us. A couple of Gentoo penguins zipped through the water like little torpedoes. Someone thought they saw a King penguin but Martín just shrugged and said “maybe next time.”

I still think about that moment on deck when everything went quiet except for the sound of wings flapping and waves slapping against the hull. It’s not dramatic or anything — just real, cold air and wild animals doing their thing while we stood there bundled up trying not to drop our cameras. So yeah, if you’re looking for some polished cruise experience this isn’t it… but if you want to see what Ushuaia feels like from the water (with a local guide who actually cares), this Beagle Channel penguin tour is probably as close as you’ll get.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beagle Channel Catamaran Tour

• See local flora and fauna
• Visit Isla de los Lobos sea lions
• Stop at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse photo
• Pass by Bridges Islands archipelago
• See Ushuaia fishing village Puerto Almanza
• View Chilean town across Beagle Channel
• Pass by Gable Island, Yámanas home
• Stop at Isla Martillo penguin colony

Top questions

How long does the Beagle Channel penguin tour last?

The full navigation takes several hours including stops at multiple islands; expect half a day total.

Are there restrooms on board during the Ushuaia boat trip?

Yes, there are restrooms available on board the catamaran.

Is this Beagle Channel tour suitable for children or wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can join with strollers or prams.

Will I see King penguins at Isla Martillo?

You may see King penguins if lucky, but Magellanic and Gentoo penguins are guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup included in this Ushuaia day trip?

No hotel pickup; navigation starts from Ushuaia port but all port fees are included.

What wildlife will I see besides penguins?

You’ll likely see sea lions, albatrosses, cormorants, gulls, and other marine birds along with possible dolphins.

Does this tour include lunch or food?

No lunch is included; bring snacks if needed as only guidance and navigation are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes guided navigation by local experts aboard a modern catamaran with all port fees covered; there’s an onboard restroom for comfort throughout your journey between Ushuaia’s port and Isla Martillo’s penguin colony before returning in comfort across the Beagle Channel.