Beagle Channel tour from Ushuaia: Penguins and sea lions

Navigate the Beagle Channel to watch thousands of penguins and sea lions in their habitat

A half-day boat tour through the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia takes you past seabird islands, sea lion colonies and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Depending on the season (October through April), you'll see thousands of penguins. Outside those months, the wildlife changes but the maritime landscape remains. Weather permitting, you disembark at the Bridges Islands for a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city and the Andes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beagle Channel tour and island visits

• Pass in front of seabird island
• Stop to enjoy island beauty
• Visit Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

The experience

The boat departs from Ushuaia and navigates through the Beagle Channel, a strait that cuts between the city and the islands offshore. You'll pass in front of seabird islands first, then move toward Isla de Lobos to watch sea lions in the water and on the rocks. The route continues to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, where you stop long enough to photograph the structure against the water. A bilingual guide (English, Spanish or Portuguese) narrates the journey and points out the fauna as you approach each site.

The tour lasts between four and five hours. If conditions allow, the boat pulls in at the Bridges Islands so you can hike to a panoramic point: a short walk that rewards you with a view of Ushuaia nestled at the foot of the Andes. The penguin sightings depend entirely on timing: from October 20 onward through April, thousands of penguins gather on the islands. Outside that window, you'll see other seabirds and marine life instead. The operator emphasizes that weather can change the itinerary, so flexibility matters.

Arrival time is critical: you need to check in 30 to 40 minutes before the boat leaves. Starting October 1, departures are at 9:30 a.m. All fees, taxes and insurance are included in the price, and the bilingual guide is part of the booking. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns, though it suits all fitness levels otherwise.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• insurance.
• bilingual guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Options for this experience

2 options

Lobos Island tour on the Beagle ChannelGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:30 and 15:00Option without penguins: this does NOT include Isla Pinguinera. Duration: 3 hours

Penguin Navigation TourGuide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 09:30 and 15:00Penguin colony tour (without going ashore): 5 hours of touring in total. Duration: 5 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 4h–5h, runs every day at 09:30 and 15:00, from US$ 170 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 15:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 35

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.3 with pickup ›

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ParaViajantes Tours

Is this one for you?Book the Penguin Navigation Tour if you're visiting between late October and April and want the chance to see thousands of penguins. Choose the Beagle Channel Tour to Lobos Island if you're traveling outside penguin season or prefer to focus on sea lions and seabirds. Both options include the same route and the Bridges Islands hike, so the season and which wildlife interests you most should drive the choice.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When can I see penguins on the Beagle Channel tour?

Penguins gather on the islands from October 20 through April, when thousands are visible. Outside that season, you'll see other seabirds and marine life instead, but the tour operates year-round.

What happens at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse?

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is a stop where the boat slows so you can photograph the iconic structure. It marks the end of the main navigation before the possible hike at the Bridges Islands.

Do I get to walk on any of the islands?

Weather permitting, you disembark at the Bridges Islands for a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Ushuaia and the Andes Mountains. The other islands (the seabird island and Isla de Lobos) are viewed from the boat.

What's the difference between the two tour options?

The Penguin Navigation Tour runs during penguin season (October through April) and focuses on that wildlife. The Beagle Channel Tour to Lobos Island operates year-round and emphasizes sea lions and seabirds. Both follow the same route and include Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and the Bridges Islands hike.

How much time should I allow before the boat departs?

Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before departure for check-in. Starting October 1, the boat leaves at 9:30 a.m., so plan to be at the dock by 8:50 a.m. at the latest.