Beagle Channel tour to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse from Ushuaia

Explore remote islands teeming with sea lions and vibrant birdlife on this 3-hour voyage

A 3-hour boat tour on the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia visits the Bridges Islands, where you walk Karelo Island, and the Wolf and Bird Islands to observe sea lions and cormorants. The route ends at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, the historic lighthouse at the archipelago of the same name, with a return past Martial Glacier and the city's waterfront.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beagle Channel navigation and sightseeing

• Meet at Ushuaia tourist dock
• Board boat and start navigation
• Enjoy Ushuaia coast panoramic views
• Stop and walk on Karelo Island
• View sea lions at Los Lobos Island
• Observe birds at Los Pájaros Island
• Visit Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
• Return via Paso Chico to Ushuaia

The experience

The boat departs from the tourist dock in Ushuaia, and you'll need to arrive half an hour early. As you leave the harbor, the coast unfolds: the Maritime Museum (a former prison), the End of the World Museum, the industrial waterfront, and the Olivia and Cinco Hermanos mountains frame the opening stretch. The first stop is the Bridges Islands, where you disembark onto Karelo Island for a walk. The terrain is easy and open to anyone.

From there, the boat heads southwest toward Los Lobos (Wolf Island), where sea lions live in their permanent habitat, visible from the deck. Continuing south, you approach Los Pájaros (Bird Island), a nesting ground for Magellanic and Imperial cormorants and other marine birds. The route then reaches Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, standing on its own archipelago. This lighthouse earned its nickname, "The Lighthouse at the End of the World," and sits near the wreck of the Monte Cervantes, which ran aground in 1930. The return passes through Paso Chico, skirting the Túnel and Fique Estancias before heading back to Ushuaia under the view of Mount Martial and its glacier.

The tour runs 3 hours total. Timing, order and which islands are visited may shift based on weather and the captain's judgment. The walk on Karelo Island is subject to the same conditions. Port tax is included. The boat and all areas are wheelchair accessible, with ramps at the landing points, adapted toilets, and trained staff on hand. Bring a coat, hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket. In summer add sunglasses and sunscreen. Cash is useful if you want to buy snacks onboard.

What’s included

Port tax is included in the tour price.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 09:30, from US$ 150 per person and with a live guide in English and Spanish.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 50 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

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

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tokio Viajes

Is this one for you?This tour works for mixed-ability groups and families with teenagers (minimum age 13), since the walk on Karelo Island is short and easy, and the rest of the time you observe wildlife and the lighthouse from the boat. The fixed 3-hour schedule fits a single afternoon in Ushuaia without eating into other plans.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What wildlife can I see on the Beagle Channel tour?

Sea lions live on Los Lobos (Wolf Island) and are visible from the boat in their natural habitat. Los Pájaros (Bird Island) is home to Magellanic cormorants, Imperial cormorants and other marine birdlife you can observe during the stop there.

Is the walk on Karelo Island difficult?

The walk on Karelo Island during the Bridges Islands stop is easy and within reach of anyone. It is not a strenuous hike, though the descent itself is subject to weather conditions and the captain's evaluation.

What is Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and why is it called the Lighthouse at the End of the World?

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse stands on an archipelago of the same name in the Beagle Channel. It earned the nickname "The Lighthouse at the End of the World" and sits near the wreck of the Monte Cervantes, a ship that ran aground there in 1930.

Can I take this tour if I use a wheelchair?

Yes, the boat and all areas visited are wheelchair accessible. The landing points have access ramps and space for wheelchair storage, adapted toilets are available, and trained staff are on hand to assist.

What should I bring on the Beagle Channel tour?

Bring a coat, hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket for protection from wind and spray. In summer, add sunglasses and sunscreen. Cash is recommended if you want to buy snacks during the tour.