Helicopter overflight Ushuaia: Emerald Lagoon 15-minute flight

See Emerald Lagoon's turquoise water from the air, ringed by Patagonian peaks.

A 15-minute helicopter overflight from Ushuaia takes you over the bay, Rio Olivia Valley and Emerald Lagoon, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The excursion lasts 40 minutes total. Flights depart with a minimum of two passengers and carry up to three per helicopter. A live guide in English or Spanish narrates the route. Weather can force a reschedule or refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter overflight and lagoon views

• Overfly Ushuaia's bay
• Fly over Rio Olivia Valley
• Observe Olivia and Cinco Hermanos Mounts
• View Carbajal Valley peat formations
• Cross valley to Emerald Lagoon
• Admire and photograph Emerald Lagoon

The experience

The flight starts over Ushuaia's bay, then climbs into Rio Olivia Valley where you pass Mount Olivia and the distinctive Cinco Hermanos peaks. From there the helicopter crosses into Carbajal Valley, where thousands of years of peat formation have built up the valley floor in visible layers. The route then climbs toward the second mountain range and the lagoon itself.

Emerald Lagoon sits at the heart of the flight. The water's extraordinary turquoise color is what gives it the name, and it is framed by the surrounding cordillera. The 15-minute overflight time gives you the vantage to photograph the whole landscape at once. Something impossible from the ground. Hotel pickup and drop-off handle the logistics on either end, so you only show up ready to fly.

What’s included

• 15-minute overflight over Ushuaia's bay, Rio Olivia Valley, Carbajal Valley and Emerald Lagoon.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transport

Operated by All Patagonia

Is this one for you?Book this flight if you want to see Emerald Lagoon's full turquoise expanse from above in a single morning or afternoon slot: the 40-minute round trip fits easily between other Ushuaia activities without eating a full day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): 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.

What exactly is Emerald Lagoon and why does it look that color?

Emerald Lagoon is a high-altitude mirror of water nestled in the Patagonian cordillera near Ushuaia. The operator describes its extraordinary turquoise color as the reason for its name. The hue is visible from the air across the entire lagoon surface.

How many people fly in each helicopter?

Each helicopter carries up to three passengers. The operator has three helicopters, so up to nine passengers can fly simultaneously on the same departure.

What happens if the weather is bad on my scheduled flight?

Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions. If bad weather forces a cancellation after you've booked, the operator offers either an alternative date or a full refund.

Does the price include getting to and from my hotel?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The 40-minute total duration covers the flight itself plus ground time for loading and unloading.