Ushuaia: Beagle Channel Catamaran Tour & Lighthouse Stop

Summary

Beagle Channel wildlife cruise with lighthouse photo stop

You’ll feel Ushuaia’s wild edge as you cruise the Beagle Channel by catamaran—with sea lion colonies barking on Isla de los Lobos, rare birds circling overhead, and that iconic lighthouse photo stop at Les Eclaireurs. Walk among ancient Yámana remains on Bridge Island before heading back with salt on your lips and Patagonia in your bones.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the cold—sharp, almost metallic in the air as we stepped onto the catamaran in Ushuaia. There was this low hum of excitement from everyone, mixed with the sound of gulls overhead and the slap of water against the hull. Our guide, Martín, handed out maps and pointed across the Beagle Channel to where the sky just sort of melted into the mountains. I remember thinking, “This is it—this is really the end of the world.”

We drifted past Isla de los Pájaros first. The smell hit me before anything else—like salt and something earthy. Skuas and albatrosses circled above us; Martín rattled off their names in Spanish and English, but honestly, I was too busy watching one black-browed albatross glide so close I could see its eye. Someone’s kid tried to mimic its call (not even close), which made a couple of locals laugh. It felt good to be part of that little moment.

Then Isla de los Lobos—sea lions everywhere, barking and flopping over each other like they owned the place (which I guess they do). The wind picked up around here; I pulled my hat down tighter and tried to take a picture but mostly ended up with blurry fur and splashes. Martín told us about how these islands are part of the Bridges archipelago, which sounded poetic somehow. The main keyword for this trip is definitely “catamaran tour through Beagle Channel”—but honestly, it’s all about those small surprises you don’t expect.

The Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse looked smaller than I’d imagined—a red-and-white stripe against all that blue-grey water. Everyone shuffled outside for that famous photo (I nearly dropped my phone). We learned about the old shipwreck nearby—the SS Monte Cervantes—and for a second it felt like we were floating through someone else’s story. Later we walked on one of the Bridge Islands; there were old Yámana archaeological remains half-hidden in grass, bits of shell crunching underfoot. I still think about that silence out there—just wind and distant sea lions—and how small we all seemed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour through Beagle Channel

• Navigate Beagle Channel waters
• Observe local flora and fauna
• Pass by Isla de los Lobos
• Stop at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
• Take photo with lighthouse
• See Imperial and Rocky Cormorants
• Learn about SS Monte Cervantes shipwreck
• Disembark on Bridge Island
• Explore archaeological remains and nature

Top questions

How long is the Beagle Channel catamaran tour?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but most tours last several hours including stops at islands and the lighthouse.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, restrooms are available on board during navigation.

Are meals or snacks included?

No meals or snacks are mentioned as included in this tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join the catamaran tour?

Infants can join; they may sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a stroller/pram.

What animals will we see during the tour?

You’ll likely see sea lions, skuas, albatrosses, steam ducks, cauquenes, cook gulls, gray gulls, imperial cormorants, and rocky cormorants.

Do we disembark anywhere during the trip?

Yes, you’ll disembark on one of the Bridge Islands to explore archaeological remains and local flora/fauna.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the departure point in Ushuaia.

What’s included

Your day includes navigation through Ushuaia’s Beagle Channel aboard a modern catamaran with guidance from a local expert. You’ll have access to an air-conditioned vessel with restrooms onboard throughout your journey—including stops at Isla de los Pájaros for birdwatching, Isla de los Lobos for sea lion sightings, a photo stop at Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, plus time ashore exploring Bridge Island’s archaeological sites before returning to port.