Ushuaia: Beagle Channel yacht tour with guide & stops

Summary

Explore the Beagle Channel by yacht with locals and wildlife

You’ll join a small group for a Beagle Channel yacht tour from Ushuaia, guided by locals who share stories as you spot sea lions, cormorants, and wild landscapes. Walk on Bridges Islands for panoramic views before warming up with hot drinks or Ushuaia craft beer onboard—a slow adventure you’ll remember long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to be out on the Beagle Channel with just a handful of people? I didn’t really know what to expect until we stepped onto the Tango Yacht in Ushuaia — only 12 of us, plus our guide and the captain (who looked like he’d seen every kind of weather). The wind was sharp but not mean, and there was this salty smell that stuck to my jacket. Our guide, Lucia, handed out hot chocolate before we even left the dock — she said it helps with the chill, and honestly, she was right.

The boat moved quietly past Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Lucia told us stories about shipwrecks and pointed at a cluster of Imperial Cormorants squabbling over something invisible to us. I tried to take a photo but mostly ended up watching them through my breath-fogged glasses. There were sea lions too — loud and lazy on their rocks. Someone asked if they ever get bored out here; Lucia just laughed and said, “They have each other.” It made sense in a way I can’t explain.

We stopped at one of the Bridges Islands and got off at this tiny wooden pier that creaked under our boots. The walk was short — maybe 20 minutes — but the wind felt different on land, almost softer somehow. At the top, you could see all of Ushuaia’s bay and the mountains behind it. I still think about that view when I’m stuck in city traffic back home. On the way back, we tried some local craft beer (I spilled half mine when the boat rocked — nobody cared) and Lucia poured more tea for anyone who wanted it. The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like being invited along for something locals actually do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beagle Channel Wildlife and Views

• Tour Beagle Channel and Bridges Islands
• Watch Imperial Cormorants and birds
• View Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
• Walk to panoramic viewpoint

Top questions

How many people are on the Tango Yacht tour?

The Tango Yacht takes up to 12 passengers per trip.

Is there a walk included during the Beagle Channel tour?

Yes, there’s a short, low-difficulty walk on Bridges Islands guided by your local host.

What wildlife can I see on this day trip from Ushuaia?

You can see sea lion colonies, Imperial Cormorants, various birds, and sometimes other local fauna.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the yacht tour?

Yes, you’ll get hot chocolate, tea, coffee, flavored water, soft drinks, and a tasting of craft beer from Ushuaia.

Is this Beagle Channel tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap; all fitness levels are welcome.

Does the tour include port entry fees?

Yes—your port entry fee is included in the price.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at the port in Ushuaia, all drinks (hot chocolate, tea, coffee, flavored water), a tasting of local craft beer onboard, soft drinks throughout the journey, your port entry fee covered up front—and guiding from friendly locals who know these waters well before returning to shore together.