Beagle Channel Boat Trips: Lighthouse and Sea Lions or the Martillo Island Penguins?

Sailing the Beagle Channel is one of the defining experiences of a trip to Ushuaia. There are two main departures from the Tourist Pier, and the question we hear most is which one to pick. Here's an honest comparison.

Quick comparison

Lighthouse and Sea Lions: the essentials in 2.5 hours

The Lighthouse and Sea Lions cruise covers the best-known stretch of the channel in front of the city:

• Bird Island: cormorant colonies nesting on the rock.
• Sea Lion Island: sea lions resting a few meters from the boat.
• Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse: the red-and-white lighthouse in every Ushuaia photo.

On the way back you get the best view of the city with the Fuegian Andes behind it. Since it runs all year, it's the safe choice in winter and for anyone with only half a day free.

Boat trip to the Martillo Island penguin colony

The Martillo Island cruise follows the same first stretch, then continues east along the channel to the island, home to a colony of Magellanic penguins. Depending on the time of year you'll also see gentoo penguins. Viewing is from the boat, which approaches the shore so you can watch them walk, swim and head into their nests.

Penguins arrive in spring to breed and leave at the end of summer, so this trip runs only in season. Ask us for the exact dates for your trip.

Lighthouse at the End of the World or Les Éclaireurs?

Many people call Les Éclaireurs the “Lighthouse at the End of the World,” but they're not the same. The lighthouse in Jules Verne's novel is San Juan de Salvamento, on Isla de los Estados, far from Ushuaia and with no regular tourist boats. The one you see from the Beagle is Les Éclaireurs, still active and closed to visitors.

Tips to enjoy the cruise

• Dress warmly even in summer: the wind on deck gets very cold. Bring a windproof, waterproof jacket, hat and gloves.
• Bring sunglasses and a camera with some zoom; binoculars help.
• If you get seasick, stay in the middle of the boat and look at the horizon. The channel is usually calm, but wind can raise waves.
• Get to the pier 20 to 30 minutes early. Cruises don't include hotel transfers; the Tourist Pier is right downtown.
• If a departure is canceled due to wind, it's rescheduled, so don't leave it for your last day.

Which one should you choose?

If you're traveling between spring and late summer and love wildlife, the Martillo Island penguin colony is worth every extra minute. If you're visiting in winter, are short on time or traveling with young kids, Lighthouse and Sea Lions gives you the channel's essentials in two and a half hours. To combine it with other tours, see things to do in Ushuaia by season.