How To Choose Beagle Channel Boat Tour: The Ultimate Guide
One of the top activities to experience in Ushuaia is the Beagle Channel boat tour. I really enjoyed the chance to sail alongside whales and dolphins, as well as observe seals, cormorants, penguins, and various bird species. The opportunities to see and photograph wildlife were amazing!
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In Ushuaia, there are various types of Beagle Channel tours to choose from, which can make it difficult to decide. I’ll walk you through each tour type of Beagle Channel boat tour, the differences between them, along with their advantages and disadvantages. This guide will help you find the best option for your preferences, so you can make the most of your visit to Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.
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Why Take A Beagle Channel Boat Tour?
Taking a Beagle Channel boat tour is one of the most unique things to do in Ushuaia. I was amazed by the stunning scenery and incredible wildlife encounters!
It is the place where the Andes Mountains meet the ocean. In the Beagle Channel is the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, also known as the “Lighthouse at the End of the World.”
Along the way, you’ll spot whales, dolphins, sea lions, many bird species, and Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, depending on the season.
Photo tip: Bring a telephoto lens.
Types Of Beagle Channel Tours
Beagle Channel Catamaran Tour
The Beagle Channel catamaran tour is ideal if you’re traveling with family or a larger group. If you get sick at sea, choose a catamaran tour as catamarans are bigger and less affected by rough seas. Catamarans typically include large viewing decks, indoor seating areas, and restrooms. They’re a great choice for families or groups who want a steady, scenic ride without the thrill factor.
Beagle Channel Yacht Tour
A yacht tour Beagle Channel offers a more intimate, smaller-group experience. They are much smaller than catamarans, so fewer people are on board.
Yachts allow for closer encounters with wildlife, thanks to their smaller size and quieter operation. They often feature a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. This option is great for couples or small groups who want a more personalized tour with fewer people around.
The Beagle Channel yacht tour will take approximately four hours and will sail to the Isla de Los Pajaros to Faro Les Eclaireurs. You may disembark at one of the islands for a short hike and to learn about the life of Yamanas, the indigenous people of Tierra del Fuego.
Beagle Channel Tour By Zodiac
A Zodiac Beagle Channel tour was my choice. And it was the best choice I could have made!
Zodiacs are inflatable boats. They are smaller and closer to the water, providing an exhilarating experience.
There were about 10 of us in the Zodiac. The boat had a small covered seating area, although it was open on both sides. Wear windproof clothing as it is windy even in the covered area of the boat. Jeans are not a good idea, believe me.
The feeling of riding a Zodiac is like floating over the waves. These boats are small and can go around islands where catamarans cannot go. Zodiac boats move fast and Zodiac Beagle Channel boat tours are more focused on wildlife viewing.
We had a fabulous time “chasing” whales. Sometimes they were so close to the boat that I wondered what would happen if a whale decided to come out of the water right under the boat.
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I didn’t think about it for long. I enjoyed myself and took thousands of pictures.
Pods of dolphins came to play with the boat. And the sea lions posed for pictures.
The Zodiac Beagle Channel tour was the highlight of my first trip to Argentina! I have never been so close to wild animals in their natural habitat. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and worth every penny, believe me.
I booked my Beagle Channel boat tour with Paludine. They have a booth on the passenger pier in Ushuaia. It is the first one on the right. Unfortunately, it is not possible to book online with them.
To sum it up, Beagle Channel boat tour comparison:
Catamarans offer comfort and stability.
Yachts provide intimacy and luxury.
Zodiacs deliver adventure and an adrenaline rush.
Beagle Channel Tour: What To Expect?
Les Aclaireurs Lighthouse
Faro Les Aclaireurs is an iconic symbol of Ushuaia. It is a must-see attraction when visiting the city. Whether you’re on a catamaran, yacht, or zodiac beagle Channel boat tour, they all make a stop at the lighthouse, allowing everyone on board to capture an iconic photo.
Isla de los Lobos
During Beagle Channel tours, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Isla de los Lobos, where you can observe a large colony of sea lions. Watching them sleep, yawn, rest, and play, especially the adorable youngsters, is a delightful experience.
Isla de los Parajos
Another highlight of the Beagle Channel tours is a visit to Isla de los Parajos, also known as The Bird Island. The sheer number of birds gathered in one place is truly astonishing, making it a must-see even for those not particularly interested in ornithology.
Isla Martillo – Walk with Penguins
For an unforgettable experience, consider taking a tour to Isla Martillo, the only penguin colony in Tierra del Fuego. Here, you can encounter Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a King penguin. Keep in mind that tours to Martillo Island are only available in the summer as the penguins migrate during the winter.
The walking with penguins tour on Isla Martillo is one of the top-rated activities in Ushuaia. The tour typically involves a bus ride to Estancia Harberton near Ushuaia, followed by a boat trip to Isla Martillo or vice versa. Given the limited availability of tours to Isla Martillo, it’s advisable to book well in advance to secure your spot.
You will travel by bus to Estancia Harberton near Ushuaia and then sail to Isla Martillo or vice versa.
Walking among penguins is one of the most beautiful experiences in this part of the world. Be sure to book your tour well in advance as Isla Martillo tours are the day trips from Ushuaia with the most limited availability.
Longer vs. Shorter Tours: Which Should You Choose?
The shorter Beagle Channel boat tour will take you to Les Aclaireurs Lighthouse. The tour takes two hours and a half approximately. Different tourist companies offer this type of Beagle Channel boat tour. Some of them will stop at one of the Bridges Islands, where you will have the opportunity for a short hike.
The longer Beagle Channel boat tour takes approximately five hours. The catamaran will sail past Les Aclaireurs Lighthouse and Puerto Almanza to Martillo Island where you will see one of the biggest colonies of Magellanic Penguins and many Papua penguins.
This type of Beagle Channel tour is only available in summer as penguins migrate north for the winter months. You will admire the penguins from the catamaran as disembarking is not allowed.
In choosing between the two, consider your schedule, budget, and how much time you plan to spend in Ushuaia.
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Final Thoughts: Is The Beagle Channel Tour Worth It?
In short, YES—a Beagle Channel boat tour in Ushuaia is absolutely worth it!
If you’re wondering “Should I book a Beagle Channel tour?”, consider the experience you’re looking for. This tour provides unmatched scenic views of rugged Patagonian landscapes, plus close encounters with sea lions, penguins, and iconic sights like Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
If you are interested in capturing unique wildlife photos, or simply taking in panoramic views of the Andes and the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, the Beagle Channel boat tour is hard to beat!
