Sail the legendary waters of Patagonia aboard a modern catamaran, spotting sea lions, seabirds, the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, and Magellanic penguins at Isla Martillo.
Featured Tour
The Catamaran Tour through the Beagle Channel and Penguins in Isla Martillo is one of Ushuaia's three unmissable maritime excursions. Aboard a state-of-the-art 2018 or 2019 Canoero Catamaran — the most modern fleet sailing these waters — you'll retrace the routes of the Yámana canoeists who once called this channel home. Along the way you'll encounter the rich marine wildlife of the sub-Antarctic region and iconic landmarks that have defined this corner of the world for centuries.
About This Experience
Setting out from the port of Ushuaia, this catamaran excursion glides across waters once navigated solely by the Yámana people in their handcrafted canoes. The channel stretches between Argentina and Chile, flanked by mountains draped in glacial ice, creating a backdrop that feels both ancient and otherworldly. The modern Canoero Catamarans offer panoramic viewing decks and a smooth, stable ride even when Patagonian winds pick up.
As the catamaran moves through the channel, expert guides narrate the ecological and historical significance of each landmark. Isla de los Pájaros teems with cormorants and other seabirds, while Isla de los Lobos is home to a boisterous colony of sea lions that delight passengers of all ages. The striking red-and-white Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse — often mistaken for the 'Lighthouse at the End of the World' — stands as one of Patagonia's most photographed landmarks.
The highlight for many travelers is the approach to Isla Martillo, where Magellanic penguins waddle across rocky shores with endearing confidence. Depending on the season, you may see parents tending to chicks or juveniles preparing for their first migration. This excursion balances natural wonder with historical storytelling, making it equally rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone simply captivated by the raw beauty of the far south.
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable, and the Beagle Channel amplifies wind and cold even on sunny days. Layering is essential: start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm mid-layer such as a fleece, and top it with a wind- and waterproof outer shell. Even in summer, temperatures on the water can feel significantly colder than on land, so erring on the side of warmth is always the right call.
Protect your face, lips, and hands from wind burn, and don't underestimate the UV intensity at this latitude — sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary year-round. A quality camera or smartphone with extra battery capacity will help you capture the wildlife and lighthouse moments that make this excursion so memorable. Keeping valuables in a dry bag or ziplock pouch is a smart precaution given the sea spray on deck.
After boarding the modern Canoero Catamaran at Ushuaia's port, guides welcome passengers and provide a safety briefing before departure. The vessel moves steadily eastward along the channel, and commentary begins almost immediately as the city skyline recedes and the raw Patagonian landscape takes over. Guides share the fascinating history of the Yámana people and the European explorers who mapped these waters, bringing both culture and ecology vividly to life.
The itinerary visits several key sites in sequence, giving passengers ample time on each open deck to observe, photograph, and absorb the scenery. The catamaran's design allows excellent visibility from multiple angles, and guides point out wildlife behaviors that might otherwise be missed. By the time the vessel returns to port, most passengers feel they've experienced a genuinely comprehensive introduction to the sub-Antarctic ecosystem.
This excursion operates year-round, but wildlife sightings vary by season. Penguin colonies are most active from October through March, when birds are nesting or raising chicks. Outside these months, you may see fewer penguins but equally spectacular scenery and sea lion activity. Tours can be cancelled or modified due to adverse weather or rough sea conditions — operators prioritize passenger safety, so checking the day before your scheduled departure is always advisable.
The catamaran is stable and designed for these waters, making seasickness less of a concern than on smaller boats, but passengers with sensitivity to motion should still come prepared. There is usually an indoor cabin area with seating for those who need a break from the wind. Children are welcome aboard, and the experience is generally accessible to travelers of varying mobility levels, though the outdoor decks do require standing or careful movement.
Traveler Reviews
See why travelers rate this beagle channel tour among the best experiences in Ushuaia.
"Absolutely unforgettable afternoon on the water. The catamaran was spacious and comfortable, and our guide pointed out sea lions, cormorants, and albatrosses along the way. The highlight was definitely stepping onto Isla Martillo and walking within meters of a Magellanic penguin colony — something I never expected to experience so up close. I'd book this again without hesitation."
"We chose this excursion on our last day in Ushuaia and it ended up being the best decision of the whole trip. The crew was incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the wildlife and local history. Seeing the Andes reflected on the channel while penguins waddled past us was surreal. The hot drinks served on board were a lovely touch on a chilly afternoon."
"A really solid experience overall — the scenery on the channel is dramatic and the penguin colony visit lived up to the hype. I dropped one star only because our departure was pushed back about 30 minutes, but the staff communicated clearly and made up for it with extra time at Isla Martillo. Would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Tierra del Fuego."
"I was nervous about seasickness but the catamaran is very stable and the channel was calm on our day. Our naturalist guide explained the behavior of the penguins in a way that made the whole visit feel educational as well as magical. The views of the Chilean border and surrounding mountains are something I'll carry with me forever. One of the top wildlife encounters of my life."
FAQ
Everything you need to know before setting sail through one of Patagonia's most iconic waterways.
Ready to sail the channel and meet the penguins on the Catamaran Tour through the Beagle Channel and Penguins in Isla Martillo?
Reserve Your SpotSpots on this catamaran excursion fill up fast, especially during the peak summer season. Secure your place today and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Patagonia's most legendary waterway.
