Sail the legendary waterway that Darwin himself explored, past bird islands, sea lion colonies, and the iconic Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse aboard the most modern catamaran fleet in Ushuaia.
Featured Tour
The Catamaran Tour through the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia is widely regarded as one of the three must-do experiences in Patagonia's southernmost city. Gliding across the same ancient waterway once paddled by the Yámana canoeists, you'll discover a world of raw natural beauty from the comfort of a state-of-the-art Canoero Catamaran — 2018 and 2019 models that represent the newest fleet in Ushuaia. Along the way, the tour calls in at the Island of the Birds, home to colonies of cormorants and other seabirds; the Island of Los Lobos, where South American sea lions bask and play; and the celebrated Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, a lonely red-and-white sentinel often mistaken for the 'Lighthouse at the End of the World.' Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or simply craving an unforgettable maritime adventure in Tierra del Fuego, this voyage promises breathtaking scenery and remarkable encounters with Patagonian marine fauna at every turn.
About This Tour
The Beagle Channel is one of the world's most storied waterways, weaving between Argentina and Chile through a dramatic landscape of snow-capped mountains and steel-blue water. This catamaran excursion places you right in the heart of that scenery, offering sweeping views that no land-based tour can match. It consistently ranks as one of the three essential experiences in Ushuaia, and for good reason — the channel's wildlife and vistas are simply unmatched anywhere else in South America.
What sets this voyage apart is the vessel itself. Canoero Catamarans operates the most modern fleet sailing these waters, and the spacious, stable design of their 2018 and 2019 catamarans means you can enjoy the journey in comfort regardless of the channel's famously brisk winds. Wide open decks give every passenger an unobstructed view, while enclosed cabin areas provide a warm retreat when temperatures dip — a genuine advantage in Tierra del Fuego's unpredictable climate.
Beyond the scenery and wildlife, the excursion carries real cultural weight. The Beagle Channel takes its name from HMS Beagle, the vessel that brought Charles Darwin to these shores in the 1830s. Long before Darwin arrived, the Yámana people navigated these same waters by canoe for thousands of years, and the tour pays tribute to their legacy throughout the narration on board. It's a journey that blends natural history, indigenous heritage, and breathtaking Patagonian landscapes into one unforgettable outing.
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail
The Beagle Channel is beautiful but cold, even in the Patagonian summer. Temperatures on the water can feel significantly lower than on shore, so layering is absolutely essential. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or down jacket, and top it all off with a windproof and water-resistant outer shell. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is also a wise choice when moving around the catamaran's decks.
Don't underestimate the glare off the channel's surface — sunglasses and sunscreen are important even on overcast days. A camera or smartphone with a good zoom lens will be your best friend when photographing sea lions and lighthouse details from the deck. Pack any personal medications in an easily accessible bag, and if you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking a preventive remedy before boarding, as channel swells can occasionally be lively.
After gathering at the Ushuaia pier, passengers board one of the sleek Canoero Catamarans and are welcomed by the on-board guide. As the vessel pulls away from port, Ushuaia's colourful waterfront and the Martial Range mountains create a stunning backdrop. The guide begins narrating the cultural and natural history of the channel, drawing connections between the landscape you're sailing through and the ancient Yámana way of life that shaped it.
The catamaran makes several scenic passes near each key landmark, giving passengers ample time to observe, photograph, and absorb the surroundings. At the Island of Los Lobos, you'll hear — and smell — the sea lion colony well before you see it. The final highlight, Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, appears almost dreamlike rising from the water as the vessel circles for the best possible views. The return journey to port is relaxed, allowing you to reflect on the scenery with a warm drink in hand.
This excursion operates year-round, but the most popular season runs from October through March when daylight hours are long and wildlife is most active. Departure times can vary depending on the season, so always confirm your specific time slot when booking. Arrive at the pier at least 15 to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure to allow for boarding without rushing. The catamaran is stable and suitable for passengers of all ages, including children and older travellers.
Patagonian weather is notoriously changeable, and while tours operate in most conditions, it is wise to check the forecast on the morning of your excursion. The boat has an enclosed heated cabin, so even if the weather turns, you can still enjoy the views in warmth and comfort. Photography of wildlife is encouraged from the deck, but always respect the animals' natural space — the catamaran maintains safe and respectful distances at every stop. Ensure your booking confirmation is on your phone or printed before arrival.
Traveler Reviews
See why travelers call this beagle channel catamaran tour one of the most unforgettable experiences in Patagonia.
"Absolutely breathtaking from start to finish. The catamaran was spacious and comfortable, and the crew pointed out sea lions, cormorants, and even a family of Magellanic penguins along the way. Sailing past Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse with the snow-capped Andes in the background was a moment I'll never forget. Highly recommend booking early as spots fill up fast."
"This was without a doubt the highlight of our entire trip to Ushuaia. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable about the local wildlife and the history of the channel, and they made sure every passenger had a great view at each stop. The vessel itself was modern and well-maintained, with a warm indoor cabin to retreat to when the wind picked up. We saw more wildlife in three hours than we expected to in a full week."
"A genuinely impressive excursion through some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth. The wildlife encounters — especially at the sea lion colony — were spectacular and the bilingual commentary kept everyone engaged throughout. I docked one star only because the morning departure was quite cold and we weren't warned to bring an extra layer, so pack accordingly. That small gripe aside, the experience itself is absolutely worth every penny."
"We did the beagle channel catamaran tour on our last day in Ushuaia and it was the perfect send-off to Patagonia. The crew was friendly and professional, the snacks and hot drinks on board were a lovely touch, and the stop near the penguin colony had us completely mesmerized. The whole route felt carefully designed to show off the best the channel has to offer without feeling rushed."
FAQ
Everything you need to know before you set sail through one of the world's most spectacular waterways.
Ready to sail the Catamaran Tour through the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia for yourself?
Reserve Your SpotSpots on this popular catamaran voyage fill up fast, especially during the Patagonian summer. Secure your place today and experience one of Ushuaia's most iconic maritime adventures.
