THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Board a catamaran from Ushuaia for a 4–5 hour Beagle Channel cruise to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Isla Martillo. See Magellanic and Gentoo penguin colonies, seabird rookeries, and hear maritime history while traveling in comfortable, accessible vessels.
Board a catamaran from Ushuaia for a 4–5 hour Beagle Channel cruise to Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Isla Martillo. See Magellanic and Gentoo penguin colonies, seabird rookeries, and hear maritime history while traveling in comfortable, accessible vessels.
The catamaran slips out of Ushuaia's harbor with wind on its face and mountains closing the channel like a slow-moving gate. Peaks and glaciers recede, waves push against the hull, and the first specks of birds appear—black shapes wheeling against a cold sky. You feel the Beagle Channel pulling you eastward toward small, rocky islands that hold concentrated wildlife and marine history.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Canoero Catamaranes · Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego
The catamaran slips out of Ushuaia's harbor with wind on its face and mountains closing the channel like a slow-moving gate. Peaks and glaciers recede, waves push against the hull, and the first specks of birds appear—black shapes wheeling against a cold sky. You feel the Beagle Channel pulling you eastward toward small, rocky islands that hold concentrated wildlife and marine history.
This route follows paths carved by ice. Glacial scouring left low, rocky islets and deep channels; those stones became safe harbors for cormorants and penguins. Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse punctuates one such rock, a compact light that sits near wreckage history—most famously the SS Monte Cervantes, which foundered nearby in 1930. The archipelago also carries Yámana and maritime histories, and the Chilean naval base at Puerto Williams marks international coastal presence across the channel.
On this day tour expect focused wildlife viewing: Magellanic and Gentoo (Papua) penguins on Isla Martillo, Imperial and Rock Cormorants around Les Eclaireurs, plus skuas and albatrosses on the bird isles. Guides interpret bird behavior, navigation, and the geology that made these colonies possible.
Practical notes: the trip is about 4–5 hours, mostly on deck; dress in windproof, layered clothing and bring binoculars and waterproof footwear. Seas can be choppy—if you are sensitive, consider medication. Landings are limited; respect wildlife distances and follow crew instructions. The outing is accessible for most fitness levels and offers a compact, reliable way to experience Fuegian marine life without multi-day travel.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires standing and moving on deck, minimal physical exertion.
Some tours include short, guided landings at Isla Martillo (Hammer Island) where boardwalks allow close but regulated visits; many operators only view colonies from the boat—check the specific itinerary.
Temperatures can feel several degrees colder than on land due to wind and spray; layered clothing and a windproof outer layer are recommended year-round.
The vessel used is generally wheelchair accessible per operator info, but boarding may require ramps and assistance—notify the operator in advance to arrange support.
Common sightings include Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, Imperial and Rock Cormorants, skuas, and occasionally albatrosses and sea lions; sightings depend on season and conditions.
The Beagle Channel has long been a maritime corridor; Les Eclaireurs sits near the wreck of the SS Monte Cervantes (1930), a notable local maritime tragedy.
Operators keep visitors on board or to marked paths during landings to protect nesting sites; avoid feeding wildlife and dispose of waste properly to reduce impact.
Canoero Catamaranes operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The catamaran slips out of Ushuaia's harbor with wind on its face and mountains closing the channel like a slow-moving gate. Peaks and glaciers recede, waves push against the hull, and the first specks of birds appear—black shapes wheeling against a cold sky. You feel the Beagle Channel pulling you eastward toward small, rocky islands that hold concentrated wildlife and marine history.
The catamaran slips out of Ushuaia's harbor with wind on its face and mountains closing the channel like a slow-moving gate. Peaks and glaciers recede, waves push against the hull, and the first specks of birds appear—black shapes wheeling against a cold sky. You feel the Beagle Channel pulling you eastward toward small, rocky islands that hold concentrated wildlife and marine history.
This route follows paths carved by ice. Glacial scouring left low, rocky islets and deep channels; those stones became safe harbors for cormorants and penguins. Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse punctuates one such rock, a compact light that sits near wreckage history—most famously the SS Monte Cervantes, which foundered nearby in 1930. The archipelago also carries Yámana and maritime histories, and the Chilean naval base at Puerto Williams marks international coastal presence across the channel.
On this day tour expect focused wildlife viewing: Magellanic and Gentoo (Papua) penguins on Isla Martillo, Imperial and Rock Cormorants around Les Eclaireurs, plus skuas and albatrosses on the bird isles. Guides interpret bird behavior, navigation, and the geology that made these colonies possible.
Practical notes: the trip is about 4–5 hours, mostly on deck; dress in windproof, layered clothing and bring binoculars and waterproof footwear. Seas can be choppy—if you are sensitive, consider medication. Landings are limited; respect wildlife distances and follow crew instructions. The outing is accessible for most fitness levels and offers a compact, reliable way to experience Fuegian marine life without multi-day travel.