OUR BIRDING TOURS

Beagle Wildlife & Penguin Cruise

~5–6 Hours (Half Day)
Where the Andes meet the sea. This full-day boat trip follows the Beagle Channel, passing island breeding colonies, kelp beds and classic landmarks to watch penguins and a broad suite of coastal and marine birds plus marine mammals at close range.

OVERVIEW

About the Tour

Where the Andes meet the sea. This full-day boat trip follows the Beagle Channel, passing island breeding colonies, kelp beds and classic landmarks to watch penguins and a broad suite of coastal and marine birds plus marine mammals at close range. We combine unhurried navigation with short, easy shore stops on selected islands (including the lighthouse islet) for observation and photography. Penguin viewing is by close approach only—no landing at the colony. Expect a low-intensity day focused on quality views, behavior and clear naturalist interpretation.

Difficulty: Easy — Boat-based only;
Season: October to April (penguin season; weather permitting)
Service: Shared/regular service
Departure: Morning (8:30 AM) or Afternoon (2:30 PM)

Note: 

  • Penguin viewing is by close approach only — no landing at the colony.
  • This navigation does not include a dedicated birding guide/observer. If you require one, please request it at booking.
  • Transfer to the port is not included. Please contact us in advance if you require transportation.
  • Can be combined the same day with Tierra del Fuego National Park (HD), Urban Birding – Ushuaia, or Martial Glacier (subject to timing).


Suggestions

  • Wear layered clothing and waterproof outerwear – weather in Tierra del Fuego can shift quickly
  • Use comfortable walking shoes – trails may include forest paths, peat bogs, and uneven terrain
  • Bring binoculars – they will greatly enhance your birding experience
  • This tour is suitable for all levels – from curious nature lovers to seasoned birders

 

LOCATION

Tour highlights

  • Multiple marine–coastal habitats in one day, including island rookeries, kelp lines, rocky shores, and sheltered bays along the Beagle Channel.
  • Penguins up close with boat-based viewing only, allowing close approach to Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins at Isla Martillo from the boat.
  • Marine mammals regularly encountered include South American Sea Lion; with luck, a broader cast may appear such as Southern Elephant Seal, South American Fur Seal, and seasonal dolphins or whales (not guaranteed, especially in summer).

TOUR IMAGE GALLERY

Itinerary

Ushuaia Bay — Harbor waters

A gentle start through the inner bay as we clear the port and follow the city waterfront. Early bird activity over kelp lines—gulls, terns, and other coastal species—sets the tone before heading toward the islands.

Imperial Cormorant colony — Rocky shores of a glacial valley

Slow navigation alongside an active Imperial Cormorant colony on low rocky ledges shaped by past glaciation. These sheltered shores often host steamer-ducks, oystercatchers, and other coastal birds, allowing unhurried observation and photography from the boat.

Bridges Islands — Kelp forests and sea lion haul-outs

A maze of rocky islets fringed by dense kelp beds. Regular South American Sea Lion haul-outs and rich shoreline habitats make this a classic area for coastal birdlife, including Snowy Sheathbill around guano-washed edges.

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse islets — Exposed rocky islets

Iconic lighthouse surrounded by rugged rocky islets. Magellanic Cormorants nest on steep cliffs and ledges, while the range-restricted Blackish Cinclodes is often seen moving actively among shoreline rocks and flying low between them. On occasion, an Andean Condor may descend to feed on carrion along the islands.

Open-channel transit toward Isla Martillo — Pelagic window

A 1–1.5 hour crossing across more open stretches of the Beagle Channel. This leg offers chances for pelagic seabirds such as Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant-Petrel, and Southern Fulmar, among others. Dolphins, porpoises, or even a whale may occasionally enter the channel.

Isla Martillo — Penguin colony (boat-based viewing)

Controlled boat approach to the edge of the penguin colony, allowing close views of Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins. Observation and interpretation are conducted entirely from the water. Other seabirds commonly share the island and surrounding waters.

Return transit & arrival in Ushuaia — Open channel to harbor

The return crossing follows open-channel waters, offering a second opportunity for pelagic birds and marine mammals, before approaching Ushuaia harbor for arrival and disembarkation.

Key species of this tour

Notable Bird Species
You may encounter a wide array of birds across the tour’s environments. Some of the highlights include: Upland Goose, Kelp Goose, Flying Steamer-Duck, Flightless Steamer-Duck, Crested Duck, Snowy Sheathbill, Blackish Oystercatcher, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Southern Lapwing, Baird’s Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Chilean Skua, Brown-hooded Gull, Dolphin Gull, Kelp Gull, South American Tern, King Penguin, Gentoo Penguin, Magellanic Penguin, Black-browed Albatross, Southern Giant-Petrel, Northern Giant-Petrel, Southern Fulmar, Sooty Shearwater, Neotropic Cormorant, Magellanic Cormorant, Imperial Cormorant, Black-faced Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, Andean Condor, Turkey Vulture, Crested Caracara, Chimango Caracara, Blackish Cinclodes, Austral Negrito.
Bird activity varies depending on the time of year, weather and habitat conditions. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, each tour is led by an experienced guide who maximizes the chances of meaningful encounters.
Beagle Wildlife & Penguin Cruise
~5–6 Hours (Half Day)
Where the Andes meet the sea. This full-day boat trip follows the Beagle Channel.

Key species of Tierra del Fuego

Other birding tours in Ushuaia

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