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Exploring the Beagle Channel is a must while in Ushuaia, but take it from me, choosing the right tour really does make all the difference.
We’ve spent months traveling through Argentina and the world’s southernmost city was one of our absolute favorite places. So of course, we had to explore the Beagle Channel while we were here.
We ended up testing out several different Beagle Channel tours in Ushuaia and now we’ve rounded up our top three picks to help you decide on the best way to explore. From budget-friendly tours to all-day experiences that visit the penguins on Martillo Island, we’ll share our honest thoughts on the top-rated tours in town.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this half-day Beagle Channel yacht cruise! Not only did we take in the incredible views from the water, but we also got to do a mini trek on Isla Bridges, see tons of wildlife, and learn so much from our guide’s commentary.
Best Beagle Channel tours
1. Half-day Beagle Channel yacht navigation with Minitrek on Isla Bridges
- Price: $99 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: cruise along the Beagle Channel on a yacht, pass by several different islands, mini trek on Bridges Island, spot birds and local wildlife, small group tour
- Inclusions: boat ride, local guide, hot drinks on board
- Rating: 5 stars (read 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
I think that this half-day cruise is hands down the best Beagle Channel tour in Ushuaia!
We had such a fantastic day sailing along the stunning strait that divides Argentina and Chile. I loved taking in the views of Tierra del Fuego National Park and we got to see lots of highlights, including Isla Alicia, Isla Pajaros, and Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
It was so peaceful out there and we were able to hear everything that our guides were saying. I really enjoyed hearing their insightful commentary on local plants and wildlife, and they helped us spot lots of birds, seals, and sea lions.
Between December and March, you may even spot whales on this tour, although sadly we weren’t that lucky.
The mini trek was so much fun, too! It was great to get off the boat and walk on the surface of Isla Bridges. I loved how the island’s stark landscape contrasted against the surrounding water and mountains. As we trekked, our guide also told us lots of interesting stories about the Yamana, the Aboriginal tribe who inhabit the south coast of Tierra del Fuego.
This tour was my favorite thing that we did in Ushuaia and I think it’s the best Beagle Channel experience out there. It was also a lot more affordable than most other tours and we thought it was so worth it. It does sell out during the summer, though, so make sure to book in advance!
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
2. Martillo Island penguin walk and Beagle Channel cruise
- Price: $510 USD
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 6:30 am
- Highlights: walk with Magellanic and Gentoo penguins on Martillo Island, cruise along the Beagle Channel, views of Tierra del Fuego National Park, visit Estancia Harberton (if open)
- Inclusions: all land transfers and boat rides, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
This full-day tour promises to be an unforgettable adventure. I mean, walking among wild penguins, visiting one of the world’s southernmost farms, and admiring the stark beauty of Tierra del Fuego from the Beagle Channel sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
We got lucky, as we took the tour on a day when Estancia Haberton was open so we got to visit one of the world’s most remote ranches! The estancia was established by a former Anglican missionary in 1886 and we loved stepping back in time to hear the stories of early European settlers in Ushuaia.
We were most excited to visit Martillo Island, which is home to Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. We saw so many birds, and got to spend about an hour walking among them, as our guide gave us lots of interesting insights into their lifecycle and behaviors – did you know that both of these penguin species mate for life?
After heading back to the mainland, we embarked on our cruise down the Beagle Channel and spent the afternoon enjoying the sheer beauty of this very remote part of the world. We spotted tons of wildlife, including some amazing birds on Isla de Pajaros and tons of South American sea lions and fur seals on Isla Lobos.
This tour is pricey, sure, but it truly is a once in a lifetime experience. After all, it’s not every day that you get to cruise along the Beagle Channel and walk among wild penguins!
Check availability and book this popular tour here, before it sells out.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Half-day Beagle Channel navigation with penguin colony visit
- Price: $203 USD
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: cruise along the Beagle Channel, bird spotting around Isla Pajaros, viewing sea lions on Isla Lobos, penguin walk on Martillo Island
- Inclusions: catamaran cruise, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This half-day journey through the Beagle Channel to the Martillo Island penguin colony condenses Ushuaia’s top experiences into a time-efficient 5-hour tour. I also think that it’s very budget-friendly considering that you get to explore Torres del Fuego via the Beagle Channel AND walk among wild penguins.
This tour really did deliver a memorable adventure in Ushuaia. Setting sail from the bay was stunning, and the views only got better as we entered the Beagle Channel.
We cruised about Isla de los Pajaros, where our guides pointed out an incredible variety of birds to us, including albatrosses and skuas. Then, we headed over to the Isla de los Lobos, where we saw tons of fluffy South American sea lions lounging on the shore.
We passed other historic sites, like Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, the Monte Sarmiento shipwreck, and the Puerto Williams Naval Base on the Chilean side of the water. But of course, the highlight was Martillo Island! Walking among the colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins is truly an experience like no other.
Exploring the Beagle Channel and visiting the penguins on Martillo Island are must-do activities in Ushuaia and I love this tour because it allows you to do both. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and nature, so it really sums up what Ushuaia is all about!
Book this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Other Activities to do While in Ushuaia
Exploring the Beagle Channel is easily one of the most popular things to do in Ushuaia, but there are heaps of other fun activities. Here are a few more can’t miss sights and excursions to add to your Ushuaia itinerary!
- Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park – If you’re short on time, taking this guided half-day tour makes visiting the iconic park a breeze! It includes transportation and a local guide so you can learn all about the vast landscape. Oh, and take in the incredible views of mountains, lakes and wildlife!
- Go on a scenic flight – Seeing the world’s most southern town from an aerial view is a serious bucket list experience, so going on this scenic helicopter flight is a must! This 30 minute flight takes you over Tierra del Fuego, the Andes Mountains, glaciers, and lagoons. It’s stunning!
- Ride the Fin del Mundo Train – This train ride takes you to the end of the world! It’s super scenic and a historic route. You get to stop at the iconic “End of the World” sign, Lake Roca, explore Tierra Del Fuego, and learn a lot from the guide’s commentary.
- Hike to the Emerald Lagoon – This is one of Argentina’s prettiest lakes and visiting on this guided hiking tour makes it easy! Hike with a small group and expert guide to lead the way and take in the vast beauty of the region. It provides transportation and lunch, all you have to do is hike!
- Explore the famous Crab Route – This tour of the Crab Route combines history, outdoor exploration, and amazingly fresh seafood! You will learn about the crab and fishing industry that’s essential to Ushuaia’s culture, visit local fishing villages, go hiking, and more. It’s such a unique experience!
Where to Stay in Ushuaia
If you’ve made it this far south, make sure you stay here for a few days! We stayed here a week and found that was a perfect amount of time to really enjoy our time here.
Even if this isn’t your final destination, don’t rush your stay in Ushuaia. There are plenty of options for accommodations in this remote town so you can rest after long days spent exploring. From budget-friendly options to luxury hotels, we have our top recommendations for all price ranges.
Las Hayas Ushuaia Resort – $$$
Tucked into the hill below the Martial Glacier, this luxurious hotel overlooks all of Ushuaia. Every room has huge windows overlooking the sea and mountains. There’s a spa, swimming pool, and hot tub on-site and free shuttles to the city center. The restaurant here is great too with yummy crab risotto.
Rooms start at $400 USD per night. Check availability and book this resort on Booking.com.
Valle Frío Ushuaia – $$
This family-owned inn has panoramic views of the mountains and stunning sunrises! It’s cute and cozy with colorful decor and a great family atmosphere. Just look for the pink building! It is just outside the center of town, so if you prefer peace and quiet, this is the place to stay.
Rooms here start at $100 USD per night and can be booked here on Booking.com.
Mirador del Beagle Hosteria – $
I mentioned this hosteria in the above activities to do because it’s that nice! It’s truly the best bang for your buck at $50 USD per night. The hosts here are so charming, they treat you like family. Breakfast is great too. We’ve heard people call this the best hostel in Argentina!
Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Hosteria Kupanaka – $
This lodge is in a great location overlooking Ushuaia Bay and offers large and cozy rooms. The views are beautiful and there’s a really nice central area with a fireplace that you can relax in. Rooms here are around $80 USD.
Reserve your room here on Booking.com.
Planning your Trip to Patagonia
Accommodation in Patagonia
Booking accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of your trip, and we should know as we stay in a new hotel up to 40 times per year! Funny enough, we make 99% of these bookings on one website and that’s Booking.com – and there are a few reasons why we use this site!
Number one is the website is easy to use and sorts accommodation options. That takes the stress out of planning which honestly still affects us and we do it more than not.
Second, is the price guarantee. We have literally booked a hotel months before and then 1 week out found it cheaper (we always do a quick search), and they’ll match that price from anyone’s website including the hotels!
And third, is the Genius loyalty program. If you make a certain amount of bookings per year you get a Genius discount. We are level-two geniuses because we make more than 5 a year. At participating hotels, we get things like free breakfast included, early check-in, and up to 15% off.
You can check out all their accommodation options throughout Patagonia!
Renting a car in Patagonia
We enjoyed a rental car for our second trip to Patagonia – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!
But how? Well if you’re renting a car the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! The truth is, they are a great company that we actually used for our own rental car.
If you do want to compare prices (and you should) do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor and each company often has its own deals to offer!
Tours in Patagonia
We love booking our tours on the website Viator! Not only does it make it super easy because you can compare tours all in one place, but it is safe and you can pay in your home currency (so you’ll save on currency conversion fees from your bank!) On top of that, you can check reviews from other travelers so that you know exactly what you are getting.
Most tours on Viator also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, which we love! Being flexible when we travel is super important to us.
You can browse Viator easily online here.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Exploring the Beagle Channel was one of the most memorable travel moments we’ve ever had. No matter which tour you end up going with, I know it will be an incredible experience!
Before you take off, check out our other South America blogs! We have traveled this continent extensively and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few more blog posts to help plan your next adventure.
12 BEST Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina
6 BEST Sightseeing Tours in Buenos Aires: Which One to Choose
22 Amazing Things to do in Patagonia – Our Patagonia Highlights