Shore Excursion Details

Penguin Rookery Navigation

Ushuaia, Argentina

Penguin Rookery Navigation

DETAILS

  • 41/2
    hrs Estimate Duration
  • Limited Accessibility

Observe the bountiful wildlife in Tierra del Fuego while cruising the Beagle Channel in a catamaran that will take you to islands full of seabirds, sea lions and Magellanic penguins.


After departing from the pier, you will soon board a catamaran and sail into Beagle Channel, the strait that separates Argentina from Chile. The waterway is named for the HMS Beagle, in which Charles Darwin explored the area in 1833-1834.


Islands dot the channel and the rocky coast is wild and wonderful with forests to the water’s edge and the southern Andes in the far distance. Few places on earth are so pristine and unaffected by what little civilization there is.


Seabirds are abundant in most every direction. You may spot black-capped albatrosses, flocks of seagulls and grayish skuas, an aggressive bird that often attacks other birds in mid-air to steal the fish they have caught.


Approaching Sea Lions’ Island, you will see dozens of the namesake mammals clustered on the rocks. The males are typically twice the size of the females and weigh nearly 800 pounds. While pausing for photos at nearby Bird Island, you will notice that the main inhabitants are Imperial Cormorants and Magellanic Cormorants.


Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse is another photo-worthy site, as is the colony of Magellanic penguins on Martillo Island. These highly social birds will often come up to the catamaran as they hunt for cuttlefish and squid. It’s the perfect opportunity for a close up shot, after which you will return to the pier.


Need to Know:

Note: This tour includes limited walking, primarily from the ship to where the catamaran will be berthed. While wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the catamaran and have an able-bodied companion to assist them are permitted on the tour, it may not be suitable as there are no wheelchair accessible restrooms on the catamaran. Guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability and those who are prone to motion sickness should take the appropriate measures prior to the start of the tour. Warm, layered clothing; a cap; sunglasses; and flat, sturdy walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended. The tour sequence may vary. The catamaran may be shared with the guests on the Beagle Channel & Estancia Harberton tour.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Scenic & City Tours
Wildlife Tours

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve walking over relatively level terrain, possibly some cobblestone, gravel, or a few steps. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
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