Ushuaia Day Tours
Embarkation begins in the late afternoon on Day 2 of most itineraries that begin in Ushuaia, Argentina. What will you do with your leisure time? To help you decide we have a number of optional packages to offer. Cruise to a penguin rookery or canoe on a lake surrounded by the Andes Mountains. See the best the Beagle Channel has to offer or ride the southernmost train in the world.
If you are intrigued by Tierra del Fuego, we can arrange to extend your stay after the expedition or before. These packages will add a sense of adventure to your stay.
Short Excursions
Train at the End of the World (1 Hour)
When Ushuaia was a penal colony, prisoners worked as lumberjacks and carpenters. They rode a small-gauge train from the prison to the lumber camp every day. In the evening, the lumber was stacked on the flat cars, and carried to Ushuaia for export. A portion of the track and the train cars have been restored to provide a scenic and unique way to see a subantarctic forest and the valley of the Pipo River.
We suggest you to combine the train excursion with a Tierra del Fuego National Park tour.
- Departures from September to March: 9:30am, 12noon, 3pm.
- Please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.
Excursions
Cruise to Sea Lion Island and Bird Island (2.5 Hours)
The Beagle Channel was named after the ship on which Charles Darwin developed his theory of natural selection. Darwin catalogued the rich biodiversity of the waterway that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. During your cruise you’ll encounter Magellanic Penguins, a colony of Imperial Cormorants, South American gulls and entertaining sea lions. This is the perfect wildlife teaser before your Antarctic expedition.
- Departures from November to March daily at 9:30am and 3:30pm.
- Recommendation: Arrive early at the pier. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.
- Please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.
Cruise to Penguin Island/Gable Island (6 Hours)
Gable Island, known locally as Penguin Island, is the location of a Magellanic Penguin rookery. Your choice of travel time (November through March), determines what stage of a penguin’s life cycle you will enjoy – courting, incubating eggs or tending chicks.
- Operates from November until March daily at 9:30am and 3:30pm.
- Recommendation: Arrive early at the pier. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.
- Please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.
Full Day Excursions
Cruise Adventure to Haberton Estancia (9 Hours)
The best of the sights and sounds of the Beagle Channel is included in this escape to a traditional Argentine ranch or estancia. Visit a rock where sea lions bask in the sun. Cruise past an Imperial Cormorant colony and visit a Magellanic Penguin rookery. You’ll disembark at Haberton Estancia for a guided walking tour in English. Board a coach for the return trip to Ushuaia over the Andes past beaver ponds and meandering rivers.
- Operates from November until March on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9:30am.
- Recommendation: Arrive early at the pier. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.
- Not included: Meals and drinks, tips and personal expenses and transfers to and from your hotel.
- Please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.
Haberton Estancia and Martillo Island (6 Hours)
The scenic minibus drive from Ushuaia travels across country to Haberton Estancia. From the ranch to Martillo Island takes 15 minutes by inflatable landing craft. Your goal – to explore a Magellanic Penguin rookery and see nesting American terns. Your English-speaking guide identifies the birds and explains their habits. When you return to the ranch, there is time to visit the historic outbuildings, before boarding the minibus for the return trip to Ushuaia.
- Operates from November until March: Departs daily at 8am or 3pm. Please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.
- Recommendation: Arrive early at the pier. Boarding begins 20 minutes before departure.
- Not included: Meals and drinks, tips and personal expenses and transfers to and from your hotel.
Full Day Trekking in the Tierra Del Fuego National Park (8 Hours)
If you like action, this is the excursion to choose. You’ll hike for 3 hours through a protected forest of rare subantarctic trees. After a lakeside lunch, you’ll don waterproof clothing and a life vest in preparation for a paddle from Lake Roca to the Ovando River. You’ll leave the canoes in Lapataia Bay at the terminus of the Pan American Highway. Lapataia Bay is a feeding ground for petrols, albatrosses, flightless steamer ducks and, sometimes, penguins. The transfer to the Park and back to your hotel is included.
- Daily departures between 8am and 8:30am from the hotel.
- Please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.
- Not included: Meals and drinks, tips and personal expenses. Park fee included.
Half Day Excursions
Half Day Tour in Tierra Del Fuego National Park (4 Hours)
This is a combination of motor coach touring and short walks on undemanding paths in the Park. See the false beech – trees first noted by Charles Darwin. If the conditions are right you could see a fox native to the island or beavers – an introduced species that is thriving in the park. You’ll stop for a photo at the terminus of the Pan American Highway.
- Daily excursion departs between 8am and 8:30am from the hotel.
- Please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for pricing.
