Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and overlooking the spectacular Beagle Channel, Ushuaia in Argentina is one of the most dramatically situated cruise ports in South America. Known as the city at the end of the world, it is also a major gateway to Antarctica, with expedition ships regularly departing across the Drake Passage.

If your cruise visits Ushuaia, you’ll find plenty to explore, from wildlife watching excursions to the colourful streets and waterfront of this fascinating Patagonian city. You might encounter penguins, sea lions and enormous colonies of seabirds, while the surrounding mountains provide an extraordinary backdrop.

During a South American and Antarctic cruise aboard Celebrity Equinox in January 2026, Ushuaia was a port of call after departing Buenos Aires and before crossing the Drake Passage towards Antarctica. A wildlife boat excursion along the Beagle Channel was followed by time exploring the city independently, providing an opportunity to experience both the natural beauty of Tierra del Fuego and the atmosphere of its famous southernmost city.

Where Is Ushuaia, Argentina?

Ushuaia is located on the island of Tierra del Fuego, at the southern tip of Argentina. The city sits between the Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, a waterway separating the main island of Tierra del Fuego from several smaller islands to the south.

Its remote location has earned Ushuaia the nickname End of the World, although the surrounding region is home to several other small settlements. Despite its position at the southern tip of South America, Ushuaia is a busy tourist destination, particularly during the Antarctic cruising season.

Many expedition cruises begin or end here, with passengers flying into the city before boarding ships bound for the Antarctic Peninsula. However, Ushuaia is also visited by larger cruise ships sailing around South America, making it an interesting destination whether you’re embarking on an expedition or simply spending a day in port.

Taking a Beagle Channel Wildlife Cruise from Ushuaia

One of the most memorable ways to experience Ushuaia is by taking a wildlife watching boat excursion along the Beagle Channel. The waterway is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including sea lions, seabirds and penguins.

During the January 2026 visit, a boat excursion operated by LM Tour provided an opportunity to explore the channel and visit several wildlife colonies. The journey began with wonderful views back towards Ushuaia, where cruise ships could be seen in the harbour beneath the snow-covered mountains.

As you travel farther along the channel, the scenery becomes increasingly remote, with rocky islands, green hillsides and dramatic mountain peaks. The excursion included visits to seabird colonies, sea lion colonies, the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse and a penguin colony.

Seeing Sea Lions and Seabirds in the Beagle Channel

The rocky islands of the Beagle Channel provide important resting and breeding areas for wildlife. During the excursion, large groups of sea lions could be seen resting on the rocks, with the mountains creating a spectacular backdrop.

The channel is also home to enormous colonies of seabirds, including imperial cormorants, recognisable by their black and white plumage and distinctive colouring around their faces. Hundreds of birds gathered on the rocky islands, creating an impressive sight as the boat approached.

If you enjoy wildlife photography, you’ll find plenty of opportunities throughout the journey, so it’s worth keeping your camera ready even between the main stops.

Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse

Another highlight of a Beagle Channel excursion is the famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse. Standing on a small rocky island surrounded by water, the red and white lighthouse is one of the most recognisable landmarks near Ushuaia.

Its striking colours contrast beautifully with the surrounding mountains and sea, making it a popular photography stop. Although frequently associated with the End of the World, Les Éclaireurs is not the lighthouse featured in Jules Verne’s famous novel.

Most sightseeing boats approach the lighthouse from the water, allowing passengers to photograph it against the dramatic landscape. It’s a particularly memorable sight, especially if you’re visiting Ushuaia for the first time.

Seeing Penguins on a Beagle Channel Excursion

For wildlife enthusiasts, one of the biggest attractions of visiting Ushuaia is the opportunity to see penguins in their natural habitat. Several islands in the Beagle Channel support penguin colonies during the breeding season, including Martillo Island, which is particularly well known for its Magellanic penguins.

During the January excursion, the boat approached a penguin colony where hundreds of birds could be seen gathered along the shoreline and surrounding grassy slopes. The scenery was extraordinary, with penguins standing on the beaches, others resting amongst the vegetation and snow-covered mountains visible in the distance.

Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins

Two different penguin species were photographed during the excursion. Magellanic penguins are recognisable by their black and white markings, including distinctive bands across their chests. These penguins breed along the coasts of southern South America and are commonly encountered around Tierra del Fuego during the summer months.

Gentoo penguins were also present, easily distinguished by their bright orange bills and feet, along with the white markings above their eyes. Seeing both species together provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate their differences, whether they’re standing along the shoreline, moving between the rocks or gathering in groups on the beach.

Do You Go Ashore to See the Penguins?

Not all penguin watching excursions from Ushuaia involve landing on an island. On this particular excursion, passengers remained aboard the boat throughout the visit. However, the vessel approached the shoreline and stopped immediately beside the beach, providing excellent views of the penguins.

Passengers were given opportunities to take turns to move towards the bow of the boat for closer photographs. There were also photographers aboard, and the close approach meant it was possible to enjoy wonderful views of the penguins without stepping ashore.

If you’re choosing a penguin excursion from Ushuaia, it’s worth checking whether your tour includes a landing or viewing from a boat, as the experiences differ. A boat based excursion can still provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities, particularly when the vessel is able to approach the colony closely.

What Is the Wildlife Excursion Boat Like?

The excursion boat offered both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, allowing passengers to choose where they wanted to spend their time. Outside, there was an open upper deck and access to viewing areas where you could enjoy uninterrupted views of the scenery and wildlife.

The sheltered interior featured seating, tables and large windows, making it a comfortable alternative when the wind picked up. One particularly thoughtful detail was the crew regularly cleaning sea spray from the windows throughout the journey, ensuring passengers who preferred to remain inside could still enjoy clear views of the wildlife and surrounding landscape.

There was also a bar aboard, serving a selection of drinks, including local Patagonian beer. The combination of indoor seating and outdoor viewing areas made it easy to enjoy the excursion in different weather conditions.

Even during the South American summer, the Beagle Channel can be windy and cold, particularly when the boat is travelling at speed. Warm layers, a windproof jacket and a snood to protect your face and ears is a sensible addition to your bag.

Exploring Ushuaia Independently from the Cruise Port

After returning from the wildlife excursion, there was still time to explore Ushuaia independently. One of the advantages of visiting the city by cruise ship is that the central waterfront and nearby streets are within walking distance of the port, so you don’t necessarily need to book another excursion to enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

The waterfront provides beautiful views across the Beagle Channel, while the mountains rise dramatically behind the buildings. Ushuaia has a mixture of colourful houses, shops, hotels and restaurants, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the scenery.

The streets become steeper as you move away from the waterfront towards the mountains, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If you only have a few hours available, exploring the harbour and central streets is an enjoyable way to experience the city without travelling far from your ship.

The Famous Ushuaia Sign

One of the most popular places to visit during a walk around Ushuaia is the large sign displaying the city’s name beside the waterfront. With the Beagle Channel and surrounding mountains behind it, the sign makes a wonderful photograph to remember your visit.

It’s also a popular stop for cruise passengers, particularly those preparing to sail towards Antarctica. The nearby waterfront is worth exploring, with views of the harbour, Argentine flags, monuments and the mountains beyond.

You may also encounter seabirds resting along the shoreline, while the combination of maritime activity and spectacular scenery makes this part of Ushuaia particularly attractive for photography.

Museums and Other Attractions in Ushuaia

If you have more time available, Ushuaia has several museums and attractions that provide an insight into the history of Tierra del Fuego. The Museo del Fin del Mundo, or Museum of the End of the World, explores the region’s natural and cultural history.

Another option is the Maritime and Prison Museum, housed within Ushuaia’s former prison complex. Its exhibitions cover maritime history and the city’s past as a penal settlement.

Although neither museum was visited during this particular day in Ushuaia, they’re worth considering if you’re interested in learning more about the region. If you prefer spending time outdoors, the waterfront and surrounding streets provide plenty to enjoy without entering any attractions.

Ushuaia as the Gateway to Antarctica

Ushuaia plays an important role in Antarctic expedition cruising, with numerous ships departing from the port throughout the austral summer. Its location makes it a convenient departure point for vessels crossing the Drake Passage towards the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

For cruise enthusiasts, the harbour itself can be fascinating. During the January 2026 visit, several expedition and ocean cruise ships were in port, including National Geographic Resolution, Silver Whisper and Celebrity Equinox. Ships operated by Quark Expeditions, Ponant, Seabourn and other expedition companies were also present.

The contrast between the smaller specialist expedition vessels and the much larger ocean cruise ships was particularly interesting. Many expedition ships are designed to navigate remote polar waters and carry equipment for activities such as Zodiac excursions and wildlife watching.

If you’re visiting Ushuaia during the Antarctic cruising season, it’s worth taking time to look around the harbour. You may see ships preparing for voyages to some of the most remote destinations on Earth.

Can You See Ushuaia in One Day?

Yes, it’s possible to enjoy several of Ushuaia’s highlights during a single cruise port visit. Combining a Beagle Channel wildlife excursion with an independent walk around the city worked particularly well during this visit.

The boat trip provided opportunities to see penguins, sea lions, seabirds and the famous lighthouse, while the remaining time ashore allowed for a relaxed exploration of the waterfront and nearby streets.

However, the amount you can fit into your day will depend on your ship’s arrival and departure times, along with the duration of your excursion. If seeing penguins is a priority, check the itinerary carefully before booking, as not every Beagle Channel boat trip travels as far as a penguin colony.

It’s also important to allow enough time to return to your ship, particularly when booking excursions independently.

What Is the Weather Like in Ushuaia?

Ushuaia has a cool maritime climate, with changeable weather throughout the year. Even during January, which falls in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, temperatures can feel surprisingly chilly, especially when exposed to the wind on the Beagle Channel.

Conditions can change quickly, with sunshine, cloud and strong winds all possible during the same day. Dressing in layers is particularly useful, allowing you to adjust your clothing as the weather changes.

If you’re taking a wildlife boat excursion, a waterproof or windproof outer layer is recommended, along with comfortable footwear. Don’t forget your camera, as the scenery around Ushuaia is spectacular in almost every direction.

Is Ushuaia Worth Visiting on a Cruise?

Ushuaia is a wonderful destination, particularly if you enjoy wildlife, dramatic scenery and exploring places that feel far removed from everyday life.

A boat excursion along the Beagle Channel offers opportunities to encounter an extraordinary variety of wildlife, from sea lions and seabirds to colonies of Magellanic and gentoo penguins. The famous Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse and surrounding mountains add to the experience, making the journey memorable even between wildlife sightings.

Back in the city, the accessible waterfront and nearby streets make independent exploration straightforward, while the busy harbour offers plenty of interest for anyone fascinated by expedition cruising.

Whether you’re visiting Ushuaia during a South American cruise or preparing to cross the Drake Passage towards Antarctica, it’s well worth making the most of your time at the End of the World.