Yacht charter in Ushuaia: private tours along the Beagle Channel
A group catamaran on the Beagle Channel is a great option for a first acquaintance with the fjords of Tierra del Fuego. But if you want to go at your own pace, stop at every sea lion colony, open champagne at sunset by Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, or reach where regular tours don't go — you need a private yacht charter.
What a private charter is
A charter is renting the whole yacht for your group. No other passengers on board: just you, your captain and, if needed, a deckhand or naturalist guide. You agree the route in advance, but on departure day it can be adjusted.
This is fundamentally different from a group tour:
- On the catamaran — 50–150 people, fixed route, 4 hours.
- On a charter — your group (usually 2–10 people), flexible route, from 4 hours to many days.
How much a yacht charter costs in Ushuaia in 2026
Half-day (4–5 hours) — from $400 to $600
The classic format: depart from Ushuaia port, Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, sea lion island, bird island, sometimes a short landing.
Who it suits: couples, small families, cruise ship guests.
Full day (8–10 hours) — from $800 to $1,500
Extended route: classic points plus Estancia Harberton and Martillo Island with the penguin colony. Some routes include a short trekking landing or lunch on board.
Who it suits: tourists with one full day in Ushuaia, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts.
Multi-day expeditions — from $2,000 per day
- Murray Channel and Chilean fjords (advance permit from the Chilean Navy required).
- Pia Bay and Pia Glacier — one of the most spectacular tidewater glaciers in the region.
- Navarino Island and Puerto Williams (Chile).
- Cape Horn — 2–4 days one way, weather-dependent.
- Antarctic Peninsula — only on specialized expedition yachts with ice class.
Yacht types for charter in Ushuaia
Motor boats and cruisers 8–12 meters
The most common type for day tours. Speed 10–15 knots, sheltered cabin, toilet, small galley. Carry 2–10 passengers.
Sailing yachts 12–16 meters
Classic cruising sailers, often steel or aluminum, built for high latitudes. Suitable for multi-day routes.
Expedition yachts with ice class
Specialized vessels (often Polar Code certified) for Cape Horn and Antarctic routes.
Captains and operators in Ushuaia
In Ushuaia there are several licensed captains and small companies. Among those known in the international expedition community — Pelagic Australis (Skip Novak's fleet), Bonifacio, and several Argentine private operators. Magellania works with vetted local captains.
What's usually included
Standard day-charter package:
- Captain and (if needed) deckhand on board.
- Fuel for the agreed route.
- Basic drinks and snacks: water, coffee, tea, fruit, cheese, crackers.
- All mandatory fees: port, navigation.
- Life jackets and required safety gear.
- Passenger insurance.
For extra fee:
- Champagne and premium wines.
- Full lunch with chef catering.
- Naturalist guide or photographer on board.
- Extra gear.
- Landings at points requiring separate permits.
Why pick a charter over a group tour
Your schedule. Want to leave at dawn and catch the morning light on Les Éclaireurs — leave at 6 AM.
Your route. You can build a program for a specific interest: just whale photography, just bird colonies.
Quiet and privacy. On the catamaran 100 people and loud audio narration. On a charter — engine sound, wind and your conversation.
Special occasions. Marriage proposal by the lighthouse, anniversary, corporate event for 8.
Photography. You can get closer to the light, wait for the right shot.
When to go and what the weather is like
Yachting season in the Beagle Channel — October to April.
- December–February (summer): most stable weather, long daylight, peak wildlife activity. And peak prices and demand.
- October–November, March–April: fewer people, prices down 10–20%.
- May–September (winter): most charters don't operate.
How to book
- Define your purpose.
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead in high season. Multi-day expeditions are booked 3–6 months ahead.
- Confirm what's included.
- Leave a buffer day for multi-day and Cape Horn routes.
What to bring on a charter
- Warm windbreaker and hat.
- Sunglasses and cream.
- Camera with zoom. Minimum 200 mm.
- Motion sickness pills.
- Rubber or trekking boots for possible landings.