Kayaking the channel
- Duration
- Half day
- Transport
- Kayak
- Group
- per person
- Season
- November–March
On the water the Beagle Channel looks different. We paddle along the shore, the lighthouse drifts past at ten meters, sea lions usually come up to us — they're curious. No experience needed: an instructor stays with every pair of kayaks. My own first kayak was a year ago, I'm still a little scared — and that's part of the fun.
Program
-
Briefing and gear fitting at the shore office [Ushuaia, Bahía Encerrada]: drysuit, life jacket, spray skirt. All included
-
On the water. 10 min training in the sheltered bay: stroke, turns, what to do if you flip [no one ever has]
-
Out into the Beagle Channel. 2.5 hours paddling along the shore. Sea lions are curious, they approach by themselves to 2-3 meters. Cormorants and skuas overhead
-
Small beach — out of the kayaks, thermos of hot cocoa, cake
-
Return
Included
- ✓Instructor-guide
- ✓Kayak
- ✓Drysuit and gear
- ✓Hot drink
Extra cost
- +Personal camera (we recommend a waterproof case)
Photos
per person
Related reading
Questions and answers
Do I need experience? +
No. Drysuits, life jackets, instructor. 10 min training in the sheltered bay, then straight into the channel. 90% of our guests have no experience, no one has ever flipped.
What if I'm in poor shape? +
The kayaks are sit-on-top, paddling is easy, we set the pace. If it's tough for someone — we head back earlier. The tour isn't a marathon, more of a stroll.
How much time on the water? +
2.5 hours of active paddling + a hot cocoa stop. Distance about 5 km round trip along the shore. Never far from shore, always within sight.
What to wear? +
Under the drysuit — fleece or thermal underwear, warm socks, cap under hood (against sun and wind). Glasses on a strap, so you don't lose them. Gloves — we provide. Your own gear — just a swimsuit.
Can kids go? +
Kids 12+ in their own kayak, 8+ in the back seat of a tandem. Under that — no, per Prefectura rules. Pregnant — also no.
Similar tours
Beagle Channel + lighthouse
Half a day on a catamaran to Les Éclaireurs lighthouse and sea lion colonies. The most popular boat trip in Ushuaia — and yes, I love it too, even after a hundred times leading it. The Beagle Channel is the water that separates us from Antarctica.
Martillo Island Penguins
10 hours and three small wonders. In the morning — the Ruca Kellen chacra with raspberries and strawberries at Andrés's place; then lunch with seafood in the fishing village of Almanza; and the finale — Martillo Island. The only place in the world where you're allowed to walk between the penguins.
Laguna Esmeralda
Turquoise you don't believe in until you see it. 9 km on foot through lenga beech forest and beaver dams — and there it is, the Emerald Lagoon. I do this hike year-round and feel a bit embarrassed by my own oohs and aahs each time. But it really is wow.