Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse Ushuaia
The iconic red and white Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, a symbol of Ushuaia, set against the dramatic Beagle Channel landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer seas, longer daylight
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse Ushuaia
Best Time
Calmer seas, longer daylight
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The iconic red and white Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, a symbol of Ushuaia, set against the dramatic Beagle Channel landscape.
"A must-see landmark of Beagle Channel, offering wild landscapes and wildlife sightings."
Book Boat Tours Wisely
Rumbo Sur is highly recommended for their catamarans and crew. Check weather forecasts! :cloud:
Prepare for Seasickness
The Beagle Channel can get rough. Take medication if prone to seasickness. :pill:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
Beagle Channel
Iconic red and white lighthouse, a symbol of Ushuaia at the 'End of the World'.
Sea Lion Colony
Near the lighthouse
Observe playful sea lions basking on the rocks, a common sight on Beagle Channel tours.
Bird Island (Isla de los Pájaros)
Beagle Channel
Home to diverse seabirds like cormorants and albatrosses, a treat for birdwatchers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beagle Channel Boat Tours
Weather Preparedness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Half a day activities in Ushuaia?
Book Boat Tours Wisely
Rumbo Sur is highly recommended for their catamarans and crew. Check weather forecasts! :cloud:
Prepare for Seasickness
The Beagle Channel can get rough. Take medication if prone to seasickness. :pill:
Tips on Ushuaia?
How does my Ushuaia itinerary look?
Wildlife Spotting Bonus
Keep an eye out for sea lions and various seabirds near the lighthouse. :seal: :bird:
Dress in Layers
Weather changes rapidly. Waterproof and windproof gear is essential. :jacket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Boat Tours Wisely
Rumbo Sur is highly recommended for their catamarans and crew. Check weather forecasts! :cloud:
Prepare for Seasickness
The Beagle Channel can get rough. Take medication if prone to seasickness. :pill:
Wildlife Spotting Bonus
Keep an eye out for sea lions and various seabirds near the lighthouse. :seal: :bird:
Dress in Layers
Weather changes rapidly. Waterproof and windproof gear is essential. :jacket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse as a quintessential Ushuaia experience, highlighting the abundant wildlife like sea lions and seabirds visible from boat tours. The dramatic Patagonian scenery and the 'End of the World' atmosphere are frequently mentioned positives. However, some travelers note that the Beagle Channel can be very rough, leading to seasickness, and recommend checking weather conditions carefully before booking.
"Visited back in 2012:
I took a boat ride exploring from Ushuaia exploring the beagle channel, and on the small rocks near the lighthouse plenty of birds and sea lions can be spotted.
I recommend doing a boats tour or maybe on a calm day get a kayak and camping gear to explore the channel by yourself."
Thomas Fridrich
"Great island tour. We saw the light house (with sea lions and cormorants). bird island, and the penguin rookery. The trip out was smooth, but we caught waves on the way back. I was fine but my wife needed Dramamine. Lots of passengers got sick. Make sure to check the weather conditions with the office before you book."
David Rumptz
"You can see sea lions there, so cool. We went there with a trip we bought near the port, it was so worth it."
Vanessa Morais
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is only accessible by boat. Numerous tour operators depart from Ushuaia's port, offering various Beagle Channel excursions that include the lighthouse. :boat:
Many tours visit the lighthouse. Rumbo Sur is frequently recommended for their comfortable catamarans and knowledgeable guides. :star:
While adventurous, kayaking to the lighthouse is challenging due to unpredictable weather and strong currents in the Beagle Channel. Guided kayak tours are available but may not always reach the lighthouse itself. :kayak:
Most Beagle Channel tours that include the lighthouse last between 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on the itinerary and stops. :clock:
No, the lighthouse is located in the Beagle Channel and is only reachable by boat tours. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during peak tourist season (December to February), to secure your spot. :ticket:
Prices vary by operator and tour duration, but expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 USD per person for a tour that includes the lighthouse. :moneybag:
There are no direct entrance fees for the lighthouse as it's a navigational aid. The cost is included in your boat tour ticket. :dollar:
Boat tours operate year-round, but schedules may be reduced during the winter months (June-August) due to weather conditions. :calendar:
Most reputable tour operators offer full refunds or rescheduling options if your tour is canceled due to adverse weather conditions. Always check the cancellation policy. :exclamation:
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon light can be beautiful, but be prepared for dramatic, moody shots on cloudy or foggy days, which enhance the 'End of the World' feel. :camera:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse with its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife. Bring a waterproof bag! :baggage_claim:
Absolutely! Sea lions and various seabirds are often visible from the boat, offering excellent photo opportunities. :seal: :bird:
Yes, most boat tours allow and encourage photography. Just be mindful of the movement of the boat and protect your gear from spray. :iphone:
From the boat, you'll get classic shots. Some tours might offer closer approaches, providing varied perspectives. The lighthouse is often photographed with the dramatic Patagonian landscape in the background. :mountain:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as options on board can be limited. Ensure everyone has warm, waterproof clothing, as the weather can change quickly. Consider bringing binoculars for the kids to get a closer look at the wildlife.
💰 Budget Travelers
Compare prices from different tour operators departing from the port. Sometimes booking a day or two in advance directly at the port can yield better deals than online pre-bookings. Pack your own lunch and snacks to save money on onboard purchases.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the lighthouse in its vast surroundings and a telephoto lens for wildlife. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance the sky. Ensure your camera gear is protected from sea spray and moisture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Beagle Channel
Most visitors experience the channel via organized boat trips departing from Ushuaia. These tours typically last a few hours and offer stunning views of the rugged coastline, the Andes mountains, and the diverse marine life that calls the channel home. The weather here is famously unpredictable, so being prepared is crucial for an enjoyable experience.
When planning your trip, consider the time of year. Summer (December to February) offers longer daylight hours and generally calmer seas, making it ideal for wildlife spotting and photography. However, it's also the busiest period. The shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April) can offer a more tranquil experience with dramatic skies, though the weather can be more temperamental.
Wildlife Encounters
Beyond the sea lions, Bird Island (Isla de los Pájaros) is a must-see for ornithology enthusiasts. This small island is a sanctuary for a variety of seabirds, including imperial cormorants, rock cormorants, and various species of gulls. Keep an eye out for the majestic albatrosses that also frequent these waters.
Some longer tours may also include a visit to a penguin colony, though this is typically a separate excursion or part of a more extensive itinerary. Regardless of the specific wildlife you encounter, the abundance of marine and avian life adds a significant layer of wonder to any Beagle Channel adventure.
The 'End of the World' Vibe
Many visitors find the experience of seeing the lighthouse profoundly moving, especially when combined with the often-moody weather. Cloudy, foggy, and windy conditions can amplify the feeling of being at the edge of the continent, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere. It’s a place that sparks the imagination and reinforces Ushuaia's reputation as a gateway to the extreme south.
This iconic landmark serves as a visual anchor for the 'End of the World' narrative, making it a quintessential Ushuaia experience. Whether you're captivated by the history, the wildlife, or simply the sheer remoteness, the lighthouse offers a powerful connection to this unique corner of the globe.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit