Birdwatching · SAILING
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 13 sailing trips worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Sail from Ushuaia to Martillo Island aboard a comfortable catamaran, with bilingual commentary and an audio guide. See sea lions, cormorants, seabirds, Magellanic and Papuas penguins from the water, plus the Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and Beagle Channel scenery.
“It was an amazing experience. We got up close to the Penguins and Sea Lions. The scenery was breathtaking. I highly recommend this tour. You see so much.”
From Ushuaia, you’ll sail the Beagle Channel to sea lion and bird colonies, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Martillo Island’s Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. An English and Spanish guide provides commentary, while the catamaran offers indoor seating, outdoor decks, bathrooms, and a café.
“Good experience the Ship Captain was excellent in navigating the ship. Once in a life time experience we enjoyed.”
Sail from Airlie Beach aboard Condor for two nights among the Whitsunday Islands. Your crew provides meals, bedding, snorkeling gear, and cold-water suits, with time for Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, island walks, and relaxed hours on deck. Bring your own alcohol, without glass or red wine.
“The passengers and crew were amazing and as a solo traveler I felt so embraced and comfortable sooner than I would’ve ever expected. I had a lovely time even though we didn’t catch the best conditions. Everyone’s attitude and williRead more”
From Playa Flamingo, you spend about four hours cruising past rock formations and quiet beaches, swimming, snorkeling, using the waterslide, and watching the sunset. Bilingual guides serve lunch, tropical juices, and alcoholic drinks. The catamaran has shaded seating and returns to the marina.
“Great customer service with good food and unlimited drinks , activities , music and entertainment by crew”
Set out from Ushuaia’s tourist port on a 5 to 6 hour catamaran cruise with bilingual guidance, onboard restrooms, a café, and outdoor viewing decks. You’ll see seabirds, sea lions, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, and Magellanic and Gentoo penguins from the boat, without landing on Isla Martillo.
“It was amazing, the rocking was a bit rough but the areas to take pictures were amazing. We were able to see the prednisone and sea lions for a while.It was really fun.”
Board a catamaran in Ushuaia for a five-hour cruise through the Beagle Channel. An English- or Spanish-speaking guide points out the Maritime Museum, sea lions, cormorants, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, the SS Monte Cervantes wreck, and Magellanic penguins on Martillo Island. Hotel pickup is optional.
“Catamarano stra colmo di gente . As ogni attrattiva da vedere ci si ammassava fuori e se eri dietro non vedevi assolutamente nulla e la gente non si spostava. Siamo arrivati dai pinguini prima di tutte le altre barche e nonostante questo la nostra si é fermata dove c’erano solo una decina di pinguini mentre il “gruppo super grande “ non siamo riusciti a vederlo nemmeno ha fatto un giro per poter mostrare anche a chi non ha visto nulla. In prezzo assurdo si quasi 169€ a persona ! I peggio spesi. Sxonsiglko !!!meglio barca piccola”
Board Pegasus, a restored 52-foot French sailing yacht, from Playa Flamingo for a private four-hour cruise toward Las Catalinas. Crew members Rodrigo, Jose, and Caleb can arrange snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing, lunch, drinks, and a sunset stop, with hotel transfers available for an added fee.
“This was hands down our favorite day in Costa Rica and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From start to finish, the entire crew went above and beyond. The three crew members were incredibly kind, attentive, and fun. Lunch was delicious—freshly made shrimp and grilled chicken tacos, the best homemade guacamole we’ve ever had, and fresh fruit. Drinks were always flowing with plenty of options, and they were happy to grab us anything whenever we asked. They took us to a private cove where Jose helped us snorkel and pointed out the most amazing fish. We swam to the beach to explore, and Caleb even swam out to us with waters and…”
Join Captain Kirk aboard Condor for a relaxed two-hour Pensacola Bay cruise limited to six people. Look for dolphins, rays, and shorebirds, enjoy views of Fort Pickens National Seashore, and move around the boat from the side seats to the bow. Snacks and drinks are included.
“Don’t waste your money. This adventure was overpriced. Also summary on Viator is misleading. We did not come anywhere near Fort Pickens.”
Set sail from Potrero at 2 pm for a four-hour private catamaran along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Swim, snorkel, kayak, watch for dolphins, and enjoy snacks plus unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Ask if Luis, Joshua, and Nicholas are available as your crew.
“Our family and friends (14 people) did a sunset boat ride. The captains and crew were friendly and gracious. Excellent energy w music and knowledgeable about the area. We saw some sea life, swam / kayak/ snorkeled. It was a highlight of our trip! Don’t hesitate to book this boat!”
Sail from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour around Engey, Lundey, and Viðey with an English-speaking guide. You’ll watch for puffins and migrating birds, with possible seals, dolphins, or whales, plus views of Mount Esja and the city. Claudia has guided some departures. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
“Even though we were delayed and had to wait for a larger boat - it was so worth it - Claudia was a Wonderful guide and informative and We We’re So Happy we got to see pUFFIns”
Spend six hours on the Beagle Channel with an English or Spanish guide, watching sea lions, cormorants, and Magellanic penguins from the boat. The route includes Bird Island, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Gable Island, and views toward Puerto Williams. Meet at Ushuaia’s Tourist Pier.
“Molto emozionante l’esperienza ma per il costo ci aspettavamo maggior comfort e organizzazione.”
Travel from your Galle-area stay by private car, van, or nearby tuk-tuk to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary. A friendly guide handles the trip, then you explore the lagoon by private catamaran for about two to three hours. Paddle boats are also available.
“We arrived in Sri Lanka the night before our tour. Super easy pick up/drop off from our hotel. The lagoon and are where you start the boat tour is beautiful in itself, lots to see and you already know it's going to be a great tour because you are Read more”
See Cabo San Lucas from the water on a relaxed one-hour yacht tour for up to 10 people. You’ll pass Pelican Rock, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, the Arch, and Neptune’s Finger, with chilled water, photo time, and possible sea lion or whale sightings.
“Good treatment and so fun we have the fortune to see some whales, the took you on a medium-small boat and the tour take around 4-5 hrs”
Pick a bird, a colony or a coastline.
