Curiosities about Ushuaia's winter fauna

Curiosities about Ushuaia's winter fauna: What species to see and what are their characteristics?

Winter in Ushuaia transforms the landscape into a white, silent and magical postcard. But far from being a dormant season, the end of the world beats strongly through its resilient and surprising fauna. Despite the low temperatures, many species remain active, visible and ready to be discovered by curious travellers.. If you have a trip planned to the end of the world, there is nothing nicer than seeing the different species interact living in a cold and beautiful environment at the same time, through the different winter excursions in Ushuaia.

From sea lions to foxes, beavers, birds and sled dogs, in this article we'll tell you some interesting facts about the wildest (and not so wild) stars of the 2025 winter season and where to see them. Let's get to know them!

Beagle Channel navigation: sea lions and southern birds

As we begin our tour of the Beagle Channel, you may not know that during the winter, adult male sea lions stay on the islands to protect their territory, while females tend to wander off in search of food. This makes it common to see large groups of males resting together, roaring to mark their presence.

They are also called “one-hair fur seals” because, unlike the two-hair fur seals (more hairy and from more northerly areas), their fur is shorter and adapted to the cold climate of the south. They can weigh up to 300 kilos and dive to depths of more than 100 metres - incredible!

Sailing the Canla Beagle is one of the most complete of the Fuegian winter that allows you to observe marine fauna without leaving the city. enjoying a catamaran ride on these icy and fantastic waters.

During the tour, you will visit:

• Isla de los Lobos, where colonies of fur seals live. Friendly and willing to be photographed.
• Bird Island, The island is home to imperial cormorants, rock shags, skuas, gulls and other resident birds of the Fuegian winter.
• Les Éclaireurs Lighthouse, The channel icon and ideal vantage point for photos.

It is a scenic excursion and a great opportunity to see how these species endure and thrive in extreme conditions. Luckily for all tourists curious and interested in native fauna, sea lions and birds can be seen all year round.

The catamaran trip is an interesting activity historically for its journey through time and symbols such as the Les Eclaireurs lighthouse, but also fun for children who enjoy seeing the species in their natural habitat. Don't miss it!.

Tierra del Fuego National Park: foxes and birds of prey

Another fantastic visit that can be combined with sailing is the Tierra del Fuego National Park. Despite the cold and snow, the park is still home to a rich animal diversity.

During guided walks, they can be spotted:

• Fuegian red foxes, They can be seen at dawn or dusk near the footpaths. The fox is smaller than its continental counterpart and is perfectly adapted to the cold climate. A curious fact is that, although it is a solitary and elusive animal, it tends to follow human groups from a distance. It is extremely important to have respect for the species and for nature in general.
• Caranchos, chimangos and other birds of prey, They fly over the forest in search of food. What is interesting is that they are very intelligent and sometimes work in groups to find food. They are one of the few birds of prey that walk on the ground.
• Woodpeckers and river ducks, They remain in the area even in winter. A curious fact about them is that their drumming is not only used to feed, but also to mark territory and attract mates. If you pay attention to the silence of the forest, you can hear their “drumming” echoing in the snow.

In addition to wildlife viewing, the park offers spectacular views of the Beagle Channel, lakes and snow-capped mountains. A beautiful way to get to know the park is also with the End of the World Train.

Beavers and snowy forests: wildlife in 4×4 all year round

A unique way to get into the snowy heart of Tierra del Fuego is the Lakes Off Road 4×4 excursion, which runs all year round.. This trek crosses forests, mud, snow and frozen lakes.

One of the most interesting points is to pass through an active beaver farm, where you can see dams and burrows built by beavers, a species introduced to the island in the 1940s. As you read, they are not native to Tierra del Fuego: they were introduced from Canada and at the time only 20 specimens were brought here. But, with no natural predators and abundant forests, today there are more than 100,000 of them.

You will also be able to see footprints, trails and remains of gnawed trees, signs of their constant activity, even in the middle of winter. At this point it is important to know that native Fuegian trees such as the lenga and the ñire do not resprout, so their activity generates a strong deforestation and alteration of the ecosystems.

White Panorama: husky sledging and real wildlife contact

If you are looking for a different winter experience, White Panorama with Husky Experience combines scenery, excitement and connection with animals. A fantastic and challenging winter adventure!.

A fascinating curiosity is that these puppies' paws don't freeze., even in sub-zero temperatures, thanks to a special blood circulation system that keeps their limbs warm, huskies are friendly, sociable and very playful.

In this activity, you can meet, pet and photograph huskies trained to pull sledges, you can also participate in a short walk with snowshoes, ideal to observe the snowy forest and wildlife trails in a very entertaining way and share a unique moment with these animals, learning about their care, history and role in life in extreme climates. A fun walk for the whole family, friends and couples too.

Fuegian winter: nature alive and within reach

Contrary to what many imagine, winter in Ushuaia is not synonymous with quietness. Nature is still alive and offers close encounters with species adapted to the cold and southern winds. Moreover, thanks to guided excursions with transfer and appropriate equipment, it is possible to explore this environment safely and comfortably, every year in Ushuaia there is plenty to do in winter.

Tips for wildlife viewing in winter

• Timetablessunrises and sunsets are ideal to see active animals.
• Silence and respectmoving calmly and respectfully increases the chances of sightings.
• Appropriate clothingDress in layers, wear waterproof shoes and a hat.
• Binoculars and camera: essential allies to observe without disturbing.

Do you want to see the fauna of the end of the world?

If you enjoy these activities and at the same time get to know wonderful places, we will be happy to help you plan your winter trip to Ushuaia with safe, organised and memorable experiences. Explore all our winter activities and experience the wildest and most fascinating side of southern Patagonia, contact us!.