Explore Ushuaia at 54.87 South: Earth’s Southernmost City Adventure Ends

After a day of exploring Ushuaia, known as the end of the world, and an invigorating hike through Tierra del Fuego National Park, today I’m setting out to visit the iconic lighthouse at the end of the world. To embark on this adventure, you’ll need to purchase a boat ticket from one of the travel agencies near the pier.

The ticket costs 45,000 pesos, approximately 340 RMB, and the journey lasts about three hours. Despite the spacious ship, it’s wise to buy your tickets in advance. Arrive at the pier half an hour early, and you can choose to sit either inside or outside. The first stop is the lighthouse itself, a charming red and white structure that stands out beautifully against the azure sky and deep blue sea.

My phone GPS shows the latitude is 54.87. Over the past two days, I’ve watched cruise ships bound for Antarctica come and go, feeling a mix of envy and regret. Envy for those fortunate enough to witness the wonders of Antarctica, and regret for my own seasickness-prone body. Perhaps 54.87 South is the southernmost point I will ever reach.

Next, we head to Sea Lion Island, where groups of lazy sea lions bask in the sun, some barking at us as if to say, “What are you staring at?” Not far from Sea Lion Island is a small, dark island teeming with rockhopper seals. Their black bodies blend seamlessly with the rocks, and I might have missed them if not for the guide’s keen eye.

The final stop allows everyone to disembark onto an uninhabited island and climb a small hill for a breathtaking view of the sea. On the return journey, we were treated to an unexpected delight: pods of dolphins leaping and playing in the water, a truly magical moment.

💡TIPS: 1️⃣ The boat sails very smoothly, and the waves in the bay are generally calm, making it unlikely to cause seasickness. Additionally, the guide provides explanations in both English and Spanish, so not knowing Spanish is not a problem. 2️⃣ The travel agency also offers tours to see penguins, but these are only available during the summer months. I noticed that tours were still running at the end of March, but by early April, they had ceased.