One thing that you have to do here in Ushuaia, is take a day trip out into the Beagle Channel. We chose Christmas Eve as our day to go visit Los Pinguinos.

The trip out features cormorant colonies that fill the rocky islands close to Ushuaia harbour.

Further out there is a sealion colony that looks similarly bleak. Unbelievable that animals can adapt to this climate with the harsh weather all year round.

The males grow up to 350kgs, compared to the females who get up to around 180kgs. The social dynamic seems similar to a pride of 'land' lions, with one maned Daddy having a harem of 10-20 females.

Today was no exception as the catamaran sped another half hour east up the channel towards the penguin colonies.

Magellan penguins were the predominant species that on the island we visited. The catamaran grounded itself on the gravel beach so we got really close to these guys. They're only 30-40cm tall but can reach speeds up to 35-40km/h in the water and can dive to 100m. They are so well adapted to their environment.

Some Gentoo/Papua Penguins also nest on this island, but we only saw this dude. Who seemed to be shouting, "Lads, Lads, Lads," as he waddled towards our boat.

We camped out inside for the trip back as the wind was icy cold.

Back past the lighthouse to Ushuaia, where we went to a local cafe for a late lunch. I tried a Chicken Milanesa with ham and egg on top. Accompanied by deep fried pineapple and 'nog' sauce that tasted a lot like Birds custard. One of the more memorable meals of the trip so far.