Visit Bahia Wulaia to discover the history of the Yaghan people and experience a picturesque natural environment.

History

Bahia Wulaia is located on the western coast of Navarino Island on Murray Channel, south of the Great Island of Tierra del Fuego. The Yaghan Indians, regarded as "the southernmost aboriginal people in world history," lived peacefully in this location for millennia, until Europeans arrived in the nineteenth century to alter their destiny.

In 1830, HMS Beagle captain Robert Fitzroy landed on the beach. There he encountered the Yaghan Orundellico within the settlement, whom he brought back to England to prove his passage through the region. The indigenous man was given the name Jemmy Button to commemorate the mother-of-pearl button that had purchased his passage. He was then, for some time, introduced to English culture, language, dress codes, and more.

Months later, with Fitzroy and Charles Darwin, Jemmy Button returned to Bahia Wulaia. But his time in Europe had so displaced him that he struggled to reconnect with his former life. In 1859, a massacre took place on the beach. The Yaghans decimated a group of Christian missionaries due to cultural conflict. Jemmy Button was accused of leading the assault, though he denied it until his death.

Discovering Bahia Wulaia

Bahia Wulaia is today considered a heritage site. Sadly renowned for its history, it is nevertheless a place of great beauty for lovers of natural landscapes. Indeed, in the Yaghan language, its name means "beautiful bay," and this is fitting.

Enjoy a Peaceful Stopover

This bay is a common stopping point on a cruise through the Beagle Channel. It's a wonderful place to rejuvenate. You can stroll along the beach and appreciate the calming environment. Marvel at the clear and crystalline waters of Bahia Wulaia, where the surrounding snow-capped peaks are subtly reflected.

There is an easy hiking trail that leads to a viewpoint with an enchanting view over the region. Navarino Island is draped in picturesque vegetation. As you walk through the Magellanic forest, you will see many indigenous trees such as coigües, canelos, lengas, ferns, and many other species. The wild and pristine scenery will provide you with a pleasant sense of disconnection, a refreshing break before resuming your adventure in the footsteps of the great Antarctic explorers.

Visit the Bahia Wulaia Dome Middens Archaeological Site

Many traces of the Yaghan people are still visible in the bay. The Bahia Wulaia Dome Middens archaeological site was the location of the settlement's seasonal dwellings from 10,000 years ago. The small surrounding coves hide fish traps that ensured much of the indigenous diet. Don't miss the modest local museum in Puerto Williams (the only town on the island), which offers documentation on the indigenous people and Charles Darwin's passage through the region.

How to Get There?

To visit Bahia Wulaia, you can book a cruise aboard the Stella Australis or Via Australis. This 4-day or longer voyage takes you through the Beagle Channel, where you will discover many exciting attractions. You can embark from Punta Arenas in Chili, or from Ushuaia if you are in Argentina. Additionally, Puerto Williams has a small airport connected to Punta Arenas in Chili.

When to Visit?

The best time to explore Bahia Wulaia on Isla Navarino is the austral summer, between mid-December and mid-March. Be aware, however, that the weather is unpredictable. In a single day, it can be warm, snowy, windy, and more.