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Home / Beaches / Playa Chica

Playa Chica

Пляж Чика
Argentina · Beach · Ushuaia
crystal
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for wildlife lovers, hikers and photographers. Not suitable for families with small children or comfort seekers.

Best month

January

Water
+6.5°C
Length
300 m
A small beach located near the centre of Ushuaia. It features calm water and scenic views of the Beagle Channel, popular for short walks and nature retreats.
Surface
pebble
Waves
moderate
Entry
steep
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
A small beach located near the centre of Ushuaia. It features calm water and scenic views of the Beagle Channel, popular for short walks and nature retreats.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Unique geological terraces
  • Crystal-clear water
  • Wildlife and solitude
  • Part of a protected reserve
  • Stunning views of the Beagle Channel
  • Opportunity to observe birds and marine life

Cons

  • Very cold water
  • Pebble bottom
  • No infrastructure
  • Strong winds
  • Requires a hike
  • No lifeguards
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for wildlife lovers, hikers and photographers. Not suitable for families with small children or comfort seekers.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Playa Chica is known for its five levels of geological terraces formed by seismic-tectonic movements during the Holocene. It is part of the 24-hectare Playa Larga Nature Reserve.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
pebble
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Sand Texture
Grain size
gravel
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
steep
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
5 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
pebble
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
grey
Water Clarity
crystal
Average Water Temp
+6.5 °C
Max Water Temp
+9.8 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.5 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
January February
Season end
March
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
none
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
Insurance & Connectivity
Get travel insurance and mobile internet before your trip
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
0 pcs
Best restaurants

137 Pizza & Pasta

Italian

Restaurant with pizza and pasta in Ushuaia

Chiko Restoran

Argentinian

Restaurant with Argentinian cuisine and seafood in Ushuaia

Brix Bar

Bar

Bar with drinks and snacks in Ushuaia

Doña Lupita

Argentinian

Restaurant with Argentinian cuisine and local dishes

Costa Ushuaia

Seafood

Restaurant at Costa Ushuaia hotel with seafood and bay views

Nearby cuisines

Argentinian

Argentinian cuisine with seafood and meat

Must try: King crab, Patagonian lamb, seafood

Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Beagle Channel

Must try: King crab, mussels, fish

Italian

Italian cuisine with pizza and pasta

Must try: Pizza, pasta, risotto
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
sleepy
Crowd Level
wild
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
ordinary
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
Yes
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Warm clothing Windbreaker Thermos Comfortable shoes Water Camera
Best Time to Swim
Best time is from December to March. Daytime air temperature is most comfortable, but the water remains cold all year round.
Local Rules
Open fires, littering and collecting plants are prohibited. The reserve area is protected.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Playa Larga Reserve

Coastal reserve with terraces and scenic views of the Beagle Channel

Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse

Famous lighthouse in the Beagle Channel, symbol of Ushuaia

Tierra del Fuego National Park

National park with forests, mountains and rich fauna

Lake Fagnano

Scenic lake with crystal-clear water and Andes views

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Chica: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity crystal, average temperature +6.5°C, warms up to +9.8°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Chica: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.5 m.
Playa Chica: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — steep. The shallow area extends for 5 metres from the shore. Bottom — pebble. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins. The steep entry requires extra care, especially with children.
Playa Chica: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — pebble. Sand colour — grey. Texture — gravel. Beach length — 300 metres.
Playa Chica: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in January, February. It ends in March. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Chica: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Chica: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Chica: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Chica: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: 137 Pizza & Pasta, Chiko Restoran, Brix Bar. Cuisines available: Argentinian, Seafood, Italian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Chica: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Warm clothing, Windbreaker, Thermos, Comfortable shoes, Water, Camera.
Playa Chica: when is the best time to swim?
Best time is from December to March. Daytime air temperature is most comfortable, but the water remains cold all year round.
Playa Chica: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Open fires, littering and collecting plants are prohibited. The reserve area is protected.
Playa Chica: what activities are available?
The beach offers: diving. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Chica: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for wildlife lovers, hikers and photographers. Not suitable for families with small children or comfort seekers.
Playa Chica: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Chica is known for its five levels of geological terraces formed by seismic-tectonic movements during the Holocene. It is part of the 24-hectare Playa Larga Nature Reserve.
Playa Chica: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique geological terraces, Crystal-clear water, Wildlife and solitude, Part of a protected reserve, Stunning views of the Beagle Channel, Opportunity to observe birds and marine life. Cons: Very cold water, Pebble bottom, No infrastructure, Strong winds, Requires a hike, No lifeguards.
Playa Chica: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Playa Larga Reserve, Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Lake Fagnano. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Chica: how do I get to the city of Ushuaia?
The beach is located near the city of Ushuaia. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Ushuaia.

City

Ushuaia

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.