Enjoy the incredible experience of seeing majestic southern right whales in the waters of the beautiful Valdes Peninsula, one of most biodiverse areas of Argentina.
Whale Watching Details
We'll pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Madryn and make our way to the El Doradillo Protected Natural Area, found just 30 minutes away, and from the coast, we'll have the opportunity to see whales swimming up close and personal, only 25 metres away!
Next, we'll visit the Istmo Carlos Ameghino Centre, where we'll learn about the characteristics of the local flora and fauna. Next, we'll visit the Puerto Pirámides villa where, if the weather conditions are good, we'll be able to see whales, cormorants and sea lions! From Puerto Pirámides you can take a cruise of your own accord, a submersible boat trip lasting 90 minutes, where you can see the whales even closer to their natural habitat.
The boat trip ends back at the Puerto Pirámides dock, where you'll have free time to eat lunch. Then we'll take you back to your hotel in Puerto Madryn.
Day Trip Options
When making your reservation you can choose one of the following three kinds of day trips. Please note that, due to the whale reproductive cycle, each option takes place during different seasons.
Coast
This option includes the whale-watching bus trip and touring the beaches of El Doradillo and Las Canteras.
Season: June 1 to October 15
Traditional
This option includes a boat ride around Golfo Nuevo, where we'll see the southern right whales up close and in their natural habitat. During our tour we'll search a radius of 10 miles, looking for the best views of these breathtaking animals.
As well as fantastic views of the coastal landscapes, from springtime onwards you'll also be able to appreciate the variety of wildlife in the region, with sea lions and Patagonian birds aplenty.
Season: June 15 to December 15
Yellow Submarine
This special option sails the coast of the Valdés Peninsula on board a semi-submersible vessel that allows you to see the true size and power of these whales from under the water.
The main difference, compared to other kinds of vessels, is that on board the Yellow Submarine you can see under, as well as above the water through 40 windows in the submerged cabin. You can choose whether to see the whales from on deck or from below the surface.
Season: July 1 to October 31
Hotel Pick Up
The pickup time in the various hotels in Puerto Madryn depends on the tide. Having made your reservation, the local provider will contact you to confirm the exact time they will come to pick you up from your accommodation.
Important Info
- The whale watching season in the Valdes Peninsula starts in June and ends in December. However, animals are unpredictable, and it is not guaranteed that all species will be seen throughout the season.
- The order of the visits may vary depending on the tides.
- From November 1 to December 15, instead of visiting El Doradillo, we'll visit the Isla de Pajaros Operations Centre.
Penguin Spotting
If you're interested in seeing more of Argentina's incredible wildlife, we also offer a penguin spotting excursion to Punta Tombo. Between September and December, this peninsula is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in South America.
