whale coming out of the water in Puerto Madryn
boat watching a whale coming out of the water
people observed the whale up close from the boat
whale watching from the boat
people watching whales from the shore
two people watching the whales from the shore
watching a whale tail at sunset
Puerto Pirámides fauna
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Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip

Explore Península Valdés from Puerto Madryn and spot whales from land or by sea.

New tour!

Puerto Madryn
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Puerto Madryn at 8:00 AM
Ends: To your accommodation in Puerto Madryn at 6:30 PM
Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

The Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip is the perfect experience to connect with nature and witness the majestic southern right whales from two unique perspectives. First, we’ll take you to the El Doradillo Nature Reserve, where you can admire these marine giants from the shore in a pristine setting, with the option to later set out on a boat tour from Puerto Pirámides to get even closer. During the trip, we’ll also visit the Punta Pirámides sea lion colony and the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, to learn and enjoy spectacular landscapes. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as a professional guide.

Are you ready for this face-to-face encounter with the whales? 🐳 Here are all the details:

Tour details

Included

  • Transportation from Puerto Madryn to Puerto Pirámides
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
  • Boat trip (available as an extra)

Not included

  • Entrance to the Península Valdés Reserve
  • Lunch

Important information

🐋 Whale season runs from June to December.

*The tour may be canceled due to bad weather.

💵 Entrance to the Península Valdés Reserve is not included and must be purchased on-site. Payment is in cash upon entry to Península Valdés.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of the tour, you will receive 75% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be made.

*If the tour is cancelled due to weather conditions and cannot be rescheduled, then you will receive 100% of the amount paid.

Tour itinerary

Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip

⏱️ Total duration: 10 hours.

📍 Pick-up in Puerto Madryn

The Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip begins with pick-up from your accommodation in Puerto Madryn at 8:00 AM. Once the group is assembled, we’ll embark on a 15-minute journey to one of the most impressive whale-watching spots: El Doradillo, a protected natural area on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo.

two people watching a whale

🐋 Shore-based Whale Watching at El Doradillo

El Doradillo is renowned as the chosen site for southern right whales to give birth to their calves. Most births occur between August and September, and during the season, you can observe mating groups, juveniles, and mothers with their calves.

The area features pristine beaches with various access points, allowing us to enjoy whale sightings from multiple strategic locations.

A highlight will be the stop at the Punta Flecha viewpoint, offering elevated views of the Gulf. If the whales approach, the experience becomes even more breathtaking.

three people at the Punta Flecha lookout point

Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center

From El Doradillo, we’ll head to the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, located at the narrowest part of the peninsula. This center offers interactive exhibits, information on the area's flora, fauna, and geology, and a unique viewpoint where you can see both the Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José simultaneously.

Additionally, you can view a life-sized whale skeleton, perfect for nature and marine biology enthusiasts.

life-size whale skeleton

🦭 Punta Pirámides Sea Lion Colony

Next, we’ll visit the Punta Pirámides sea lion colony, one of the most photogenic spots on the peninsula. This is a permanent sea lion rookery, allowing year-round observation of these fascinating animals in their natural habitat.

From its viewpoints, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Golfo Nuevo and see a curious pyramid-shaped rock formation that gives its name to both the colony and the nearby Puerto Pirámides, the only urban center on the peninsula.

sea lions in Punta Pirámides

🚤 Optional Boat-based Whale Watching in Puerto Pirámides

If you’ve chosen the Whale Watching + Boat Trip option, upon arrival in Puerto Pirámides, we’ll embark on one of the day’s most anticipated activities: boat-based whale watching. This experience, available in traditional or semi-submersible modes, lasts approximately 1.5 hours. During the navigation, we’ll search for whales and, if they allow, witness breaches, tail movements, and even curious approaches.

fter the whale watching, we’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of Puerto Pirámides’ restaurants, where you can savor local cuisine with sea views.

Following lunch, we’ll begin the return journey to your accommodation in Puerto Madryn, concluding this Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip.

people watching a whale in close proximity to the ship

What to bring to Whale Watching Puerto Madryn + Optional Boat Trip tour

To enjoy the Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip to the fullest, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing suitable for the Patagonian climate. Although it is summer, the wind during the sailing can be cool, so it is better to be prepared!

  • Windbreaker or raincoat
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable shoes.
  • Camera or cell phone with good battery
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Some cash in Argentine pesos

Where does the tour Whale Watching Puerto Madryn + Optional Boat Trip start

The tour starts and ends in the coastal city of Puerto Madryn and includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. Don't forget to tell us the name and address of your accommodation in the booking form or by email.

Questions & Answers

  • When is the best time to do the Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip?

    The excursion takes place between June and December, during the whale watching season in the Nuevo Gulf, when these marine giants visit the Patagonian coast.

  • Where does the navigation come from?

    The boat trip departs from Puerto Pirámides, inside the Valdés Peninsula. Includes round trip transfer from Puerto Madryn.

  • Are you guaranteed to see whales?

    Nature is unpredictable, but whale watching has an extremely high success rate during the season. The whales are usually very active and close to the boats.

  • What type of vessel is used?

    A semi-rigid boat or catamaran is used, with specialized guides and all safety measures.

  • Can I do the Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip with children?

    Yes! It is an activity suitable for all ages. Many children especially enjoy the contact with nature.

  • Is lunch included?

    No, lunch is not included, but you will have free time for lunch in Puerto Pirámides, where there are several gastronomic options.

  • What happens if it is cancelled due to bad weather?

    In the event that sailing is not possible due to weather conditions, the excursion will be rescheduled or you will be offered an alternative or refund.

  • Is there anything extra to pay?

    Yes, the entrance fee to the Peninsula Valdes reserve is not included and is paid in cash (in Argentine pesos) at the entrance.

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