Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip
Explore Península Valdés from Puerto Madryn and spot whales from land or by sea.
Tour highlights
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip
Discover Patagonia’s southern right whales on the Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll visit the El Doradillo Nature Reserve, where you can observe these magnificent animals from the shore in their natural habitat.
During the tour, you’ll also visit the Punta Pirámides sea lion colony and the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, while discovering the wildlife and landscapes of the Valdés Peninsula.
This tour offers two options when booking:
- Without boat trip: Enjoy whale watching from the shores of El Doradillo.
- With boat trip: In addition to the land-based tour, you’ll take a boat trip from Puerto Pirámides to observe whales from the sea.
Both options include pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Puerto Madryn and an expert guide.
An unforgettable experience for nature lovers who want to discover Patagonia’s incredible marine wildlife.
Tour details
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip
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 WATCHING SEASON: The whale watching season runs from June to December.
WEATHER CONDITIONS: If the tour is canceled due to adverse weather conditions, we will offer you an alternative or a full refund.
PENÍNSULA VALDÉS ENTRANCE FEE: The entrance fee to the Península Valdés Reserve is not included in the tour price. You must purchase your ticket upon entering the reserve and pay in cash in Argentine pesos.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 72 hours before the start of the tour, 75% of the amount paid will be refunded. With less than 72 hours or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
If the tour is canceled due to weather conditions or other operational causes and it is not possible to reschedule to another date, 100% of the amount paid will be refunded.
Tour itinerary
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour
Total duration: 10 hours.
Pick-up in Puerto Madryn
The Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip starts with pickup from your accommodation at 8:00 AM. Once the group is gathered, we’ll head to the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, located at the narrowest part of the peninsula. The drive takes about 31 miles (50 km) and lasts approximately 50 minutes.
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.
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.
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.
Optional Boat-based Whale Watching in Puerto Pirámides
If you've booked the option with a boat trip, you'll enjoy one of the day's most exciting experiences upon arriving in Puerto Pirámides: whale watching from a boat.
The boat trip, which can take place on a traditional or semi-submersible vessel, lasts approximately 1.5 hours. During the trip, you'll head out in search of southern right whales and, with a little luck, witness them breaching, lifting their tails out of the water, or even approaching the boat.
Afterward, you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at one of Puerto Pirámides' restaurants and sample local cuisine with sea views.
Finally, you'll return to your accommodation in Puerto Madryn, where the tour will come to an end.
What to bring
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip
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 start
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip
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
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn Tour + Optional Boat Trip
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.
Whale Watching Puerto Madryn + Optional Boat Trip tour reviews with Howlanders
Other tours that might interest you
- (3 reviews)Puerto Madryn, Argentina1 daySpanish and EnglishFree cancellation!
- (4 reviews)Puerto Madryn, Argentina1 daySpanish and English
- (11 reviews)Puerto Madryn, Argentina1 daySpanish and English
- (7 reviews)Puerto Madryn, Argentina1 daySpanish, English and ItalianFree cancellation!
Other travelers also booked
- (2 reviews)Puerto Madryn, Argentina1 daySpanish and English
- (3 reviews)Puerto Madryn, Argentina1 daySpanish and English
- (3 reviews)Puerto Piramides, Argentina1 daySpanish and EnglishFree cancellation!
- RECOMMENDED(145 reviews)El Calafate, Argentina1 dayEnglish and SpanishFree cancellation!
