Península Valdés Sea Wildlife

Península Valdés Sea Wildlife

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  • Enjoy a whale-watching tour in Argentina. Get close to the stunning Southern Right Whales and learn all about these incredible animals.
  • Explore Península Valdés Natural Reserve declared a UNESCO World Heritage.
  • Go on a penguin tour and visit Punta Tombo the largest colony of Magellan penguins in South America.
  • Best time to travel: From October to April

A whale watching tour in Puerto Madryn is waiting for you!  Visit Peninsula Valdés, the most famous wildlife reserve in Patagonia, and enjoy whale watching in Argentina. Spend 4 days amongst Magellanic penguins, elephant seals and whales, and explore their natural environments, the turquoise water of Golfo Nuevo and its cliff-covered coastline. 

Itinerary

Welcome to your 4-day Patagonian Wildlife Trip - Puerto Madryn
Day at leisure

 

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Puerto Madryn- Enjoy your Free day!

Welcome to Puerto Madryn, the wildlife paradise of Patagonia! You will land in Trelew and we will drive you one hour to your hotel in the city of Puerto Madryn.

Puerto Madryn is the closest city to the famous Peninsula Valdés, where whale watching tours are famous! The Southern Right Whales migrate every year to mate and raise their calves on the coast, so thousands of travelers make the annual journey to participate in this natural spectacle.

In fact, the Peninsula Valdés Natural Reserve was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is home to many different mammals and birds which can only be seen in this part of the globe. Come to see the whales, as well as short-haired sea lions, magnificent (and huge!) elephant seals, black and white dolphins called ‘toninas’, and the always-adorable Patagonian penguins.  

Say Hueque Tips

Our recommended activity for your free day in Puerto Madryn:

  • Visit the Ecocentro, a museum overlooking the coastline, where you can learn about the native wildlife and awaken your inner-ecologist. Experience the feeling of being inside the belly of a whale in a room that is modeled after the size and shape of these enormous creatures, and enjoy some amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean from a tower which doubles as a cozy reading room! Ecocentro is just 30 minutes away from downtown, and can be reached via a breezy walk on the beach.
Day1

Whale watching tour
Peninsula Valdes

 

  • Whale watching tour in Península Valdés

Today we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to explore the amazing wildlife reserve of Península Valdés for 10 hours. Get your camera ready for some breathtaking pictures of whales, elephant seals, sea lions, guanacos and rheas! 

To get to Peninsula Valdes, you will cross an incredibly narrow strip of land that is sandwiched by the sea on either side. Further along the journey, you will arrive at Caleta Valdes, a large natural creek that is home to a colony of elephant seals who will happily pose for photos.  

After admiring Caleta Valdes and its animal inhabitants, you will continue along the road as it winds through a crescent of golden cliffs overlooking the bright blue bay of Golfo Nuevo and the picturesque village of Puerto Piramides. This is a classic spot for whale watching; every year whales arrive at the bay to mate and raise their calves, which is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle to see.

In Puerto Piramides, the boat tour starts. This is the only whale watching tour in Argentina! You will take a 2-hour boat trip around Golfo Nuevo Bay and watch these immense creatures gliding past. This peninsula navigation allows you to get incredibly close to the whales! Enjoy the experience of sailing side-by-side with these beautiful and peaceful animals. At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel in Puerto Madryn.

 

Say Hueque Tips

  • Our recommended optional wildlife tour:

Now that you have gotten a taste of Patagonia’s wildlife tours… we recommend that you experience snorkeling with sea lions! Get into the water and play around with these curious creatures; they are never reluctant to get friendly with new visitors. 

Day2

Penguin tour in El Pedral Ranch
Puerto Madryn

 

  • Walk among Magellanic Penguins and spot elephant seals.

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel and travel about 43 miles through the Patagonian steppe, until we reach the southern end of the mouth of the Golfo Nuevo, where the Punta Ninfas lighthouse is located, a valuable reference point for sailors entering the gulf.

On the beaches surrounding Punta Ninfas we can see the breeding grounds of elephants and sea lions. We continue towards El Pedral, an authentic Patagonian estancia built at the beginning of the 20th century. The materials and furniture were brought from Europe by boat and disembarked on the shores of the estancia itself. The house was inaugurated in 1923 and still preserves the aesthetics and style of those times.

We’ll then start the penguin tour and head to the Magellanic penguin colony established on the shores of El Pedral, a short distance from the house. A guided tour among their nests allows us to learn more about these curious animals.

At noon you’ll be served a lamb barbecue with a variety of salads, dessert, house wine and coffee. In the afternoon you can enjoy the swimming pool and the bocce court, as well as take walks around the property or have a tea/coffee with Welsh cake, before heading back to your hotel.

Day3

The end of your 4-day tour to Puerto Madryn

 

  • Transfer from Puerto Madryn to the airport – End of your trip

At the appropriate time,  we will drive you to the airport to take your flight to your next destination. Hope you have enjoyed this penguin and whale watching tour trip through Puerto Madryn, Peninsula Valdés and Punta Tombo. If you want to continue traveling, Argentina still has plenty to offer! Check out our travelers’ favorite trips to Argentina and Chile.

 

Day4

If this trip doesn’t meet your expectations we can tailor it to your needs and budget.

Prices per person

INN & B&B

From

USD 1110

View INN & B&B Hotels

Comfort

From

USD 1140

View Comfort Hotels

Superior

From

USD 1270

View Superior Hotels

PRICING

  • Prices in US Dollars.
  • Valid until April 2023 (ask for prices in Christmas and New Year).
  • Prices are per person, based on 2 people in double occupancy. Single rates are available on request.
  • Flights are not included in the price, but can be arranged on request.
  • We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you book with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset. We are working to create more sustainable, responsible and meaningful ways of exploring South America.

PEACE OF MIND THIS IS A CARBON NEUTRAL TRIP

We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you book with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset. We are working to create more sustainable, responsible and meaningful ways of exploring South America. It feels good to do it right. Learn more about our actions against climate change here.

INCLUDED

  • 3-night accommodation in Puerto Madryn
  • Daily breakfast
  • Tours and transfers mentioned above
  • Bilingual guide (English / Spanish)

NOT INCLUDED

  • Flights or Buses
  • National Park Entrance fees
  • Travel / Medical Insurance – To get a free quote please follow this link: World Nomads

 

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

No flights needed for this trip. Trip starts and finishes at Puerto Madryn.

Flights in South America cost approximately $100 to $250 USD per segment (destination). We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.

FLIGHTS NEEDED
FOR THIS ITINERARY

No flights needed for this trip. Trip starts and finishes at Puerto Madryn.

Flights in South America cost approximately $100 to $250 USD per segment (destination). We offer special rates on flights for this tailor-made itinerary.