Whale Whatching

Whales, sea lions, and Patagonian fauna

Country: Argentina 🇦🇷

Video

Overview

A wildlife-focused visit to Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés, one of South America’s most important marine ecosystems.

This itinerary is highly seasonal and should be planned carefully. When conditions are right, it offers some of the best whale watching in the world.

Province: Chubut
Overall time: 3–5 days
Main focus: wildlife, marine life, coastal landscapes
Ranking: top wildlife destination (seasonal)
Best season: August–October (whales), year-round for general fauna

Arrival & Puerto Madryn ▾


Arrive in Puerto Madryn or nearby Trelew.

How to get there:
• Fly to Puerto Madryn (PMY) – closest airport
• Fly to Trelew (REL) + taxi or transfer (~1 hour)

What to do in town:
• Walk along the beachfront promenade
• Relax on the wide sandy beach
• Visit the pier – sea lions are sometimes visible from town
• Sunset views over Golfo Nuevo

Base:
• 3-4 nights

Whale Watching – Puerto Pirámides ▾


Visit Puerto Pirámides, the main base for whale watching.

Main highlight:
• Southern right whales, often very close to shore and boats

Important season notes:
• Best months: **August–October**
• July and November are unreliable and should not be considered peak season
• Outside whale season, activities here are limited

How to visit:
• Rented car (best option, strongly recommended)
• Organized tour from Puerto Madryn (limited availability, expensive)

Duration:
• Half day

Península Valdés – Wildlife Circuit ▾


Explore the UNESCO-listed Península Valdés.

Wildlife highlights:
• Sea lions and elephant seals (year-round)
• Guanacos, maras, and ñandúes in the steppe
• Orcas – rare and unpredictable

Key stops:
• Caleta Valdés – coastal inlet with seals and penguins
• Punta Norte / Punta Delgada – seal colonies and cliffs
• Wide Atlantic coastline with arid Patagonian landscapes

How to visit:
• Rented car strongly recommended
• Tours exist but are expensive and restrictive

Duration:
• Full day (can be combined with whale watching if time is limited)

Penguins – Punta Tombo (Optional) ▾


Optional visit to the penguin colony at Punta Tombo.

Important notes:
• Very far from Puerto Madryn
• Logistically easier from Trelew than from Madryn

Season:
• Penguins present mainly September–March

This visit requires a full day.

Transportation

  • Best option: rented car (essential for Península Valdés and flexibility)
  • Tours exist but are expensive and limit timing
  • Public transport is weak outside the city
  • Taxis work well only within Puerto Madryn

Connections

  • Trelew (REL) → Ushuaia / El Calafate (seasonal flights)
  • Night bus Puerto Madryn → Esquel (~10 hours)

Notes

  • This itinerary depends heavily on season
  • Whales are the main reason to visit — plan around them
  • Weather can be windy and cool even in spring