Whale watching is an incredible experience for travellers from all over the world, young and old, who want a closer look at these gentle giants of the ocean. One of the best places in the world to see whales is on the coast of Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Thanks to the large whale numbers and influx of tourists, Puerto Madryn has developed a range of high quality tourism services for visitors, while keeping the focus on their wildlife and conservation. But whales aren't the only reason why you should visit Puerto Madryn. There are a number of other exciting activities on offer in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

Here are 5 reasons to include it in your itinerary:

Looking down at a Southern Right Whale in the water See the incredible Southern Right Whale in Puerto Madryn / Source

1. Go Whale Watching

Between May and December, the Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) migrate to the coast of Puerto Madryn. The experience of approaching these curious mammals governing the Atlantic Ocean is indescribable. There are a number of whale watching tours which take you sightseeing by boat along with great guides for an enriching experience that allows you to connect with the whales in a non-invasive environment. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about marine life and the importance of environmental conservation.

Travel Tip: Besides a traditional whale watching tour in a boat, you can also see whales straight from the beach with a tour to El Doradillo Beach, or by kayaking in Golfo de San José.

 

A gull and a sea lion relaxing on a rock in Peninsula Valdes Peninsula Valdes receives thousands of migratory animals / Source

2. See a variety of wildlife at Peninsula Valdes

Peninsula Valdes is one of the most important nature reserves in the Southern Hemisphere and one of nine World Heritage sites in Argentina. This peninsula's 3,625 km² acts as a refuge for many endangered species. In its bays, beaches, cliffs and steppes you can find whales, orcas, penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, guanacos, rheas and hundreds of migratory birds. The best time to visit the reserve is between September and March for the greatest concentration of animals.

Travel Tip: Book a night at one of the hotels located inside the reserve.

 

A group heading out to the boat to snorkel A group heading out to sea to snorkel with sea lions / Photo: Daytours4u

3. Snorkel with Sea Lions at Punta Loma

An opportunity like no other, don't miss this chance to snorkel with sea lions. You don't need to be able to swim well, as the activity involves floating on the surface. You'll be given a wetsuit or a dry suit depending on the conditions, and will snorkel in the shallow waters as these curious and playful sea creatures come up to greet you. It's a definite must-do activity for the adventurous traveller.

Travel Tip: Puerto Madryn is the scuba diving capital of Argentina, so if you have your scuba diving certificate, you can opt to do this tour as a dive.

 

A penguin See penguins up close in Punta Tombo / Source

4. Visit the Penguin Colony at Punta Tombo

Every year, the Punta Tombo Nature Reserve, 170km South of Puerto Madryn, receives nearly 800,000 Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). These fascinating birds come here to have their young, and always come back to the same spot to build their nests. The first to arrive are the males who come in late August to build the nest, while the females arrive in early October to lay their eggs. At the end of April you can see them preparing their babies for life in the ocean before they start their journey back to the Antarctic in march. Seeing this cute black and white creatures and hearing their raucous singing is a memorable experience.

Travel Tip: While you can take a tour to Punta Tombo between September and March, the best month to visit is October.

 

Visit the excellent Ecocentro to learn more about this unique environment / Santiago Navarro

5. Learn about the marine environment at Ecocentro Mar Patagonia

The Eco Centre of Puerto Madryn is the perfect complement to your wildlife watching in the region. The interactive museum, opened 25 yeas ago, invites children and adults to learn about wildlife in Chubut's oceans. The museum, featuring a number of exhibits, was awarded the Best Museum of the Year Award in 2006 by Magazine Places, showing that conversation and environmental education can be fun and interesting. Plus, the museum is situated on the cliffs overlooking the bay, with beautiful views over Puerto Madryn's coast.

Travel Tip: The museum has a great shop to pick up souvenirs.

 

With so many reasons to visit Puerto Madryn, don't hesitate to include it in your itinerary for Argentina. With plentiful wildlife and great oceanic nature reserves, it's sure to be an unforgettable holiday!

 


 

By: Daytours4u’s Content Team