The first whales arrived in Puerto Madryn. Although the official season begins in June and extends until December, four specimens were observed in the El Doradillo Protected Natural Areaon the coast of Chubut.
Is about two females with babies that were seen entering the Nuevo and San José gulfs in search of calm waters.
Most southern right whales arrive in this area at the end of May, making this an ideal opportunity to spot them, so this early appearance caused surprise among nature lovers.
Where you can watch whales
- The El Doradillo Protected Natural Area is one of the best places in the world to spot southern right whales from the coast. It offers the unique opportunity to admire the gigantic proportions up close.
- But also, during the first months of the season it is also possible to see whales from the central beaches of this Chubut destination. It is common to have the experience of having lunch at the inns while observing the natural spectacle that these animals offer. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner by the sea with the whale blow background.
- On the other hand, those who are interested in doing the embarked sighting from Puerto Pirámides, they will have to wait to the announcement of the official start of the season, which will probably take place during the first days of June.
What to do in winter in Puerto Madryn
Las undisputed protagonists of the winter season are the whales. Hundreds of tourists come to take boat trips and observe these specimens from the coast.
Two females with two calves were seen. Photo Gonzalo Gopar.But in this emblematic destination of Chubut there are many other options to enjoy animals and nature.
Snorkeling with sea lions is a must-see here. The excursions leave from the city’s coast and head, by boat, to the Punta Loma Lobería Reserve.
Snorkeling with sea lions, an activity that can be done all year round in Punta Loma. Puerto Madryn Tourism EntityThere, visitors get into the water, wearing neoprene suits, of course, and the wolves come up to interact with them.
Another activity for water lovers is underwater baptism or diving with prior knowledge. In a first experience, an instructor will explain the operation of the equipment and basic knowledge necessary to submerge, such as signs, compensation and transfer in the water.
Once equipped, one by one and in a personalized way, the adaptation is carried out and the typical Patagonian ecosystem discovering groupers, turks, bream, sea salmon, a large number of invertebrates such as starfish, sea urchins, anemones, sea sponges, etc.
The whales usually arrive in May. Photo Gonzalo Gopar. Other animals that can be seen at this time of year are southern elephant seals, although they concentrate their reproductive activity, births and copulations during the months of September and October. They are seen on the beaches of Punta Delgada and Caleta Valdés in Peninsula Valdés and in Punta Ninfas, at the entrance to the Golfo Nuevo.
On the other hand, a more cultural option, in search of traditions, is to visit Gaimanan old Welsh colony that preserves its traditions, with interesting attractions such as its museum, historical buildings and typical tea houses.