Puerto Madryn is once again the ideal setting to witness one of the most impressive natural events: the presence of the southern right whales. These incredible cetaceans return every year to the coasts of Chubut to mate and give birth to their babies.
Although some specimens have been observed since April, the official season of whales begins June, 15 in coincidence with the long weekend on June 17.
These animals, which can reach 18 meters in length and weigh 40 tons, can be seen in different points and of different ways: from the beach or on board.
How much does whale watching by boat cost?
Boat watching is offered in Puerto Piramidesthe only town within the Peninsula Valdés Protected Natural Area.
In boats, rubber boats and catamarans, these excursions extend an hour and a half Approximately, they can be done during the day or in the evening light, and are accompanied by nature guides with a lot of knowledge on the subject.
From June to August they have a value of $ 95.000 per adult while from September to December it leaves $ 125.000. Children from 4 to 12 years old pay half.
Another alternative is the semi-submersible Yellow Submarine. It is a boat that allows passengers to observe whales both on the surface, from the upper deck, and from the underwater cabin, through the 40 windows it has below the water level.
In addition, the ship has hydrophones to listen to the sounds that the whales make.
This activity, from June to August, sale $ 190.000 for adults. From September to December, $ 250.000. Children from 4 to 12 years old pay half.
What is the area to see whales from the coast?
In it El Doradillo Protected Natural Area – along the 25 kilometers of coast located between Punta Arco and Cerro Prismático – coastal sightings are carried out.
15 kilometers from the center of Puerto Madryn you can access the Las Canteras beach area, where you can see the whales in its natural habitat between mid-June and early October. It is a long and quiet pebble beach, where specimens often come within a few meters of the coast.
Most mothers gather here to give birth, breastfeed their calves, and teach their calves to swim. They walk with their babies from one end of the beach to the other.
This site is free access y free.
Furthermore, in the city of Puerto Madryn, along the 3 km of coastline, you can also see what the locals call, “the fat ones.”
What other things to do in Puerto Madryn in winter
- Snorkeling with sea lions: It is one of the star excursions of Puerto Madryn. You will go by boat to the Punta Loma Protected Natural Area, about 15 kilometers from the city center. It can be done all year round with special suits to avoid getting cold.
- Punta Loma Protected Area: There is a viewpoint located on a cliff overlooking the Golfo Nuevo from where you can see the sea lion roost and the cormorant colony. Also within the protected area you can walk a flora interpretation trail. The area can be visited throughout the year taking into account low tide times.
- Astroturismo: Experiences like “Star Watching” and “Eclipses, Solstice and Equinox” at Estancia San Guillermo allow visitors to explore the solar system and the rich Greek mythology that adorns the firmament. More info: @patagoniasky.
- Pampa Azul Ecocenter: Coastal marine interpretation center. Closed until June 4 for maintenance works.
- Gaiman: It is 80 km from Puerto Madryn. It is a town famous for the prominence of Welsh culture thanks to the immigrants who arrived in 1865. The architecture, the irrigation canals and the famous tea houses transport us to the old continent. Gaiman was nominated to participate in “Best Tourist Villages”, in which the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) distinguishes the best tourist towns in the world.