Whales in Argentina
Whales, orcas and other wildlife on the Valdés Peninsula
The best place to go whale watching in Argentina is on the Atlantic coast near the Valdés Peninsula. This region is home to an exceptionally diverse range of wildlife, including penguins, seals, sea lions, whales and elephant seals.
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Wildlife all year round
Sea lions, elephant seals and short-beaked dolphins can be seen all year round on the Valdés Peninsula. Curious to know what you can see there? We’ve put together a list for you.
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Staying at El Pedral Lodge
El Pedral Lodge offers fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged landscape in the immediate vicinity. The lodge was built in the 19th century and has eight rooms. It is an ideal and comfortable base from which to visit the Valdés Peninsula and its abundant wildlife.
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The Yellow Submarine
This yellow ‘half-submarine’ is a unique vessel, allowing you to spot whales not only from the deck but also underwater. Whereas from the deck you often only see a whale’s snout or tail, the ‘Yellow Submarine’ gives you the chance to see the animals in their entirety underwater. This is without doubt one of the most unique ways to spot whales.
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Staying overnight at Estancia Rincón Chico
An oasis of tranquillity. You can enjoy wonderful walks on the hotel grounds. The estancia’s estate is home to a huge colony of sea lions which, apart from a few biologists, may only be visited by guests of Rincon Chico.
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Whales in Argentina
Between June and December, (humpback) whales come to the coast of Argentina to give birth. You can even see the whales from the shore!
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Orcas come ashore
The orcas around Valdés literally come ashore, with their entire bodies out of the water, in pursuit of their prey. This phenomenon is seen almost exclusively on the Valdés Peninsula. The best time to see orcas is in February, March and April.
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Newborn penguins take their first steps
Between September and March, there are three different penguin colonies around the Valdés Peninsula. The largest colony numbers no fewer than 500,000 penguins. In November, the newborn penguins take their first steps.
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Fast and playful spotted dolphins
Between December and March, the spotted dolphin can be found in the waters off the Valdés Peninsula. It’s a unique experience to see a pod of up to 100 dolphins swimming and leaping in front of your boat.
Península Valdés; World Heritage wildlife reserve
The Valdés Peninsula has been designated a World Heritage wildlife reserve by UNESCO. The peninsula is renowned for being one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Here, the whales come very close to the Argentinian coast. The Valdés Peninsula is situated approximately 80 kilometres from the town of Puerto Madryn. The only town on the Valdés Peninsula is Puerto Pirámides. The town takes its name from the pyramid-shaped rocks surrounding the bay on which Puerto Pirámides is situated. The roads on the Valdés Peninsula (approx. 400 km) are largely unpaved. The shape of the Valdés Peninsula, with its many sheltered bays and inlets, combined with the nutrient-rich waters, means that all manner of marine animals choose these calm waters as their breeding grounds.
Fancy a road trip through Argentina?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Argentina, including whale and orca watching, and are you curious about the options available? Then do take a look at the itineraries we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.