Whale Watching in Valdes Peninsula
Whale Watching Details
We'll pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Madryn and make our way to the El Doradillo Protected Natural Area, found just 30 minutes away, and from the coast, we'll have the opportunity to see whales swimming up close and personal, only 25 metres away!
Next, we'll visit the Istmo Carlos Ameghino Centre, where we'll learn about the characteristics of the local flora and fauna. And next we'll visit the Puerto Pirámides villa where, if the weather conditions are good, we'll be able to see whales, cormorants and sea lions!
From Puerto Pirámides you can take a cruise of your own accord, a submersible boat trip lasting 90 minutes, where you can see the whales even closer to their natural habitat.
The boat trip ends back at the Puerto Pirámides dock, where you'll have free time to eat lunch. Then we'll take you back to your hotel in Puerto Madryn.
Tour Options
When making your reservation you can choose one of the following three kinds of excursion:
Coast
This option includes the whale watching bus trip, touring the beaches of El Doradillo and Las Canteras.
Traditional
This option includes a boat ride around Golfo Nuevo, where we'll see the southern right whales up close and in their natural habitat. During our tour we'll search a radius of 10 miles, looking for the best views of these breathtaking animals.
As well as fantastic views of the coastal landscapes, from springtime onwards you'll also be able to appreciate the variety of wildlife in the region, with sea lions and Patagonian birds aplenty.
Yellow Submarine
This special option sails the coast of the Valdés Peninsula on board a semi-submersible vessel that allows you to see the true size and power of these whales from under the water.
The main difference, compared to other kinds of vessel, is that on board the Yellow Submarine you can see under, as well as above the water through 40 windows in the submerged cabin. You can choose whether to see the whales from on deck or from below the surface.
Hotel Pick Up
The pick up time in the various hotels in Puerto Madryn depends on the tide. Having made your reservation, the local provider will contact you to confirm the exact time they will come to pick you up from your accommodation.
Important Information
The whale watching season in the Valdes Peninsula starts in June and ends in December. However, animals are unpredictable, and it is not guaranteed that all species will be seen throughout the season.
From November 1st to December 15th, instead of visiting El Doradillo, we'll visit the Isla de Pajaros Operations Centre.
Penguin Spotting
If you're interested in seeing more of Argentina's incredible wildlife, we also offer a penguin spotting excursion to Punta Tombo. Between September and December, this peninsula is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in South America.
More Information
Duration
8 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop–off
English–speaking guide with expert knowledge of marine biodiversity
Transport by bus
1.5–hour whale watching cruise around the Valdes Peninsula (Traditional and Yellow Submarine options only)
Not included
Food and drinks
Valdes Peninsula Reserve entrance fee: 30,000 ARS (US$ 29.90) for non–national adults, 15,000 ARS (US$ 15) for non–national children (aged 6
11), 10,000 ARS (US$ 10) for Argentine adults, 5,000 ARS (US$ 5) for Argentine children (aged 6
11), and free for children under 6
When to book?
You can book up until the previous day (11:59 pm), subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Most areas are accessible. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required. This must be indicated in the reservation.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- Printed material is avoided.
- No single-use plastics are used.
- The activity helps the conservation of biodiversity.
- The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
- The activity promotes local production.
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Provider
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Animal Travel
Corporate name: Carla Ailen Mendoza Rojas
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - Your safety is our priority. Civitatis works with certified providers for reliable and safe adventures. More information
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
