Valdes Peninsula

We depart early in the morning from your hotel in Puerto Madryn towards the Península Valdés Natural Protected Area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. After an hour's journey, we arrive at the picturesque ecological village of Puerto Pirámides. Here you can optionally (not included) embark the Traditional Regular Whale Watching of Southern Right Whales between the months of September and November. Next, we head to Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional Patagonian cattle ranch that is home to the world's largest colony of Magellanic penguins. Here, lunch service is available (not included) with an exquisite spit-roasted lamb, and we will visit the penguin colony located 7 km from the ranch's headquarters. From San Lorenzo, we move to the Punta Norte Reserve to observe, depending on the time of year, one-hair sea lions, southern elephant seals, and occasionally orcas. From there, we begin our return to Puerto Madryn with a stop at the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, a compilation of the natural richness of the peninsula. During the excursion, we have great chances of observing terrestrial wildlife, such as guanacos, rheas, foxes, maras, armadillos, and skunks. At the end of the excursion, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Puerto Madryn. Hotel name is required to confirm the booking!

Join a shore excursion to explore the biodiversity and stunning landscapes of Peninsula Valdes. Discover elephant seals, penguins, sea lions, and, with luck, even orcas. Experience the terrestrial wildlife and enjoy unparalleled panoramic views as you explore this natural gem. We’ll be waiting for you at the Port of Puerto Madryn to start our excursion to Península Valdés. Your first stop will be at the Istmo Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, where you’ll learn about the flora, fauna, geology, and historical events of the peninsula. From the panoramic viewpoint, enjoy impressive views of Golfo Nuevo, San José, and Isla de los Pájaros. Next, explore various trails and viewpoints that will allow you to get up close to the landscape and wildlife. Depending on the time of year, weather, and tides, visit points of interest such as Caleta Valdes, Punta Cantor, and Punta Norte. Here, be able to observe elephant seals, penguins, and sea lions, and have the option to enjoy lunch (at your own expense). In some seasons, you may even spot orcas in action. If time permits, also visit a nearby penguin colony or the sea lion reserve in Punta Norte. In addition to marine wildlife, have the chance to see terrestrial animals typical of the region, such as guanacos, maras, rheas, foxes, and armadillos, as well as two significant salt flats, the deepest depressions in South America. If conditions don’t allow for a visit to Punta Norte, head to Punta Delgada, in the southeastern tip of the peninsula, where you’ll find a historic lighthouse and an elephant seal colony. Finally, in the afternoon, return to the meeting point at the Port of Puerto Madryn, where your cruise ship will be waiting.

Early in the morning, we'll depart from your hotel in Puerto Madryn towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Península Valdés Natural Protected Area. After an hour's journey, we'll arrive at the charming ecological village of Puerto Pirámides. Here, you have the option (not included) to embark on the Traditional Regular Whale Watching tour, available between Mid-June and Mid-December to witness the majestic Southern Right Whales. Lunch (not included) will be arranged in either Puerto Pirámides or Caleta Valdés. Following lunch, our journey continues through the southern part of the Peninsula, traversing vast grasslands and undulating landscapes, passing by the Salinas Grande and Chica, and beyond Punta Delgada, marking the southernmost point of the peninsula. We proceed towards Punta Cantor to admire the Atlantic coast and the intriguing geological formation known as Caleta Valdés. These beaches are often populated by Southern elephant seals, the largest seals on Earth, depending on the season. Depending on the time of year and marine wildlife activity, we may visit Punta Norte instead of the southern areas of Las Salinas and Caleta Valdés. On our return journey, we'll make a stop at the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, showcasing the peninsula's natural wealth. Throughout the excursion, there are ample opportunities to observe terrestrial wildlife such as guanacos, choiques, foxes, maras, armadillos, and skunks. Optional Boat Ride: If you opt for the Whale Watching Navigation, Puerto Pirámides is the exclusive location within Península Valdés to experience this. The excursion starts with a coastal journey, offering views of sea lion colonies and cormorant habitats. We then venture further into the sea, encountering Southern Right Whales. Once we've met these majestic creatures, the boat will cut its engines, enveloping us in a serene silence interrupted only by the sounds of the sea and occasional bird calls. It's a truly unique experience, with the chance to see these magnificent animals up close if luck is on our side. The duration of the sailing is estimated to be 1.5 hours, subject to seasonal variations, weather conditions, and animal presence. For those who opt out of the boat ride, there's the opportunity to explore the picturesque town of Puerto Pirámides and its beaches. At the end of the excursion, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Puerto Madryn. Hotel name is required to confirm the booking!

Discover the natural beauty of the Valdes Peninsula on this full-day tour from Puerto Madryn. The area is known for its unique animal species, as it provides the perfect environment for them to live and breed. On this excursion you'll be accompanied by bi-lingual guides and naturalists. The first stop is at the interpretive center at the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, where you'll learn about the flora, fauna and geology of the peninsula. From the panoramic lookout, you’ll have views of Golfo Nuevo, San Jose and the Island of Birds. Next on the itinerary is a stop in the town of Puerto Piramides, where depending on the season, you can take an optional whale watching tour (additional fee applies). Depending on the season, weather and tides, you’ll visit some or all of the following sites: Caleta Valdes, Punta Norte and Punta Cantor, where you can see elephant seals, penguins and sea lions. As you head back, be on the lookout for some of the wild Argentinean land animals including guanacos, rheas, foxes, maras, armadillos and skunks. At sunset, you'll arrive back at Puerto Madryn, where the tour ends.

This Protected Natural Area, declared “Mankind’s Natural Heritage”, has one of the most fascinating ecosystem in the entire world, Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions, Elephants Seals, Magellan Penguins, Maras, Guanacos, and Choiques live all in the same habitat. About 35 miles away from Puerto Madryn, we arrive to El Desempeño, main access to Peninsula Valdes, the first stop will be the interpretation center and from there we will head to Caleta Valdes, 59 miles away, and there you’ll enjoy the magnificent Elephant Seals and Penguins, and occasionally Orcas. And from there we return to Puerto Madryn, where we will finish our visit to this incredible Protected Natural Area to board the ship on time Length: 7 hours Includes: Vehicule with A/C, English Speaking Tour Guide and Box Lunch

This Natural Protected Area, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts one of the world's most fascinating ecosystems, inhabited by Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, Magellanic Penguins, Maras, Guanacos, and Rheas. Access to the Península Valdés Protected Natural Area is located 56 km from Puerto Madryn. A further 45 km leads to Puerto Pirámides, where optional whale watching boat tours are available from June to December (not included in the fee), as well as nautical excursions in summer, including visits to the sea lion colony at Punta Pirámide (not included in the fee). From Puerto Pirámides, we head to Caleta Valdés, where Elephant Seals and some Magellanic Penguins can be observed from September to mid-April. We then proceed to Punta Norte, an important breeding colony for Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, and occasionally Orcas. The next stop is Estancia San Lorenzo, a traditional cattle ranch in the area where we can enjoy a typical Patagonian lamb barbecue (lunch not included). After lunch, we'll visit a remarkable breeding colony of Magellanic penguins, home to approximately 500,000 individuals, located 7 km from the ranch. The return trip is scheduled for around 7:00 pm in Puerto Madryn. Total Distance Covered: 400 km - 11 to 12 hours Season: All year round Whale Watching Boat Tour: From June to December - duration 1 ½ hours.

Embark on a captivating 6-hour long adventure from Piedrabuena Pier to explore the wonders of Peninsula Valdes. After presenting your entrance fees at the reserve's control point, get ready to meet three key points of natural splendor. We begin at the Ameghino Isthmus where there is a visitor's centre. On this place we immerse into the Peninsula Valdes biodiversity and history. A highlight awaits: an impressive Southern Right Whale skeleton is proudly exhibited in one of the rooms! We continue the exploration to Caleta Valdes, a sanctuary of awe-inspiring encounters. Here you will be able to observe the majestic presence of elephant seals, enjoy the playful antics of sea lions, and be charmed by a small colony of Magellanic penguins. Each moment creates lasting memories within the span of 6 hours. We meet the groups at Piedrabuena Pier and when the tour is done we return to the same point. We work with the ships schedules, so we will adapt the tour depart and return time according to it. This tour is available for cruise passengers only. If you are not on a cruise, but you are interested in taking this tour please contact us for further information. Not included: entrance fees/ tips

On this full-day tour you will discover the enchantments of the Valdes Peninsula. Traveling to Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, the narrow strip of land that connects the peninsula with the continent, you will explore the landscape and the flora and fauna of the area as well as enjoy the chance to spot some whales in their natural habitat. The first stop is at the Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center, which offers information on the ecosystem of the Valdes Peninsula, the Patagonia land animals, the species of marine fauna surrounding the peninsula, the flora, and the history of the region. It is also possible to see a little history of the first settlers of the Valdes Peninsula. The next stop is at Puerto Piramides, the only village on the Valdes Peninsula and the only place for starting the marine fauna boat trips (not included). The beaches are surrounded by cliffs that resemble pyramids, hence its name. You will take a 2-hour stop in the village, in which time you can either sail the waters of the New Gulf or simply explore the enchantments of the village. Southern right whales inhabit the gulf from June to December. You will be able to get very close to these whales as they are curious and slow-moving animals, allowing you to observe their characteristic skin covered by callosities. From time to time the whales swim under the boat and you are able to observe their actions and hear their breathing. With a bit of luck they will offer the wonderful spectacle of breaching or at least a flap of the tail. (the boat trip is not included) From January to March, marine fauna watching boat trip(not included) From June to december, whales watching boat trip(no included) You will leave Puerto Piramides and continue on the excursion, passing by the Great Salt Lake and Small Salt Lake at 42 and 35 meters below sea level respectively. Depending on the hour and the cloudiness they appear with a pink coloration due to its chemical composition and the incidence of the solar light. Heading to the south-eastern end of the peninsula, you will arrive at the old naval station of Punta Delgada. By the west coast you will go to a new viewpoint where we can see more elephant seals. After a few kilometers you will travel to Caleta Valdes, an exceptional geologic formation consisting of a thin strip of land which runs parallel to the coast locking up a portion of sea. Connected through a small mouth to the surrounding sea, its calm waters, naturally isolated beaches, and steep cliffs make an excellent place for the elephant seals. About Punta Norte between the months of October and March, the migration of the fauna, where you can see the breeding elephant seals and sea lions. With high tide it is possible to see killer whales during the months of Feb, March, and April, or off the coast of Caleta Valdes during September, October, and November. You will then return to the city of Puerto Madryn.

The Peninsula Valdes Whale Watching Excursion is a unique and fascinating experience that connects you with the rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty of Patagonia. Don't miss the opportunity to live one of the most wonderful experiences Patagonia has to offer. Enjoy some of the most impressive landscapes of Patagonia. Combining education, adventure, and nature, this excursion offers a complete and unforgettable experience. Discover the Wonders of Peninsula Valdes Introduction to Peninsula Valdes Your adventure begins as you arrive at Peninsula Valdes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. This protected nature reserve is one of the most important marine wildlife sanctuaries in the world, offering a rare opportunity to witness the remarkable biodiversity of Patagonia. Whale Watching Adventure Up-Close with Southern Right Whales Embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour, where you’ll have the chance to see Southern Right Whales up close. These magnificent creatures migrate to the waters off Peninsula Valdes each year to mate and give birth, making it one of the best places in the world for whale watching. From the deck of your boat, observe these gentle giants as they breach, tail-slap, and nurse their young, creating unforgettable memories. Expert Guides and Educational Insights Accompanying you on this excursion are knowledgeable guides who are experts in marine biology and local wildlife. They will provide fascinating insights into the behavior, biology, and conservation of the Southern Right Whales, enriching your understanding of these majestic animals and the ecosystem they inhabit. Learn about the efforts being made to protect these whales and their natural habitat. Explore the Rich Biodiversity Wildlife Encounters Beyond Whales Peninsula Valdes is not just about whales. The region is home to a variety of other wildlife, including sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, and numerous bird species. Your tour will include opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitats, adding to the richness of your experience. Visit colonies of sea lions and elephant seals, watch as orcas hunt along the shoreline, and spot diverse birdlife from coastal cliffs. Stunning Landscapes Enjoy some of the most impressive landscapes of Patagonia. The rugged coastline, sweeping beaches, and windswept plains of Peninsula Valdes provide a stunning backdrop for your wildlife adventure. Take in the breathtaking scenery, from towering cliffs to tranquil bays, and experience the raw beauty of this remote and pristine environment.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Tour of Peninsula Valdes, where nature's wonders await you at every turn. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Patagonian landscape, offering breathtaking views of vast steppes and unique flora. Arriving at Peninsula Valdes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, prepare to be captivated by the abundant wildlife. The highlight of your tour is the awe-inspiring whale watching experience. (included from june 15th to dec 15th). From the deck of a comfortable boat, witness the magnificent Southern Right Whales as they breach and frolic in the crystal-clear waters. These majestic creatures, often accompanied by their calves, create a mesmerizing spectacle that will leave you in awe. But the wonders of Peninsula Valdes don't stop with the whales. The tour also includes visits to the bustling colonies of Magellanic penguins, playful sea lions, and graceful elephant seals. Watch as these animals interact in their natural habitats, providing countless photo opportunities and unforgettable memories. Along the way, knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about the local wildlife, geology, and history of the peninsula. You'll learn about the unique ecosystem that supports such diverse species and the conservation efforts in place to protect this precious environment. The tour also includes a stop at the charming town of Puerto Pirámides, where you can explore local shops, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply relax and soak in the serene surroundings. Whether you're an avid wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and immersive experience, the Tour of Peninsula Valdes offers an extraordinary adventure that combines natural beauty, educational enrichment, and unforgettable encounters with some of the world's most remarkable animals.