The main reason people visit the Valdes Peninsula is go whale watching to see the southern right whales. The gulf is the perfect place for these whales to raise their young, since the water is so calm. The area is protected and as a result, one-third of the southern right whales around the world come to these waters to reproduce. Read below about whale watching in Puerto Madryn and the rest of the Valdes Peninsula
The best way to get around the Valdes Peninsula to experience whale watching in Puerto Madryn is by renting a car.
About the Southern Right Whales
Unlike other right whale species, this particular species has managed to recover from the centuries of commercial fishing, especially due to the conservation efforts of many different countries. The area around the Valdes Peninsula is incredibly important to these efforts, which is why whale watching in Puerto Madryn and the peninsula is so special.
Southern Right Whales at the Valdes Peninsula
At the Valdes Peninsula, there are a few large gulfs and bays that allow the whales to breed in calm waters. They can feed their calves until they get large enough to swim and feed on their own and stay together for up to 2 years.
Due to the steep pitch around the Golfo Nuevo, the whales can get very close to the shore, making this prime whale watching in Puerto Madryn. Between June and December, there’s pretty much a guarantee that you will see whales somewhere in the gulf.
Tours for Whale Watching in Puerto Madryn and Valdes Peninsula
This area is highly protected and there are six companies that have been approved to provide tours for whale watching in Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula. Each company has a commitment to conservation efforts:
The boats they use are small and the captains of each boat are respectful of the whales, allowing them to get close to the boats rather than chase them.
Because these tours are regulated by the government, each company’s tour costs the same and lasts 1.5 hours. They have some slight nuances that may differentiate them, such as Southern Spirit having submarine-like boats. You can book these tours online or directly with the company in Puerto Madryn or Puerto Piramides.
Whale Watching in Puerto Madryn: The Bottazzi Boat Tour
Blueprint Travelers recommends the tour with Bottazzi because they are one of the oldest companies in the area. Check out the weather conditions of the region to reserve a tour during optimal weather if possible. With good weather, the water is calm and with very little wind, making it a smooth experience. The companies are very aware of the weather conditions and may have to cancel or shift your tour to best accommodate.
Make sure to be patient if the boat companies shift your tour around because they want to make sure that you, the boat, and the whales all remain safe. To reduce pollution in the bay and protect the whales, the bay does not have a boat dock. The boats are pulled in and out of the ocean by a tractor.
For each tour, you will be required to wear a life vest. You can sit anywhere on the boat and, they have all designed the seating to really be able to see the whales from anywhere on the boat. If the whales are on the right side of the boat, people on that side are required to remain seated or kneel while anyone else on the boat can stand.
Finding the Whales
Seeing wild animals is never guaranteed but given the breeding quantity that occurs in this region of Argentina, having the chance of whale watching in Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula is quite high. As you leave the gulf by boat, you have the opportunity to start to see whales breaching and spouting in the distance. Your captain will guide you to an area with many whales and calves (they are knowledgeable about the animal locations). You may have the incredible opportunity of interacting directly with the whales. These are curious and playful creatures and some of them are not shy.
Interacting with the Whales
Here is an example of what you may experience when whale watching in Puerto Madryn and the Valdes Peninsula: A mom and her calf decided to show off in front of us, playing with each other and watching our boat for an hour. Often, the moms leave the calves to get food, sometimes for up to 20-45 minutes. However, in our case, the mom stayed on the surface.
A Sea Lion Bonus
As you return into the bay , your captain may take you to a small area by Puerto Piramides where sea lions lay out. While you are able to see them from above from Punta Piramides (see a description of this viewpoint in this travel itinerary), it is nice to have the opportunity to ride right next to them.
Other Sea Lion Opportunities
There are experiences that allow you to swim with the sea lions in this area as well. You can book these in Puerto Madryn and they take place in the Punta Loma area.