Southern right whales gather every year in the sheltered gulfs around Península Valdés, in Chubut province, to breed and to calve. The season runs roughly from June to December, with the largest numbers around September and October. Seeing them depends on wind and tide, which no one controls, so a good plan has some slack in it.
Two ways to watch
- By boat from Puerto Pirámides. This is the only village on the peninsula and the only place the whale-watching boats leave from.
- From the shore at El Doradillo. A beach near Puerto Madryn where whales come close to land, mostly around high tide. No tour is needed.
Boat trips depend on the sea. In strong wind the coastguard closes the port and nothing sails. Allow more than one day in the area so that you have a second chance.
The land journey
Puerto Madryn is the usual base. You fly to Trelew, or to Puerto Madryn’s own airport, which has fewer flights. See Trelew and Puerto Madryn airports.
The peninsula is a protected natural area. There is a control gate at the entrance, where the entry fee is paid, and a visitor centre on the isthmus. The road to Puerto Pirámides is paved. Beyond it, the roads to the outer points are gravel, long and almost without services. A full circuit takes the whole day.
Ways to get around
- Group tour. Leaves Puerto Madryn on a fixed timetable.
- Hire car. Flexible. It calls for experience on gravel and care with wildlife on the road.
- Private transfer or a driver for the day. The vehicle is for your group only and the times are built around your boat booking. The route is under Puerto Madryn to Península Valdés and Puerto Pirámides. Availability is confirmed when you book.
What else is in season
Magellanic penguins are at Punta Tombo from about September to April. In spring you can see whales and penguins on one trip, which makes it the most requested time. Elephant seals and sea lions lie on the peninsula’s beaches.
To arrange your days, see Península Valdés in 2 days.
Practical points
- Book the boat trip first and send us its time.
- Bring warm, windproof clothing in any month.
- Keep a spare day in case the boats are cancelled.