Peninsula Valdes & Punta Tombo
Located on the Northern edge of Patagonia, about half way between Cape Horn and Buenos Aires is the Peninsula Valdes - a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the concentration of marine mammals that gather here in spectacular numbers. Accessed from the functional but pleasant seaside town of Puerto Madryn, this arid peninsula is surrounded by rich coastal waters, utilized by Patagonia's largest colonies of southern sealions, elephant seals, and Magellanic penguins. Between June and December each year hundreds of endangered Southern Right Whales come to the enclosed waters of Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San Jose to the North and South of peninsula to breed and give birth. This is one of the best places in the Americas for seeing these marine giants, some of which can reach up to 100 tonnes in weight and 17m from tip to tail.
Orcas famously gather around the peninsula to hunt elephant seals and southern sealions at specific times of year. Sequences of Killer Whales purposely 'beaching' themselves to hunt sealions were used to spectacular effect in the BBC's acclaimed Blue Planet series.
Just to the South of Peninsula Valdes is the huge Magellanic Penguin Colony at the Reserve of Punta Tombo, home to around 800,000 distinctly fishy but charming birds. Late in August or early in September the penguins come ashore to establish a feathered metropolis of breeding burrows.
Our classic way of exploring the region would be with a natural history guide who knows the reserve and its wildlife intimately. To get the very best out of our time on the Peninsula we take both land and sea based excursions, making the most of seasonal highlights such as gatherings of whales and dolphins. For a recommended 4 day itinerary click on the itinerary tab at the top of the page.
For adventurous clients wanting to experience additional activities we can easily arrange kayaking and snorkelling trips with playful sealions and diving in the fascinating waters of the Golfo San Matías and Golfo Nuevo, currently considered Argentina's top diving destinations.
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Weather
Weather wise the Northern Patagonian region is best visited in the southern summer from December to April. Peninsula Valdes has a cold, fairly dry climate but weather is unpredictable and cold winds can make any time of year chilly. Sun can be strong and burn even when it feels cold.
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When to Visit
Marine wildlife is the main reason people visit the Peninsula. Dolphins, sealions and elephant seals are present year round. Seasonal wildlife viewing opportunities are shown below:
Southern Right Whales gather between June and December and this is the best time for whale watching.
Magellanic Penguins breed between August/September and April.
Orca - seen from June to December hunting young Right Whale calves. Between March and April Orcas hunt sealions on the beaches at Punta Norte.
Dolphins, sealions and elephant seals are present year round.
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Itineraries for Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo
Here you will find three suggested itineraries that will show you the best of the regions exceptional wildlife and marine life:
- Wildlife Exploration of Coastal Patagonia
- Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo: Wildlife and Marine Life
- Peninsula Valdes Diving, Kayaking and Wildlife Adventure
Whether you prefer diving and snorkelling or exploring the peninsula above the waves we can tailor itineraries to fit your interests in the region - for specific itinerary needs and pricings please contact one of our Argentina experts to discuss this further.
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Wildlife Exploration of Coastal Patagonia
Here is our 4 day itinerary to the Peninsula Valdes, Puerto Madryn and Punta Tombo:
Day 1
Flying into Trelew airport you will be met and be transferred to an excellent sea front hotel in Puerto Madryn. The rest of the day will be free to explore the town or relax in your comfortable surrounds!
Day 2
Full day privately guided exploration and cruise of the Peninsula Valdes World Heritage Site, including visiting elephant seal and sealion colonies breeding in the reserve. Depending on the time of year Southern Right Whales and Orcas may be seen from the coast.
Day 3
Today, you will be collected from your hotel by your guide and taken to see the huge Penguin colony of Punta Tombo. This is often home to more than half a million industrious Magellanic Penguins who nest in excavated burrows in this protected area.
Day 4
After a relaxing morning at our hotel we are driven back to Trelew airport for our onward flight.
Please bear in mind that this is only a suggested itinerary and this can be adjusted or expanded to suit your requirements. Please contact one of our expert staff who have considerable experience in the region to discuss this further.
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Peninsular Valdes
Diving, Kayaking and Wildlife Adventure
Here is our 4 day itinerary to the Peninsula Valdes, showing you the best of the regions magnificent wildlife from above and below the water.
Day 1
Flying into Trelew airport you will be met and be transferred to our charming, boutique sea front hotel in Puerto Madryn. The rest of the day will be free to explore the town or relax in your comfortable, friendly surrounds!
Day 2
Today we take a boat journey to Punta Loma, home of large colony of Southern Sea Lions for the experience of diving (or snorkeling) with these playful and curious marine mammals - a remarkable marine experience. In the afternoon we include a 2nd dive in the Golfo Nuevo.
Day 3
Full day guided exploration and cruise of the Peninsula Valdes World Heritage Site, including visiting elephant seal and sealion colonies breeding in the reserve. Depending on the time of year Southern Right Whales and Orcas may be seen from the coast.
Day 4
On our final morning in Puerto Madryn we set out along the jagged coast of Peninsular Valdes in Kayaks, taking in the rugged scenery and looking for marine life from a different perspective. After lunch we check out of our hotel and are driven back to Trelew airport for our onward flight.
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Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo
Wildlife and Marine Life
Here's a 4/5 day itinerary focusing on the magnificent marine life of the Peninsula Valdes, Puerto Madryn and Punta Tombo.
Day 1
Flying into Trelew airport you will be met by a private English speaking guide and transferred to an excellent sea front hotel in Puerto Madryn. The rest of the day will be free to explore the town or relax in your comfortable surrounds!
Day 2
Full day privately guided exploration and of the Peninsula Valdes World Heritage Site, including visiting elephant seal and sealion colonies breeding in the reserve. Depending on the time of year Southern Right Whales and Orcas may be seen from the coast.
Day 3
Today we depart on a guided service for the huge Penguin colony of Punta Tombo, often home to more than half a million industrious Magellanic Penguins who nest in excavated burrows in this protected area. After this we drive back to Puerto Madryn.
Day 4
Today we have a relaxing morning in Puerto Madryn before being driven back to Trelew airport in the afternoon for our onward flight.
For people wanting the region from a different perspective we can also arrange a morning of exploring the Peninsula's jagged coasts by sea kayak.
Day 5 (extension)
An additional day can also be added to spend time Snorkelling with Sealions at Punta Loma or viewing Southern Right Whales or Commerson's Dolphins by boat (seasonal).
Please bear in mind that this is only a suggested itinerary and this can be adjusted or expanded to suit your requirements. Please contact one of our expert staff who have considerable experience in the region to discuss this further.
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