Sea Lion Snorkeling in Puerto Madryn

Sea Lion Snorkeling

Close encounter with sea lions in Puerto Madryn

  • Scenic boat ride of ~20 min to Punta Loma Nature Reserve
  • Responsible interaction with wild, free-ranging animals
  • Bilingual guide/instructor & full snorkel gear
  • In-water time: up to 40 min (per regulations) · Boat ride: ~20 min each way
Sea lion snorkeling at Punta Loma Nature Reserve

A one-of-a-kind experience

Sea lion snorkeling at the Punta Loma Nature Reserve is Puerto Madryn’s unmissable activity because it’s truly unique in the world. The site is home to a stable population of ~600 animals, free and wild. After a beautiful ~20-minute boat ride to the Reserve, we enter the water to enjoy an experience like no other: there is no other colony on record where animals approach and interact with people the way they do here.

This uniqueness is explained by three factors: the species South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens), known for its friendly behavior; the fact that a large part of the colony resides permanently at the site; and the complete absence of predators. The animals are neither handled nor forced: they always decide the approach and type of interaction; we adapt with passive, respectful observation.

The activity runs year-round, with a maximum allowed in-water time of 40 minutes inside the Reserve, simultaneous quotas, and clear rules to minimize impact. Difficulty: moderate/easy. Suitable for people with no prior experience (we provide a safety briefing and full gear), families, and travelers who feel comfortable in the water.

Tour brief

  • Profile: no prior experience required; being comfortable in the water is recommended.
  • Timing: boat ride ≈ 20 min each way; up to 40 min in the water (per regulations).
  • Area: Punta Loma Nature Reserve (Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn).
  • Safety: pre-snorkel briefing, certified guide/instructor, and responsible interaction protocols.

Key regulations inside the Reserve

  • Maximum time allowed in the snorkeling area: 40 minutes.
  • People simultaneously in the water: up to 24.
  • Boats simultaneously inside the Reserve: up to 3.
  • Minimum distance to the shore: 50 meters.
  • Interaction is always determined by the animals: no touching or feeding; passive, respectful behavior.

Access and stay are regulated by rangers. Quotas and conditions may be adjusted for safety or conservation.

Sea Lion Snorkeling Specialty — Free training (SDI)

If you’d like to add a FREE plus to your experience, our center offers the Snorkeling Specialty endorsed by SDI, one of the world’s most respected certifying agencies. The training is key to managing wetsuit buoyancy and making smooth movements, building trust with the animals.

  • 100% FREE and optional.
  • We send a digital manual in advance (gear, techniques, safety).
  • On the excursion day, those seeking the certificate inform the instructor and complete a brief skills practice in the Reserve.

Our goal: a team effort that builds trust so sea lions approach and interact with us.

Itinerary

  1. Check-in & preparation: meet at the operator, gear hand-out, safety briefing, and guidelines for responsible interaction.
  2. Boat ride to Punta Loma: ~20 minutes along the Golfo Nuevo coastline.
  3. Water entry: gentle entry from the boat and adaptation; the guide stays with the group at all times.
  4. Snorkeling with sea lions: up to 40 minutes of passive observation and spontaneous play by the juveniles around us (per regulations).
  5. Return to port: back to the operator, change of clothes, and end of the experience.

Order, timings, and boarding may vary due to tides, wind, visibility, and Reserve regulations.

FAQs

Do I need to swim or have prior experience?
No prior experience required. The wetsuit provides buoyancy and the guide assists you at all times. Being comfortable in the water is important.
When is it available?
Year-round. The outing is subject to weather and sea conditions.
What’s the difficulty?
Moderate/easy, suitable for first-timers and families.
Are there quotas and limits inside the Reserve?
Yes. Up to 40 minutes in the water, up to 24 people in the water simultaneously, up to 3 boats inside the Reserve, and a 50 m minimum distance to the shore.
Can we touch or feed the sea lions?
No. Interaction is decided by the animals. We observe passively—no touching or feeding.
What’s included in the SDI specialty?
It’s free and optional. Includes a digital manual in advance and a brief skills practice on the day to improve buoyancy and technique.
Book your spot
WhatsApp us See wildlife calendar
*Activity subject to wind and sea conditions. Quotas inside the Reserve per regulations.

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