Boat-based Whale Watching

Boat-based Whale Watching in Península Valdés
Departures from Puerto Pirámides

Boat-based whale watching is the region’s ultimate naturalist adventure: a navigation to observe the Southern Right Whale in the Golfo Nuevo. Departures are from Puerto Pirámides (~100 km from Puerto Madryn) with licensed captains, crew, and guides aboard safe and comfortable vessels.

The navigation lasts approximately 1 h 30 min. Depending on the animals’ location, the trip takes place within the usual operating area. In addition to whales, it is common to see South American sea lions and coastal birds. Between June and October (extending to June–December depending on the season), you can witness courtship, calving, and nursing behaviors at remarkably close range.

Our boat-based whale watching experience prioritizes safety, wildlife interpretation, and compliance with local regulations in Península Valdés. We recommend booking in advance during peak months and arriving at the boarding point with time to spare. If you would like to combine this boat-based whale watching peninsula valdes tour with other highlights (e.g., Magellanic penguins or land wildlife), contact us for custom options tailored to your interests and schedule.

Duration

1 h 30 min

Includes

  • Boarding at Puerto Pirámides
  • Lifejackets and onboard safety equipment
  • Licensed bilingual guide

Not included

  • Transfers to/from Puerto Madryn
  • Península Valdés Reserve entrance fee
  • Meals and unspecified services

Tips

  • Arrive 30 minutes early for boarding.
  • Bring a windbreaker/warm layer and protection for your camera against spray.
  • Golden hour: the last departure of the day offers ideal light for photography.

Note: the activity is subject to weather and port conditions. Wildlife is free-ranging; specific sightings cannot be guaranteed. Learn more about the protected area at UNESCO and on the official Península Valdés site.

Wildlife calendar
Month
Southern Right Whale
Southern Right Whale
Southern Elephant Seal
Southern Elephant Seal
Magellanic Penguin
Magellanic Penguin
South American Sea Lion
South American Sea Lion
Orca
Orca
Guanaco
Guanaco
Lesser Rhea
Lesser Rhea
Patagonian Mara
Patagonian Mara
Gray Fox
Gray Fox
Big Hairy Armadillo
Big Hairy Armadillo
Patagonian Cavy
Patagonian Cavy
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

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