When does whale watching season begin in Puerto Madryn and prices for winter vacation excursions?
The whales are now in the area of Peninsula Valdés , Chubut , where they arrive each year to reproduce, raise their calves, and socialize. The destination— Puerto Madryn and its surroundings —becomes a great setting for observing these giant marine mammals: specimens of the Southern Right Whale , which weigh about 40 tons and reach 15 meters in length.
The "start of the season," scheduled for June 10 , actually marks the formal opening of boat trips from Puerto Pirámides , 100 km from Puerto Madryn, allowing for a more adventurous experience.
As for the season, the whales stay until December .
The El Doradillo Protected Natural Area is 15 kilometers from downtown Puerto Madryn and offers the advantage of whale watching from the shore, especially during high tide.
Whale watching from El Doradillo, 15 km from Madryn. Photo: Puerto Madryn Tourism Board
It's important to check the tide times at the tourist information centers in Madryn to make the most of your whale-watching experience. There's no public transportation to the site, but those without their own vehicle can request a taxi.
Park rangers are available on-site to assist visitors.
Entry to this area is free of charge .
The finished stretch of asphalt leading to the El Doradillo National Park (ANP) is expected to be open by June 10 (next week). From there, a 4-km gravel detour leads to Las Canteras, where whale watching can be enjoyed. From Puerto Madryn, it's a 20- to 30-minute drive.
Whale watching is available only from Puerto Pirámides (Valdés Peninsula), on boats carrying between 20 and 60 passengers. Trips last approximately 90 minutes and are scheduled based on weather conditions. Trips are canceled if there is strong wind.
The best times are in the morning , when the sea is most stable.
There are departures every day, but they are scheduled according to weather conditions. Photo Diario Jornada
The rate for the embarked excursion is $125,000 per adult .
Land excursion + sailing (departure and return to your hotel, all-day trip), from $250,000 per person.
Additionally, you must pay an entrance fee to the Peninsula Valdés Protected Natural Area: $10,000 for national residents and $5,000 for minors and seniors. This fee is payable in cash only.
Other excursions to do in Puerto Madryn
At the Punta Loma Reserve, a protected area, visitors can interact with these animals in their natural environment. Diving with sea lions: $253,000. Snorkeling with sea lions: $165,000 (reference prices; also check the price with a dry suit).
Sea lions. Photo Sergio Massaro
Small and swift, they are famous for their agility and acrobatic leaps. Tours depart from Rawson. The cost is $115,000 per person.
- Nautical and adventure activities
Traditional kayaking (3 hours): from $68,000. With sea lions (4 to 5 hours): between $96,000 and $125,000. Full day: $150,000.
Sailing trip: from $100,000 per person
Natural History Walk or Safari: $100,000 for adults and $50,000 for children
Half-day mountain bike rental: from $10,000. Electric bikes: from $35,000 (full-day)
The recently remodeled Ecocentro. Photo: Puerto Madryn Tourism
Coastal-marine interpretation center with engaging exhibits. Admission for Argentines is $6,000. Children, seniors, and people with disabilities: reduced or free rates (the center is closed for renovations until June 13).
Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum, Trelew. Photo: MEF
Visits to Trelew and the Egidio Feruglio Paleontological Museum (70 km away, admission to the museum costs $18,000 per person) and Gaiman (80 km from Madryn), with its traditional tea houses and Welsh heritage.
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