The first whales have arrived, teasing a season that surprises all year round

With the first specimens already visible from various points along the coast, operators and service providers are starting to gear up for a season aimed at attracting those planning a winter getaway. The start of the whale-watching season also coincides with the appearance of other marine species that can be spotted from the shore, such as dolphins and Commerson's dolphins.

Where to see whales in Argentine Patagonia?

Puerto Pirámides, Chubut. It is the only town inside the Valdés Peninsula. From here, authorized companies operate boat tours of approximately two hours, allowing visitors to see the whales just a few meters from the boat.

El Doradillo Beach, Chubut. Located 15 kilometers north of Puerto Madryn. This natural reserve allows for whale watching right from the coast during high tide.

Las Grutas and San Antonio Este, Río Negro. Boat-based watching aboard rigid inflatable boats to respectfully get close to the whales inside the gulf.

Bahía Creek, Río Negro. A small, secluded coastal resort where whales come within meters of the shore. Ideal for those looking for shore-based watching without needing to board a boat.

What is the best time of the year for whale watching?

The official season runs from June to early December in the Valdés Peninsula and Puerto Madryn area.

September and October are the months with the highest concentration of whales and lots of activity, including breaching and calves. The first whales have already begun to arrive in the San Matías Gulf and can be seen from Las Grutas.

What other activities can you do in Puerto Madryn and Las Grutas?

In Puerto Madryn and surroundings

• Visit the Punta Tombo Penguin Colony, the largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins.
• Visit the Ecocentro, an educational space ideal for understanding the Patagonian marine ecosystem.
• Diving and snorkeling excursions with sea lions in Punta Loma. Madryn is the National Diving Capital.

In Las Grutas and surroundings

• Visit Piedras Coloradas beach, with reddish sand, El Sótano, to explore sea caves at low tide, and Las Conchillas, in San Antonio Este, 70 kilometers away, with white sand made of seashells and turquoise waters.

How to get to Puerto Madryn and Las Grutas?

There are flights from Jorge Newbery Airfield in Buenos Aires to El Tehuelche Airport in Puerto Madryn. Another option is to fly to Trelew Airport and take a one-hour bus ride to Madryn.

For Las Grutas, there are flights from Jorge Newbery Airfield in Buenos Aires to Gobernador Edgardo Castello Airport in Viedma. From there, a long-distance bus or a taxi can take you the remaining 190 kilometers to the coast.

Both Patagonian destinations are about 260 kilometers apart.

What to eat during your getaway to Madryn and Las Grutas?

Fresh fish and seafood from the Argentine Sea take center stage in the local gastronomy. Must-try dishes include garlic shrimp, fried squid rings, stews, and the traditional paella.

How to contact whale watching companies?

Puerto Madryn (Puerto Pirámides)

The list of providers is available on the official Tourism website of the province of Chubut.

Las Grutas

The list of providers is available on the official Tourism website of the province of Río Negro.