Puerto Madryn: Full-Day Wildlife Safari on Peninsula Valdés
Patagonia, Argentina, Argentina
Wildlife Safari on the Valdes Peninsula from Puerto Madryn. See whales, sea lions, elephant seals, and penguins with an expert guide. Includes transfer and entry to the reserve.
Valdés Peninsula Wildlife Tour from Puerto Madryn
This full-day wildlife tour explores the Valdés Peninsula Reserve, ideal for nature lovers and photographers visiting Puerto Madryn.
Highlights
- Explore Valdés Peninsula Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the Visitor Center with skeletons, fossils, and replicas
- Optional whale watching cruise to see southern right whales in their natural habitat
- Land safari spotting guanacos, maras, choiques, foxes, and martinetas
- View wildlife from vantage points: sea lions, elephant seals, penguins, orcas, and more
Description
Your tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Puerto Madryn, followed by a brief city history tour. Next, travel to the Valdés Peninsula, starting at the Istmo Carlos Ameghino Visitor Center with panoramic views over the Patagonian landscape and Gulfs Nuevo and San José.
Visit Puerto Piramides, where from June to December you can join an optional 1.5-hour whale watching cruise to observe southern right whales (not included; please contact to book). In summer and autumn, enjoy free time on the beach and explore the town.
Continue to Caleta Valdés and Punta Cantor, where trails and viewpoints provide access to colonies of elephant seals and sea lions. Between September and April, Magellanic penguins are present, and in October and November, watch for orcas patrolling the coastline.
During December to May, the tour includes Punta Norte, known for killer whales exhibiting 'intentional stranding' hunting behavior in March and April.
The land safari along gravel roads offers sightings of guanacos, choiques, maras, and martinetas crossing the Patagonian terrain. After the excursion, return transfers bring you back to Puerto Madryn.
Duration
Approximately 10 to 11 hours
Departure and Return Times
- Departure: 7:15 AM onwards
- Return: Between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM (subject to weather)
Wildlife Calendar
- Right whales: June to December at Puerto Piramides
- Magellanic penguins: September to April in Caleta Valdés
- Orca whales: October–November in Caleta Valdés and Punta Cantor; March–April in Punta Norte
- Elephant and fur seals: Year-round
- Land fauna (guanacos, maras, martinetas, choiques): Year-round
Includes
- Round-trip transfers from your accommodation in Puerto Madryn
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
- Free time for exploration and photography
Excludes
- Entrance fee to Valdés Peninsula Nature Reserve (ARS 50,000 per person)
- Optional whale watching cruise from Puerto Piramides (June to December)
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Important Information
- Do not schedule this excursion on your last day; weather conditions can affect the tour
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on natural conditions and season
- Route and animals encountered vary by month—refer to the wildlife calendar and full description
- The whale watching cruise is optional and not included; contact us to reserve
- Bring a jacket or windbreaker for the 2-hour whale watching cruise (30 minutes pre-boarding, 1.5 hours sailing)
- In case of bad weather, you will be contacted in advance to reschedule
- The tour lasts 10 to 11 hours—bring sufficient water and snacks
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
