This excursion begins with the search for the passengers in their respective accommodations, between 7:00 and 7:30 in the morning, and then we head north, until we reach the checkpoint. "Performance", where the entrance fee to the Peninsula Valdés Protected Area will be paid (not included).
After about 20 km from “El Desemeño”, we will reach the “Carlos Ameghino Isthmus”, a narrow strip of land that connects the peninsula with the continent. Here is the “Carlos Ameghino Interpretation Center”, a small space dedicated to providing information about the ecosystem, flora, fauna, and local history of the Valdés Peninsula. We can observe the skeletons of a juvenile right whale, among other terrestrial and aquatic animal species, along with the history of the first settlers of Puerto Pirámides. The interpretation center also has a viewing platform for observing both gulfs (Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San Matías), as well as Bird Island which is located about 5 km away, which has an important local birdlife and a very beautiful particular history. We continue the tour until we reach Puerto Piramides, the only town on the Peninsula where you can experience traditional whale watching from a boat, as well as admire its beaches, which are protected by pyramid-like cliffs (bardas), hence its name. We'll be in the town for approximately three hours.
The navigations are carried out in boats of various capacities, from 5 to 70 people, and last approximately 1.30/2 hours.
•From June to Decemberthe Whale watching Southern Franc. This wonderful cruise through the Golfo Nuevo is listed as one of the best in the world and one of the most enjoyable in the Peninsula Valdés Protected Area (Natural World Heritage Site). During the cruise, we will learn about the biological cycle of the Southern Right Whale (mating, birth, and calf rearing), as well as the different life cycles and survival dynamics of the species. Named this way (Southern Right Whale) because it is an animal characterized by its gentleness, slowness, and curiosity, they can approach incredible distances, allowing us to observe their distinctive, calloused skin. Occasionally, they pass beneath the boat, emitting sounds, and with luck, we will be able to witness the wonderful spectacle of a leap or a flapping tail, understanding their different dynamics through our guides. We will sail alongside the captain, a specialized crew, and bilingual support staff, who will introduce passengers to the interpretation and observation of the marine and coastal ecosystem we will experience throughout the voyage. Other wildlife, such as fur seals and a variety of coastal birds, may also be observed.
•From MAY to NOVEMBER we will carry out SOUTHERN CIRCUIT Passing through Salina Grande and Salina Chica, the largest depressions in South America. Depending on the time of day and cloud cover, they may appear pinkish due to their physical and chemical composition and the incidence of sunlight. If the roads and weather permit, we will enter Salina Chica to take some photographs and admire the surrounding flora and fauna.
Heading toward the southeastern tip of the Peninsula, we will pass near Punta Delgada, an old naval settlement and home to a lighthouse dating back to 1905. We will continue north along the east coast, stopping at Estancia La Elvira for lunch or a simple coffee. We will then head to Punta Cantor, where we will observe some elephant seals, and Caleta Valdés, a place of exceptional attraction, as we will experience the geological formation of the inlet: a thin strip of land enclosing a portion of the sea connected to the surrounding sea by a small inlet. The calm waters and beaches of the inlet, naturally isolated by high, steep cliffs, constitute an excellent territory for elephant seals. From a lookout point, we can contemplate the space and observe the elephant seals up close, and perhaps also a small colony of Magellanic penguins.
Finally we return to the city of Puerto Madryn, leaving them at their respective accommodations.
•Since November the route will be NORTH Circuit Heading north of the Valdés Peninsula. From January to March, there is a greater chance of seeing orcas at Punta Norte and Caleta Valdés. This time of year is when the whales begin to migrate towards the southern seas, thus ending the whale watching season and beginning the Nautical Tours (optional)These sail to the Punta Pirámides Seal Colony, where we'll find a rookery for South American fur seals, a unique opportunity to observe the colony's predominant activity depending on the season (harem formation, mating, and births). We'll visit "Cormorant Island" and "Bird Ravine" (breeding colonies of rock cormorants and cormorants), and then head toward caves filled with fossils. If the weather is good and we're lucky, we might also see dusky dolphins.
After the nautical tour, we depart from Puerto Pirámides to continue with the Peninsula Valdés excursion Full day, visiting (depending on the state of the roads and the migration of fauna), North Point, a roost for elephants and sea lions. With high tide and good luck on our side, it is possible to spot orcas in the months of February, March and April, a time when they feed on sea lion pups. In addition, we will be able to know and experience the Interpretation Center that will give us an overview of the ecosystem, the local terrestrial and marine flora and fauna of the Valdés Peninsula. A wildlife guard post, bathrooms and a small cafeteria will also be available.
Finally we return to the city of Puerto Madryn, leaving them at their respective accommodations.
The times and order of the places to visit may vary, depending on the season, the weather and the interests of the group.
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT ITINERARY (from May to mid-November)
-Performance Post (entrance to the protected area)
-Ameghino Isthmus (interpretation center)
-Puerto Pirámides (Whale Watching)
-Salinas Grande and Chica
-Punta Delgada, oldest lighthouse on the Peninsula and colony of elephant seals.
-Punta Cantor (natural resting place for elephant seals)
-Parador de Estancia “La Elvira” (place for refreshments or lunch).
-Caleta Valdés (Magellan penguin colony from October to March).
NORTH CIRCUIT ITINERARY (from mid-November to mid-May)
-Performance Post (entrance to the protected area)
-Ameghino Isthmus (interpretation center)
-Puerto Pirámides
-Punta Cantor (natural resting place for elephant seals)
-Parador de Estancia La Elvira (place for refreshments or lunch)
-Caleta Valdés (Magellan penguin colony from October to March)
-Punta Norte (resting place for sea lions and elephant seals)
On the internal roads we can observe terrestrial fauna such as Maras, Guanacos, Foxes and Choiques among others, as well as a variety of birds.
Season: from June to mid-December
Departures: daily
Duration: full day
Closing hour: 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Approximately
Return time: 6:00 p.m. Approximately
Minimum of passengers: 2 people
SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS
It includes
•Board-based whale watching (subject to weather conditions)
•Pick Up – Passengers are searched where they are staying
•Transfers
•Guides: Spanish/English/Portuguese/French/Italian. (Consult for other languages)
does not include
•Entry to the Peninsula Valdés Protected Area
•Personal expenses
•Foods
Suggested Equipment
•Comfortable footwear, warm clothing, photography equipment, sunscreen and a hat.
IMPORTANT
•In the event of adverse weather conditions causing heavy rain and/or closed roads on Peninsula Valdés, which prevent us from carrying out the full excursion, we will make changes at the time to provide the most complete excursion possible. If we cannot carry out the excursion, a refund will be made for the difference between the Puerto Pirámides and Peninsula Valdés full-day excursions.
•No refund will be made for embarked Whale Watching unless it cannot be carried out due to a closed port indicated by the Argentine Naval Prefecture. Under no circumstances will it be refunded in any case, entering the Peninsula Valdés protected area since this cost is not operated by the company.
•Cancellation of the purchase with less than 24 hours has no refund under any circumstances.
•NOT VALID FOR CRUISES. Consult corresponding excursions