El Doradillo Protected Area

This excursion ventures along the beaches of the El Doradillo Protected Area, a place where whale sightings are made from the coast, at a very close distance at high tide. It also includes a small City Tour through the northern part of the city.

We begin by touring the central area of the city, passing through Plaza Gral. San Martín, communal and emblematic buildings with ancient architecture, and then continue moving north. We passed by “Chalet Pujol”, current Provincial Oceanographic and Natural Sciences Museum, which has exhibits on local history, the flora and fauna of the region, as well as elements of geology, Welsh history, anthropology and oceanographic material provided by the Argentina Army. We headed towards the Industrial and Fishing Park where the ALUAR Aluminum Plant and the “Almirante Storni” Dock are located. Then we take Provincial Route N°42 which takes us to the El Doradillo Protected Area: its coasts are ideal for coastal watching of right whales, which, unlike most of the beaches in the area, this one has a very steep slope. pronounced which allows cetaceans to approach just a few meters from the coast. This beach is chosen by whales due to its calm and warm waters to give birth to their babies and breastfeed them. Until they are 30 or 40 days old, whale calves do not develop the layer of blubber that allows them to float. So their mothers carry them on the fin near the coast and take the opportunity to rest on the pebble bed. At the northern end, on one of the points of the cliff, there is a hut that allows biologists to see the arrival of the first specimens and census the population of whales that arrive each year at the Golfo Nuevo.

This type of coastal watching is an ideal complement for those people who have already done whale watching on board, as well as another option for people who have not done the sailing and want to experience, contemplate and enjoy these giants of the gulf together with the geography, fauna and flora of this area.

                                             The times and order of the places to visit may vary, depending on the season, the weather and the interests of the group.

Season: from June to mid-October
Departures: daily
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Closing hour: according to tide table. The tide schedule varies from day to day
Minimum of passengers: 3 people
SUBJECT TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

Itinerary
-Northern area of the city
-ALUAR plant
-Fishing Industrial Park
-20 km coastal circuit.
-El Doradillo Protected Natural Area: Golden Point, El Doradillo Beach, Arrowhead (Interpretation Center subject to schedules), Las Canteras Beach, cataloged as the best in the world for observing whales from the coast at just 20 meters (chosen by the whales to give birth and nurse their calves).

It includes
•Pick Up – Passengers are searched where they are staying
•Guides: Spanish/English/Portuguese. (Consult about other languages in private service)

does not include
•Personal expenses

Observations
• The excursion takes place during high tide to have a closer land-based whale watching. Tide times (high/low) vary from day to day.
•NOT VALID FOR CRUISE SHIPS. Consult corresponding excursions

Suggested Equipment
•Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, photography equipment, sunscreen and hat