Whale season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in Puerto Madryn. Every winter, southern right whales arrive in the waters of the Golfo Nuevo and Península Valdés to reproduce, give birth, and care for their young.
For those who dream of visiting Puerto Madryn, the 2026 season presents another great opportunity to experience a unique adventure in Patagonia. Whale watching from the shore, sailing near these giants of the sea, or exploring the Valdés Peninsula on a full-day excursion are some of the most sought-after options for travelers.
At Grulla Viajes we tell you what to keep in mind to start organizing your trip to Puerto Madryn during the 2026 whale season.
The whale season in Puerto Madryn usually runs from June to December, although the best months to enjoy the experience are usually between September and November, when there is a greater presence of whales and calves in the area.
During the first months of the season, whales begin arriving in the Península Valdés and Golfo Nuevo area. As winter progresses and spring arrives, it becomes more common to see mothers with calves, breaching, tail slapping, and other behaviors very close to the shore.
Each year there may be slight natural variations, as it involves wild animals. Therefore, it's best to plan your trip with good information and choose the most suitable excursions for the dates.
One of the most popular experiences during the season is whale watching from Puerto Pirámides, within Península Valdés.
The whale watching tour takes place on specially equipped boats and allows you to observe the whales from the water, always respecting the rules for approaching and protecting the wildlife. It's a very exciting excursion, because it allows you to experience the immensity of these animals up close and hear their breathing as they surface.
The boat-based whale watching tour is often combined with the full-day excursion to Península Valdés, one of the most important visits for those traveling to Puerto Madryn for the first time.
Another highly recommended experience is visiting the El Doradillo Protected Natural Area, one of the most special places to see whales from the coast.
In this area, whales can come very close to the shore, especially at high tide. It's a different experience from boat whale watching: peaceful, contemplative, and deeply connected to the landscape.
The excursion to Península Valdés is one of the most comprehensive tours for experiencing the region's wildlife and landscapes. In addition to whale watching by boat (during the season), the tour allows you to discover various scenic viewpoints, steppe trails, cliffs, beaches, and Patagonian wildlife.
It's a full-day excursion, with long distances and stretches of gravel road. Therefore, doing it with a guide allows you to get much more out of the experience, better understand the natural environment, and plan your time effectively.
For many travelers, Península Valdés is the main reason to travel to Puerto Madryn.
If you're planning a trip during whale watching season in 2026, it's best to check availability in advance. Peak months typically coincide with winter holidays, long weekends, and spring.
Booking in advance allows you to find better accommodation options, coordinate transfers, secure a place on excursi