Península Valdés and the coast of Chubut are among the most important destinations in the world for watching wildlife in its natural habitat. Those who visit Puerto Madryn will not only find whales, but also penguins, orcas, sea lions, elephant seals, birds and dolphins.Planning your trip according to the different seasons is key to ensuring a unique experience.Southern Right Whales

• When to see them: from June to December, with the highest concentration between September and November.
• Where: mainly in the Golfo Nuevo (Puerto Pirámides and El Doradillo).
• Don’t miss: boat-based whale watching tours from Puerto Pirámides and shore-based sightings at El Doradillo beach, where whales often come just a few meters from the coast.

Magellanic Penguins

• When to see them: from September to April.
• Where: Punta Tombo (the largest colony in South America) and Península Valdés (Punta Norte, Caleta Valdés).
• Don’t miss: walking along the trails where you can see them nesting and caring for their chicks.

Sea Lions

• When to see them: all year round.
• Where: Punta Loma (just a few kilometers from Puerto Madryn), Punta Pirámides and other coastal areas.
• Don’t miss: snorkeling with sea lions, one of the most popular experiences in Puerto Madryn.

Elephant Seals

• When to see them: from August to March.
• Where: mainly in Punta Delgada and Caleta Valdés.
• Don’t miss: adult males, which can weigh more than two tons, fighting for territory on the beach.

Orcas

• When to see them: mainly in March and April, although they may also appear in October and November.
• Where: Punta Norte and Caleta Valdés.
• Don’t miss: their unique hunting technique, intentionally stranding themselves on the beach to catch sea lion and elephant seal pups.

Dolphins

• Dusky Dolphin: seen in summer, from November to March, near Rawson and Playa Unión.
• Commerson’s Dolphin: occasional sightings in the Península Valdés area.
• Don’t miss: boat trips from Rawson, where large groups of dolphins often swim alongside the boats.

Birds

• When to see them: all year round, with a great variety of resident and migratory species.
• Where: wetlands, cliffs and protected areas of Península Valdés.
• Don’t miss: flamingos, cormorants, oystercatchers, terns and a wide diversity that makes the region a paradise for birdwatchers.

Tips for planning your trip

• Decide which wildlife you most want to see: not all species are present in the same season.
• Check the official calendar: it will help you choose the ideal month.
• Book your tours in advance: demand is very high in peak season.
• Always respect distances and follow your guide’s instructions: responsible wildlife watching is essential for the conservation of these animals.