Puerto Madryn: Snorkeling with Sea Lions at Punta Loma

Summary

Swim with playful sea lions near Puerto Madryn’s wild cliffs

You’ll slip into chilly Atlantic waters near Punta Loma and find yourself face-to-face with wild sea lions—curious pups included. With all snorkeling gear provided and mate shared on board, you’ll laugh more than you expect and leave with salt in your hair and maybe a new favorite animal.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my heart to pound so much just slipping into a wetsuit. The morning air in Puerto Madryn was salty and sharp, and our guide—Marina, who everyone seemed to know—handed me a mask and joked about the cold. “They’re more curious than you,” she said, nodding toward the choppy water off Punta Loma. I believed her but still hesitated when my toes touched the Atlantic. The boat ride out was quick but loud, gulls overhead and that weirdly sweet smell of mate drifting from someone’s thermos.

Getting close to the sea lions was nothing like I’d imagined. They darted around us—one brushed past my arm, slick as wet velvet—and I kept laughing underwater, which is not recommended. The pups came closer than the adults, poking at our fins like we were just another odd creature in their world. No one fed them or called them over; they just showed up because they wanted to. It felt honest somehow, like we were guests at their party but didn’t quite know the rules.

Afterwards, Marina poured everyone mate right there on the boat (I tried to say gracias properly—she grinned). We drifted past an old Spanish wreck near Parana beach on the way back, sun finally warming my face. Someone spotted penguins along the rocks; I missed them because I was busy watching a sea lion pup still circling our wake. That moment stuck with me longer than I thought it would—you know when something simple just feels right? So yeah, if you’re thinking about snorkeling with sea lions in Puerto Madryn, don’t overthink it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling with sea lions and wildlife

• Contact operator day before
• Confirm weather and start time
• Navigate Punta Loma Natural Reserve
• Observe bird nesting
• Navigate beside Spanish wreck ship
• Watch penguins, whales, and dolphins
• Snorkel and play with wild sea lions

Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim for this snorkeling tour?

No, swimming skills aren’t required for this sea lion snorkeling experience in Puerto Madryn.

Are children allowed on the snorkeling trip?

Yes, kids from 6 years old can join the tour with adults.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the price?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment is provided for participants.

What wildlife might we see besides sea lions?

You may also spot penguins, whales, dolphins, and various birds around Punta Loma.

Where does the tour take place?

The snorkeling happens near Punta Loma Natural Reserve outside Puerto Madryn.

Is this suitable for people who aren’t very fit?

The tour is low difficulty and suitable for most fitness levels.

Is mate really served on board?

Yes, mate is shared among passengers during or after the excursion on the boat.

Should I confirm anything before going?

You should contact the operator a day before to confirm weather and start time.

What’s included

Your outing includes use of all snorkeling equipment plus a warm cup of mate served by your guide while aboard. You’ll travel by boat from Puerto Madryn to Punta Loma Natural Reserve for your encounter with wild sea lions before returning along scenic coastline past shipwrecks and wildlife-rich shores.