Snorkeling with Sea Lions in Puerto Madryn

Get in the water with sea lions a few meters away

Snorkeling with sea lions at Punta Loma Provincial Reserve in Puerto Madryn puts you in the water for roughly 50 minutes to observe these animals in their natural environment. A professional guide provides all snorkeling equipment, a light wetsuit, instruction on technique and safety, boat transport from Puerto Madryn, and hot tea with snacks on the return. The activity runs three hours total and operates with a minimum of two people per booking. Children must be at least six years old.

The experience

The boat leaves Puerto Madryn and sails past beaches, cliffs and shipwrecks on a 25-minute ride to Punta Loma, where you may spot whales or dolphins depending on the season. Your guide briefs you on the snorkeling kit, how to use it, and what to expect once you're in the water: the sea lions bob around waiting, and the proximity here is rare enough that it only happens in three places on earth. You'll have roughly 50 minutes to move through the water and watch them in their natural state.

Equipment is provided: mask, snorkel, and a light wetsuit fitted to you at the start. If you prefer a drysuit instead, mention it to your guide and a supplement applies. The guide stays with the group throughout, and on the return journey the boat offers hot tea and snacks before heading back to the city. Showers are available after you finish.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• snorkeling mask, snorkel and light wetsuit.
• boat transport from Puerto Madryn to Punta Loma Provincial Reserve.
• hot tea and snacks on the return journey.
• shower facilities.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sea lion snorkelingGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00

Snorkeling for CruisersGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Shore excursion option: choose this if you are arriving on a cruise ship.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (6 to 65 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Tangol

Is this one for you?Book the standard option if you're staying in Puerto Madryn and can meet at the departure point. Choose the Cruisers option if you're arriving by ship and need timing coordinated with your vessel's schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I snorkel with sea lions if I've never snorkeled before?

Yes. Your professional guide explains how to use the equipment, how the mask and snorkel work, and what to expect in the water before you enter. The instruction covers the kit's floatability and the important rules inside the reserve.

How long do I actually spend in the water with the sea lions?

You have approximately 50 minutes in the water observing the sea lions at Punta Loma. The full activity takes three hours, which includes the boat ride from Puerto Madryn, the guide's safety briefing, and the return journey with tea and snacks.

What happens if I get cold in the water?

A light wetsuit is provided for all participants. If you want a drysuit for more warmth, tell your guide at the start of the activity and a supplement fee applies.

Is this snorkeling safe for someone with health concerns?

The activity requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Your guide can answer specific questions about your situation before you enter the water.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, the light wetsuit, professional guide instruction, boat transport from Puerto Madryn to Punta Loma and back, hot tea and snacks on board, and shower access after the activity.