Whale watching tour Puerto Madryn: Valdes Peninsula full day

Southern right whales, sea lions, and the Patagonian steppe in one day

A full-day tour from Puerto Madryn to the Valdes Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you watch whales from the coast at Playa El Doradillo and explore Puerto Pirámides village and Punta Pirámides sea lion colony. The tour includes hotel pickup, a guide in English or Spanish, bottled water and coffee. Admission to the Valdes Peninsula Visitor Center is separate. Best between June and December when southern right whales are present.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and peninsula tour

• Travel to Valdes Peninsula
• Stop at El Desempeño
• Visit Carlos Ameghino Isthmus Center
• Explore Puerto Pirámides village
• Visit Punta Pirámides sea lion viewpoint
• Walk at Playa Doradillo beach
• Return to Puerto Madryn accommodations

The experience

The drive to Valdes Peninsula crosses Patagonian steppe for about an hour, ending at the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus Interpretation Center. There you'll see the skeleton of a southern right whale, panels on the peninsula's wildlife and geography, and a viewpoint where you can see the New Gulf, San Jose Gulf and Bird Island all at once. From there the tour moves to Puerto Pirámides, the only village on the peninsula, where restaurants and shops are available if you want to eat on your own. You can also book a boat for whale sighting at extra cost, though many travelers skip it and walk the village and beach instead.

After Puerto Pirámides, the route takes you to Punta Pirámides, where sea lions gather on the rocks and the views stretch across the water. Then comes Playa El Doradillo, the main draw for most visitors: a long, quiet beach where whales often come close to shore, especially between July and October. Your guide picks the best spot based on the tide and where whales are feeding that day. You'll have time to walk and watch from the sand before heading back to Puerto Madryn, where you'll be dropped at your accommodation.

The tour runs eight to nine hours total and suits all fitness levels. Strollers and prams work on the beaches and at the visitor center. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible. Bring layers: Patagonian wind is constant, and the coast is exposed.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Puerto Madryn.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water and coffee.
• access to the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus Interpretation Center viewpoint (admission separate).
• stops at Puerto Pirámides village, Punta Pirámides sea lion colony and Playa El Doradillo beach for whale watching from shore.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 35 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 135

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Animal Travel

Is this one for you?The tour runs eight to nine hours with several stops and beach walks, so it demands a full day and comfortable shoes, but the pace is easy and there's no strenuous hiking. It suits anyone who can walk on sand and stand for periods to watch for whales.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

When is the best time to see whales on this tour?

Southern right whales are present between June and December, with the most active sightings from July through October when they feed close to Playa El Doradillo. The guide chooses the best viewing spot based on tide and whale activity on the day you go.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup from Puerto Madryn, a guide in English or Spanish, bottled water and coffee are included. Admission to the Valdes Peninsula Visitor Center costs extra. Boat whale-watching from Puerto Pirámides is optional and priced separately.

Do I have to book the boat ride to see whales?

No. The boat sighting at Puerto Pirámides is optional and costs more. Most visitors see whales from Playa El Doradillo on foot, and many skip the boat entirely to spend more time on the beach or exploring the village.

How much walking is involved?

You'll walk at Playa El Doradillo and around Puerto Pirámides village and Punta Pirámides, but the pace is easy and you choose how far to go. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and strollers work on the beaches.

What should I bring?

Layers are essential: Patagonian wind is strong and constant, especially on the exposed beaches. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a windproof jacket. Binoculars help with whale spotting, though they're not required.