Península Valdés, on the Atlantic coast of Argentine Patagonia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest places on Earth for marine wildlife. Southern right whales breed in its sheltered gulfs, orcas hunt sea lion pups by surging onto the beaches, and elephant seals and penguins breed on its shores.
At a glance
| Best time | June to December for whales; March to April and October to November for orcas; September to April for penguins |
| Getting there | Fly to Puerto Madryn or Trelew, then drive about 1.5 hours |
| Time needed | 3 to 5 days |
| Big draws | Southern right whales, orcas, Magellanic penguins, elephant seals |
| Good for | Whale lovers, photographers, families |
Wildlife and seasons
| Animal | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Southern right whales | Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José; boat trips from Puerto Pirámides | June to December (peak September to October) |
| Orcas | Punta Norte and Caleta Valdés | Hunting on beaches mainly in March to April and October to November |
| Southern elephant seals | Caleta Valdés, Punta Delgada | Breeding August to November; moulting later |
| South American sea lions | Punta Pirámide, Punta Norte | Year-round; pups from January |
| Magellanic penguins | Punta Tombo (south of Trelew), San Lorenzo | September to April |
| Guanacos, rheas and maras | Across the peninsula | Year-round |
Southern right whales
Up to about a thousand southern right whales may visit the gulfs in the peak season. Boat trips from Puerto Pirámides are regulated, and whales often approach closely. They can also be seen from shore at El Doradillo beach near Puerto Madryn. See our humpback whale profile for another migratory whale.
Orcas hunting on the beach
At Punta Norte, a small group of orcas has learned to beach themselves deliberately to grab young sea lions and elephant seals from the shore, a hunting technique seen in very few places. Watching requires patience, often at high tide, and sightings are unpredictable. See our orca profile.
Penguins
Punta Tombo, about 3 hours south of Puerto Madryn, is one of the largest Magellanic penguin colonies in South America, with hundreds of thousands of birds. Walkways pass right among the burrows.
Getting there
Fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Madryn or Trelew. Puerto Pirámides, the only village on the peninsula, is about 1.5 hours from Puerto Madryn. A rental car gives flexibility, as distances on the peninsula are long and roads are gravel.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Península Valdés? September to November offers whales, elephant seals, penguins and the chance of orcas.
Can I see orcas hunting on the beach? Sometimes, especially at Punta Norte in March to April and October to November, but it is unpredictable.
Is Punta Tombo on Península Valdés? No, it is about 3 hours south, near Trelew, but most visitors combine both.
Do I need a car? It helps. Tours are available, but a car allows you to explore at your own pace.
Related guides
- Puma tracking in Torres del Paine
- Falkland Islands wildlife guide
- Where to see whales in North America
- Animal profiles: Orca, Southern elephant seal, Guanaco
Cover photo: David, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons