Argentina
Top 10 of the best excursions in Puerto Madryn
With this top 10 of the best excursions in Puerto Madryn you will know all the things you can do in this magical destination, making it easier for you to put together your travel itinerary.
While Puerto Madryn is specifically related with whale watching, there is much more to do in this Argentine city, located on the coast of northern Patagonia. Its marine fauna goes further and its beaches are fascinating, accommodating endless activities. Get to know everything you can do through the 10 best excursions in Puerto Madryn, you won’t want to miss any!
1. CERRO AVANZADO TOUR WITH PUNTA LOMA’S LOBERÍA
Although the main attraction of this tour is the visit to the majestic Sea Lions colony, walk includes much more. The adventure on board of 4×4 vehicles combines the fascinating marine fauna of this region with its spectacular nature. You’ll see and enjoy fossils, tugs and subtractions.
But that’s not all. If you travel in whale season, you will also be able to see these little animals from a very close distance. Without a doubt, it is a magical walk that you can also take as a family. It’s a short, safe, fun and fascinating experience full of little animals! Perfect to enjoy with kids. Get to know all the details and operability of the Cerro Avanzado tour with Lobería de Punta Loma.
2. DORADILLO AVENTURE
A must-try experience of Puerto Madryn. The Doradillo gives us the unique coastal whale watching in the world! Its beaches have been chosen by these specimens to give birth to their young, giving us an unprecedented spectacle by the sea. The best? Without having to sail, but almost as close as if you were aboard a ship.
The activity is complemented by a short but special trekking and it ends with a delicious meal among nature. It can be a lunch or snack, depending on the time you take the tour. It’s a good opportunity for you to know it doesn’t operate all year round. In that sense, we invite you to know much more about the Doradillo Adventure. The ride is at noon, lending itself to combine with other activities!
3. VALDÉS NORTE PENINSULA
It consists of the visit to the Reserve of Penguins of Magellan of San Lorenzo with a walk through the Estancia that bears the same name, which means that the sighting of these elegant and friendly animals is complemented by other activities in the countryside, including a visit to the old ski shed of the place (where there are some sheep still), a 700-meter circuit and a lunch that has as its main ingredient the exquisite Patagonian lamb.
You should know that the tour is full, starting with the traditional whale watching or nautical walk and depending on the season in which you visit Puerto Madryn. You can also see elephants, sea lions and orcas. Estancia San Lorenzo is a private field, whose owners provide it to us in the penguin season, under which the colony of these animals is located just 7 km away. Consult operability, departure times and tour details from Puerto Madryn to Puerto Pirámides.
4. VALDÉS SOUTH PENINSULA
It combines the sighting of whales or sea lions –it all depends on the season– with a visit to the Lobería de Punta Pirámides, where we can enjoy the reproductive colony of sea lions with a hair and the beautiful panoramic views that are obtained from the viewpoints of the place. We continue towards Punta Cantor, where you can see the outer coast of the Peninsula, an incredible geographical accident known as Caleta Valdés.
The trails of the place are made the most of. In that sense, we complement the sighting with sea elephants and incredible geological formations of the coast. The return, towards the Isthmus Carlos Ameghino, includes a visit to the Interpretation Center. Free time for lunch is optional (not included). See more details by clicking on this link.
5. WHALES ONLY
Find yourself “face to face” with the Southern Right Whale. It’s basically whale watching, but this time in Puerto Pirámides. The experience is lived on board ships. It can be on the traditional boat or on the Yellow Submarine. The latter allows you to see these specimens underwater, but, you should know that subject to current weather of the moment. Whichever you choose, you can do it with kids.
Although much shorter than a full day, it is a full-day tour with an estimated time of 6 to 7 hours. In addition to the time involved in the round trip transfer, we spend some time having lunch, having a coffee or simply touring Puerto Pirámides before returning to Madryn. In short, it is an exclusive show ideal for the whole family.
If you want a more accurate reference you can read our special article about Solo Ballenas. You will also discover why it is one of the top 10 best excursions in Puerto Madryn.
6. PUNTA TOMBO
Punta Tombo is a Provincial Reserve with the largest breeding colony of Penguins of Magellan, from there this tour is a favorite of all tourists. It’s more than just a sighting; it’s an opportunity to learn all about the life of these little animals in person! From their peculiar walk, to the way they choose their partner and how they mate and feed their young ones.
It operates from mid-September to mid-April, with an estimated duration of 8 hours. It includes walking trails, visit to the Interpretation Center and the time needed to have lunch before returning. If you get hungry, there is a restaurant on site under the mode of self service, which helps avoiding to wait due to the number of people. See all the charm that this adventure encloses in Punta Tombo, great with kids!
7. CHUBUT RIVER VALLEY
This tour has become one of the best experiences of those who visit Puerto Madryn, after combining all the attractions of the region. Its main attraction, the sighting of Toninas Overas on Rawson, comes combined with visits to the Paleontological Museum and the producing chakras in Trelew, as well as a tour in Gaiman where you will find out information about welsh history and culture. What’s better, you will enjoy a delicious and abundant tea service.
The adventure requires a full day, but the departure of the activity will depend on the tonina swimming schedule and the goal is (of course!) to navigate right next to them. These little dolphins are so playful that the experience becomes dynamic and fun. Chubut River Valley operates all year round and, although not common, they can be combined. Check details of the activity on this link and you will know why it is one of the 10 excursions to try in Puerto Madryn.
8. VALDES EXPERIENCE
Exclusive full day that combines two of Puerto Madryn’s main attractions. We are talking about the visit to the Magellan Penguin Reserve, at Estancia San Lorenzo, and the Sunset Whale Watching, highly valued by photography lovers behind the fascinating mix of these specimens and the sunset.
Valdes Experience operates on September, including a delicious lunch with lamb grill and other sightings before the magical sunset, which means we’ll also see elephants and sea lions. If you want a more accurate reference to the schedule and its duration, contact our travel advisors..
9. SNORKELING WITH SEA LIONS
Can you imagine swimming with the Sea Lions? Puerto Madryn makes it possible without having to be an expert in swimming! In addition to having the company of an instructor, the costumes arranged for this activity have an unprecedented buoyancy. So it doesn’t matter if you know how to swim or not, in fact, 12 years and older can do it.
It’s a magical experience. Sea lions in the water are the closest thing to a playful puppy. They are very hyperactive, curious and fun. The activity has no risks, but you must be willing to play with them. That’s why, in case of children, a previous training is carried out. The idea is to prevent someone from panicking after interaction with these little animals. The adventure is short, perfect to combine with others! Do not hesitate to check the details on our website.
10. MADRYN BIKE ECO
This activity is perfect for the most adventurous, sportsmen or cycling lovers. It’s a bike tour of the splendid geography of Puerto Madryn with several circuit options, including a review of the flora, fauna and geography of the place.
There are exclusive departures to different areas of the province: Valdés Peninsula, Middle Plateau Shire and Chubut River Lower Valley. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in these two-wheeled vehicles, there are options for beginners and experts, various types of bike with their respective helmet, repair kit and guide service. It also provides 4×4 support vehicle, permanent medical assistance, hydration and a snack. In case of doubt, whatsapp us!
Are you ready? These is the top 10 best excursions in Puerto Madryn. Now that you know them and surely have a clearer idea of what activities to do, we invite you to contact our travel specialists, who will help you assemble your travel itinerary. Remember that activities cannot be combined lightly; schedules, distance and difficulty need to be studied.
Puerto Madryn, an adventure among marine fauna!