According to National Geographic, one of the best places for whale watching in the world is Peninsula Valdes. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the province of Chubut, on the coast of central Argentina, very close to Puerto Madryn, right there is this beautiful and well-known peninsula.  That's where the southern right whales and killer whales are seen from the boats and even from the shore... But there you go... Peninsula Valdes is much more than just that.

With two bays, one to the north and one to the south, Peninsula Valdes provides a quiet stopping point for southern right whalesWith two bays, one to the north and one to the south, Peninsula Valdes provides a quiet stopping point for southern right whales / Photo: pvcrossi, canva pro.


If you are thinking of visiting Península Valdés now that the high season is coming, here are all the tips to plan an unforgettable trip 

1- Admire the wildlife up close

Peninsula Valdes is the number one destination for wildlife in Patagonia. It is one of the best wildlife reserves in South America, a paradise of more than 3600 square kilometers for nature and wildlife lovers.  From huge southern right whales to friendly penguins, from orcas on the beach to bobbing elephant seals, there are plenty of opportunities for close encounters with wildlife.

And the whales?

Peninsula Valdes is one of the most densely populated whale destinations in the world, making it a very special place for both conservation and whale encounters. Both orcas and southern right whales can be seen there, very close to the coast, allowing for incredible sightings by boat, plane, kayak and even on land.

Travel tip: Don't miss the Whale Watching tour in Puerto Piramides.

Seeing a whale jumping in the ocean in front of your eyes is a dream come true / Photo: edurivero, canva pro.Seeing a whale jumping in the ocean in front of your eyes is a dream come true / Photo: edurivero, canva pro.


2- Diving in Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn is, without a doubt, the Underwater Capital of Argentina due to its unique climatic conditions as well as the variety of its cold water fauna and flora.  Thanks to its pertinent geographic location, located within the Nuevo Gulf, its waters are transparent and calm, with a temperature of approximately 18 degrees Celsius and little swell, providing greater safety for diving in Patagonia.

Travel Tip: If you have never dived before, you can do the underwater baptism and if you already have the experience you can come to know the different diving spots in Peninsula Valdes.

Dare to dive into the best natural spots of Golfo Nuevo / Photo: Daytours4uDare to dive into the best natural spots of Golfo Nuevo / Photo: Daytours4u


3- Visit the elephant seals in Caleta Valdés

Elephant seals seem to be always smiling and have a snout similar to a small trunk (that's why they are called elephants). As a curious fact, the Caleta Valdés provincial reserve was created in 1983 in order to protect the natural breeding area of elephant seals and Magellanic penguins. This privileged stretch of beach is located 77 km from Puerto Pirámides. In the reserve located on the southern tip of the cove (Punta Cantor) you can observe an elephant seal colony throughout the year, especially in the months of August to March, as they are found in greater proportion than other months.

In Caleta Valdes you can go down a stairway to the cliff to see the elephant seals up close / Photo: manikini, canva pro. In Caleta Valdes you can go down a stairway to the cliff to see the elephant seals up close / Photo: manikini, canva pro. 


Travel tip: The road from Puerto Madryn to Puerto Pirámides is paved. But after you pass through Puerto Piramides and come out onto the main "ring road" that is on the peninsula, it becomes a sand/dirt road. This means that you cannot drive faster than 60 km/h. 

4- Discover Bustamente Bay

Traveling south on dirt roads (approximately three hours drive from Trelew airport), you will reach the private reserve of Bahia Bustamente. There you will encounter a wealth of wildlife almost immediately: just driving through the reserve you are likely to come across rabbits, mara sheep, foxes and guanacos. Bahía Bustamente, a private reserve that receives very few guests at a time. It began life as a seaweed factory and workers' village.  From there, offshore, you can visit more Magellanic penguin colonies.

Bahía Bustamente has a feeling of the end of the world to be discovered / Photo: gydyt0jasBahía Bustamente has a feeling of the end of the world to be discovered / Photo: gydyt0jas


When to visit Peninsula Valdes?

September, October and November are the ideal months to visit. It is the middle of spring, a time when many animal species reproduce in the area. For example, penguins will come ashore to incubate their eggs, males will fight for females and orcas will approach the shore. 

Things to keep in mind: 

  • Bring cash (pesos or dollars) to pay for access to the Natural Protected Area.
  • We recommend you to take measures against seasickness since the tours that include boat trips are usually quite choppy due to the wind.
  • Pack clothes against wind and cold.
  •  Remember to use sunscreen during navigation.
  • The roads are gravel, so extreme caution is recommended.
  • Keep in mind that on many occasions guanacos may cross the road. You must be very attentive to the fauna to avoid accidents.


Without a doubt, the Valdes Peninsula is a vast and varied region, with a lot of things to see and do. Leave it in our hands!

Start planning your next adventure to Península Valdés with Argentina4u and Dayoturs4u.



  By: Nathaly Bosch, social communicator by profession and curious traveler by choice. Spanish editor for Daytours4u. Update 2024.