The main reason people visit the Valdes Peninsula is to see the southern right whales. The gulf is the perfect place for these whales to raise their young, since the water is so calm. The area is protected and as a result, one-third of the southern right whales come to these waters to reproduce.
About the Southern Right Whales
Southern Right Whales at the Valdes Peninsula
Whale Watching Tours
This area is highly protected and there are six companies that have been approved to provide whale watching tours. Each company has a commitment to conservation efforts:
The boats they use are small and the captains of each boat are respectful of the whales, allowing them to get close to the boats rather than chase them.
Bottazzi Boat Tour
For each tour, you will be required to wear a life vest. You can sit anywhere on the boat and, they have all designed the seating to really be able to see the whales from anywhere on the boat. If the whales are on the right side of the boat, people on that side are required to remain seated or kneel while anyone else on the boat can stand.
Finding the Whales
Interacting with the Whales
A Sea Lion Bonus
Finally, our captain took us to a small area by Puerto Piramides where sea lions lay out. While we were able to see them from above from Punta Piramides (see our travel itinerary), it was nice to be able to ride right next to them.
Note: There are experiences that allow you to swim with the sea lions in this area as well. We did not have the occasion to do this excursion at this time. you can book these in puerto madryn and they take place in the punta loma area.
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Hi! We Are Kevin and Melina!
We are Kevin and Melina, two avid travelers who have decided to take our hobby of traveling into our new lifestyle.
Follow along as we show you the highs and lows of planning, coordinating, and executing travel to help you make the most of every travel adventure.