Península Valdés, Argentina
Southern right whale and orca · June – December
Species in this destination
These are the species seen most often. Other whales also appear in this destination, less regularly.
When to go
Sighting probability
The longer the bar, the likelier you are to see whales that month. The dark bar marks the peak of the season.
In short: whale season at Península Valdés runs from June to December; August is the best month, and August and September bring the most southern right whales.
Península Valdés, on the Atlantic coast of Chubut (Argentine Patagonia), is one of the great sanctuaries of the southern right whale: every year around 2,000 whales arrive in its sheltered gulfs to mate and give birth.
The season runs from June to December, with the first boat trips from mid-June in Puerto Pirámides, the only port in Argentina licensed for boat-based whale watching. August and September bring the highest numbers and most of the births.
Watching ethics
Puerto Pirámides works under the “Patagonian whale-watching technique”, a protocol for approach and time spent with the whales that all six licensed companies follow. Avoid any unlicensed operator, and remember that you can also watch for free from the shore at El Doradillo, with no impact at all on the animals.
Practical tips
- Book ahead in high season (August–September): trips sell out days in advance.
- Bring warm layers: the Patagonian wind is chilly even on sunny days.
- Combine a boat trip with free shore-based watching at El Doradillo, especially at high tide.
- A 100-400mm zoom or similar; also suitable for the wildlife at Punta Norte and Punta Tombo.
- Choose one of the six licensed operators in Puerto Pirámides: they all follow the same regulated distance protocol.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see whales at Península Valdés?
August and September, when the most whales are present and most calves are born; August is the best month. The season runs from June to December.
Where do whale watching boat trips leave from?
From Puerto Pirámides, the only port in Argentina licensed for boat-based whale watching, with six authorized companies that follow the «Patagonian whale watching technique». The first trips start in mid-June.
Can you see whales from the shore at Península Valdés?
Yes, for free, at El Doradillo beach, with no impact on the animals. High tide is best.
Which whales can you see at Península Valdés?
Southern right whales: about 2,000 come to its sheltered gulfs every year to breed and calve. Orcas are also seen in the area.
Do I need to book whale watching in advance?
In August and September, yes: trips sell out days ahead. Bring warm layers, as the Patagonian wind is cold even on sunny days.
Field photography
Península Valdés, through our lens.
Photographs by José A. Curto, Blowline's co-founder, taken at this destination.
Subscriber information
Everything you need to plan the perfect outing.
- Month-by-month sighting probability, with notes on each period
- Recommended departure points and which traveler profile fits each one
- Verified operators, with information on each one
- Combinable activities in the area
- Full guide downloadable as a PDF, ready to take on your phone
Would you like to see whales in Península Valdés?
Tell us when and how you'd like to go, and we'll put you in touch with the operators and agencies we recommend.