Whale, whale, whale, if it isn’t ecotourism taking the travel industry by storm! Argentina is a land of contrast that boasts its vast range of habitats both terrestrial and aquatic. Any nature enthusiast would be enthralled with the idea of this wildlife paradise! The following top 3 marine experiences in Argentina are for those who want to encounter nature’s ferocious beauty. So let’s go to the edge of the world to see what breaches our curiosity!
1. Península Valdés in Chubut
Península Valdés is the only place in the entire world where orcas breach the coastline to snatch baby sea lions. This little steppe (a large area of flat unforested grassland) is located on the northeast coast of Patagonia. It is described as one of the most significant marine mammal sanctuaries in the world! Impressively, Peninsula Valdes was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2014. Moreover, it contains the most important breeding ground for southern right whales in the world! There’s no-fin in the world as spectacular as this.
There’s also an abundance of Magellanic penguins, sea lions and Elephant seals. The underwater world provides shallow reefs inside and outside the gulfs. There’s a profusion of plants, marine life, rock formations, caves, caverns and even a few shipwrecks. At SouthAmerica.travel, you could book a custom Patagonia tour that includes a scuba diving option. Alternatively, you could book with Master Divers Patagonia, Agencia All Peninsula Valdes or Scuba Duba.
There are so many activities that do not require getting into the orca-infested waters. These activities include hiking, mountain biking, sandboarding, palaeontological site-seeing, kayaking, marine safari, and submarine safari.
Want to see killer whales breaking onto the coastline? Then the best time to visit Península Valdés is between October and December. A particular spot to witness this is at the Caleta Valdes on the eastern. You can also see these whales in action during March and April at Punta Norte.
Stay at the luxurious Estancia Rincon Chico to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! In fact, it is deemed “one of the best hotels in South America” by National Geographic. The Estancia Rincon offers you the chance to get down and dirty with the abundant wildlife.
2. Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego
Ushuaia is known best as “the city at the edge of the world”. Due to its southernmost position, it also functions as the port of call nearest to Antarctica. As a result, people assume the weather is unforgivingly cold. However, this is not the case. From diving to skiing, Ushuaia accommodates everyone with different weather preferences.
With different weather preferences come various wildlife sightings. From orcas to beavers, Ushuaia has many interesting animals. Why not walk with penguins on Isla Martillo? Alternatively, you can travel to the world’s southernmost national park; Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego for stunning views. Come home to luxury after a long day of penguin cuteness and sea-life sightings. Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa and the Patagonia Villa Lodge are waiting to accommodate you.
3. Peurto Madryn in Chubut
This beautiful seaside town, Peurto Madryn, is a stone’s throw from Peninsula Valdes. Best of all, it is located in the centre of one of the largest whale breeding bays in the world. As a result, it’s easy to encounter these gentle giants here. Peurto Madryn is celebrated as the “capital of scuba diving”. This underwater paradise is accessible from the shore with the help of a scuba master and a little bit of whale power.
These incredible underwater excursions boast locations of crystal clear water, various fauna and sea life. The wildlife encompassing Puerto Madryn makes this a top destination in Argentina. The town was first settled in 1865 by Welsh immigrants. Much of the Welsh community and their heritage still live here today. Some of the wildlife that is featured includes the world’s largest seal known as the elephant seal. It can grow as heavy as 4000 kilograms and as long as 4 metres!
Then there are the sea lions which you can swim with also. To book this once-in-a-lifetime experience, be sure to check out Viator. The warmest time to visit is December until February. However, the optimal time to go see the Southern Right Whale is between June and December. Orcas are most commonly seen in October and November, and penguins during September up to April.
Stay at the stunning Hotel Tolosa or Hotel Piren for the ultimate wellness excursion. If you enjoy water activities and the excitement they bring, be sure to check out the 5 epic water parks in Texas.
Book a hotel in Puerto Madryn here on Booking.com
You’re Whale-come
Can I tail you some-fin? Marine life provides unimaginable sights. Imagine seeing the sheer immensity of an orca breaching or hearing thunderous explosions as the gentle giants crash into the ocean during mating season. How about being surrounded by Magellanic penguins?
All of this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on everyone’s bucket lists. So without further ado, have a flipper great day and be sure to put these top 3 marine experiences in Argentina on your bucket list!
