Resting on the edge of the Peninsula Valdés, Puerto Madryn is Patagonia's prime location for watching marine wildlife. The town's white-sand beach and pleasant promenade face the bay of Golfo Nuevo, offering ample opportunities to witness southern right whales and rare Commerson’s dolphins.
Things to do in Puerto Madryn
Whale watching is the star attraction in Puerto Madryn, with the southern right whale taking centre stage. Embark on a whale-watching cruise to see these magical creatures breach right next to the boat or venture to El Doradillo beach where it’s common to spot mothers and their calves just offshore.
The inlets and bays surrounding Puerto Madryn are also home to large colonies of Magellanic penguins. Join an excursion to Punta Tombo where you can walk amongst hundreds of penguins and witness the habitats of these loveable seabirds up close.
Ever dreamt of snorkelling with sea lions? Take a short boat ride to Punta Loma and swim with over 500 of these placid and playful creatures. Nearby, you can scuba dive at Albatross Shipwreck and Submarine Park, which are teeming with marine life, including the beautiful black-and-white Commerson’s dolphin.
Explore the marvellous scenery of Peninsula Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique flora and fauna. Visit the island’s quirky village of Puerto Piramides, where you can relax in a seaside cafe and chill out on the gorgeous beach. To see a giant preserved squid and whale fossil, visit the Provincial Museum of Natural and Oceanographic Sciences.
Getting around Puerto Madryn
Fly into El Tehuelche Airport and take a 10-minute taxi or shuttle bus into Puerto Madryn. You can also take a 20-hour overnight bus from Buenos Aires. Once in Puerto Madryn, buses make getting around easy, while rental cars, taxis and tours are also available.