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The Valdes Peninsula is a dramatic landscape of vast bays and gulfs, and an ideal place to see large numbers of sealions, right whales, dolphins, Magellanic penguins and huge colonies of bird species.

Located in the northeastern tip of Patagonia and jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula is only linked to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Centuries of erosion have created perfect natural shelters for marine mammals and birds, and the mixing of the warm Brazilian current with the cold Malvinas current encourages plankton, algae and shellfish – the basis of the food chain for many species of marine wildlife.

The landscape of the Peninsula Valdés is - for the most part - dry and desolate, with the prevailing vegetation the tundra-like Patagonian desert steppe. Some 130 plant species from 41 families have been recorded, with 38 being endemic to Argentina. Animals in this area include: guanaco, lesser rhea, Patagonian fox, mara and hairy armadillo. The only elephant seal habitat in continental territory is found in Punta Norte on the northern tip of the peninsula, and other sites of interest include the single-hair sealion breeding grounds, seabird colonies and fossil sites in the coastal cliffs.

Most accommodation in the Valdes area is in the cities of Trelew or Puerto Madryn, (although there are a few limited options on the Peninsula itself). From here full-day excursions explore the peninsula (about 400 kilometres round-trip), and include whale-watching boat trips from the village of Puerto Piramides to see the southern right whales, with boats operating from May to December. The area is good year-round for birdwatching and sightings of: elephant seal, sealion, Commerson’s dolphin, martineta, choique, guanaco, hare and gray wolf, whilst orcas are present October to April, and penguins September to March. Although whales are usually present between May to December, peak numbers and viewings occur around September to November.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: elephant seal, lesser rhea, mara, orca, southern right whale
  • Where: Chubut Province, Argentina

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Patagonia’s Marine Life

This trip focuses on the windswept shores of Argentina’s Valdes Peninsula, home to many marine mammals such as elephant seals, sealions and Magellanic penguins. Depending on the time of year, you can see orca, northern right whales or southern right whales, before visiting a rockhopper penguin colony. Find out more about Patagonia’s Marine Life

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £4,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Patagonia’s Pumas & Orca

Beginning with southern Chile’s spectacular Torres del Paine National Park, we enjoy a few days puma watching. From here we travel to the north-east of Argentine Patagonia, to Valdes Peninsula to see orca hunt the young sea lions along the beach in a unique and captivating strategy. Find out more about Patagonia’s Pumas & Orca

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £10,595
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • M
    • A

Wild Patagonia

Enjoy the best of Argentina and Chile, with stunning scenery and burgeoning wildlife at Torres del Paine and spectacular glaciers around Calafate. The trip culminates in two days at Valdes Peninsula, home to species such as the northern right whale, magellanic penguin and elephant seal. Find out more about Wild Patagonia

  • Price (inc. flights): 18 days from £5,095
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • O
    • N
    • D

Wildlife & Glaciers of Patagonia

See vast colonies of penguins, southern right whales and elephant seals on their breeding grounds in the Valdés Peninsula, plus some of the world’s most amazing scenery, on this trip to explore the wilds of Patagonia. Extend your trip with a visit to the bird-rich and spectacular Iguazú Falls. Find out more about Wildlife & Glaciers of Patagonia

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £5,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • O
    • N
    • D
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Hosteria The Paradise

The Paradise occupies an ideal location for exploring the network of trails running through the Valdés Peninsula Natural Reserve, home to a superb variety of wildlife, including sea lions, orcas and penguins. The hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with TV and scenic views of the area. Find Out More about Hosteria The Paradise