Things to do in Puerto Madryn | Discover whales, sea lions and penguins!

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When you think of penguins, whales and sea lions, you may not immediately think of Argentina. Yet Puerto Madryn, located on the east coast of Argentina, is one of the best places in the world to observe these incredible animals. Puerto Madryn is the gateway to natural reserves such as Peninsula Valdes, Punta Tombo and Punta Ninfas. Discover everything you want to know about Puerto Madryn and surroundings in this travel guide, including the best things to do, tours, hotels, restaurants, best time to visit and how to get there.

Puerto Madryn in Argentina

Puerto Madryn is the gateway to a number of protected natural reserves, where animals gather annually to mate and raise their young, due to the great climatic conditions. Punta Tombo and Punta Ninfas have the largest Magellanic penguin colony on the continent and Peninsula Valdes is a national reserve, where sea lions, orcas and elephant seals live. Also, every year, hundreds of humpback whales gather along the coast, to give birth to their young.

What to do in Puerto Madryn and surroundings

Puerto Madryn is a place I visited many times to make television reports about nature and as a tour guide, to guide visitors around in the area. And still, after all those years, I can’t get enough of observing animals in their natural habitat. Discover my tips for things to do in Puerto Madryn in Argenina in this travel guide. I hope it will inspire you to visit this unique place in the world.

Walk among the penguins in Punta Tombo | top things to do in Puerto Madryn Argentina

Punta Tombo is a peninsula, located in the Atlantic Ocean, covered with sand, clay and gravel. Every year, in Argentine spring, more than one and a half million penguins arrive at this place to breed. It is the largest Magellanic penguin colony in the continent. Between September and March you can visit this place to literally walk by their side. A unique experience!

It is maybe not the most obvious area you would expect penguins to live in, but the warm and dry environment is perfect for nest building. And most of the times, they return to the same nest over and over again. The first penguins arrive around September and the last ones leave in late March, in search of warmer waters.

Punta Tombo penguins reserve – Puerto Madryn

There are special walking paths and bridges, where you can walk as a visitor. You will see countless penguins working, walking back and forth from the sea and enjoying the sun. Some males are screaming out loud to impress the females. During the breeding period, the nests are well protected against birds and other predators. The male or female goes to the water to look for food, while the other stays with the nest. You could walk around for hours to observe the animals’ behavior.

It is common to have a penguin walking in front of your feet, because they are crossing the paths. It is of course very important to keep an appropriate distance and never touch or bother them. And keep in mind that the penguin goes always first.

How to reach Punta Tombo penguins reserve – Puerto Madryn

It takes about three hours to get from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo. It is therefore recommended to book a guided tour with transportation from Puerto Madryn. If you have your own car, it is of course also possible to drive there yourself.

Want to book your tour to the Punta Tombo penguins reserve in advance and secure your spot in Puerto Madryn? Check out prices and availability and book your tour to Punta Tombo in Argentina here.

Penguin facts

• Males and females share their tasks: They build their nests together and feed and raise their babies.
• Each female puts generally two eggs that are incubated during forty days.
• Penguins eat mainly small fish and squid.
• They are great swimmers, able to get as far as 7 to 8 kilometers in an hour.
• Penguins’ natural enemies are the orcas. But also fishing nets and fuel, that gets spilled from ships, is a major threat.
• The males weigh about 5 kilos and are bigger than the females. 

Best time to visit Punta Tombo penguin reserve

You can visit Punta Tombo penguin reserve between October and March. The best season to see the penguins in Puerto Madryn is after November, once the babies are born. Visiting Punta Tombo is one of the best things to do in Puerto Madryn, if you want to enter the life of a penguin for a few hours.

Argentina is a country with a great diversity of national parks. Parks with fascinating glaciers, waterfalls, mountains, deep green forests, lakes and a unique marine life. You can hike, go on horseback rides, take a boat trip, climb mountains and even glaciers. In this article I’m taking you to the most beautiful national parks in Argentina, including tips with things to do and best time to visit.  

Go whale watching in Puerto Madryn

Nowhere in the world, I have seen whales so close as in Puerto Pirámides, located in Peninsula Valdes, near Puerto Madryn. You visit the animals in their natural habitat and it is an indescribable feeling to see them around you. Their tail sticking out of the ocean and the sound they make when they spray up the water, are moments that you will never forget your life.

Every year between May and December, hundreds of humpback whales come from Antarctica to the coast of Argentina to mate and raise their young. Since the whales stay close to the shore and the mothers often swim on the surface with their young, you will have a great chance of seeing them.

A whale watching tour

Several agencies offer whale watching tours of approximately 1.5 hours, leaving from Puerto Pirámides. Strict rules apply, to not produce environmental impact and to alter the whales’ behavior. At certain times the engine is turned off and the animals are never hunted.

Want to book your whalewatching tour in advance and secure your spot? Check out prices and availability and book your whale watching tour here.

How to reach Puerto Pirámides in Puerto Madryn

Puerto Pirámides is located at the Península Valdes. It is best to book a guided tour with transportation from Puerto Madryn. You can also combine your tour with a visit to Peninsula Valdes, where you stop at several points in the national park (you will find more information on that below in this article)

Tip: Try to spend one night in a hotel in Puerto Pirámides. You will have a great chance of observing whales from the beach and even your hotel room.

Some whale facts

• An average whale is 15 meters long, females grow longer than males.
• The weight of an average adult whale is 50 to 60 tons.
• The animals are called humpback whales, because of the bumps on their head.

Best time to go whale watching in Puerto Madryn

The best time to go whale watching in Puerto Madryn is between May and December. In December, when the young are strong enough, the whales return towards the waters of Antarctica. Tip: Visiting Puerto Pirámides is one of the best things to do in Puerto Madryn in September and October, when the young are just born.

Snorkel or dive with sea lions

A short boat trip from Puerto Madryn takes you to the seal colony of Punta Loma. Here you jump into the water to go snorkeling for 45 minutes. Yes, among the seals. Since you are in their natual habitat, there is a big chance to find the animals really swimming next to you. An incredible feeling and special moment, where you forget everything around you. If you have a diving certificate, it is also possible to dive.

Check out prices and availability and book you snorkling tour with sea lions here. Booking a snorkeling tour is one of the best things to do in Puerto Madryn, if you want to literally dive into the world of the sea lions. Please note that these tours depend on the water level and therefore not always take place.

Enjoy the sea lions observation point

It is also possible to visit the Punta Loma sea lions colony by land. There is a special viewing point to observe the sea lions from above. Punta Loma is located at a distance of 15 km from Puerto Madryn and can be easily reached by taxi within 30 minutes. Another option is to go by bike, following an unpaved road along the coast. (1 ½ hours one way)

Visit Estancia El Pedral and Punta Ninfas – unique things to do in Puerto Madryn

Are you looking for something different than the usual tours in Puerto Madryn? Then book a day tour to Estancia El Pedral and Punta Ninfas. Punta Ninfas is a peninsula and is known for its beautiful small Magellanic penguin colony. And where you share Punta Tombo with hundreds of tourists, you are on Punta Ninfas with a group of maybe 10 people.

Together with a local guide you walk through the penguin sanctuary, along the penguin nests, towards the sea. There are penguins just everywhere and depending on the season you can see eggs, mating dances, penguins that are returning from the sea with a full belly or busy with their young. It is truly a unique spot of nature.

Do you want secure your spot for this unique experience in nature? Check out prices and availability and book your tour to Estancia El Pedral and Punta Ninfas here.

A visit to the lighthouse, located at the point of Punta Ninfas, is also included in your tour. Here you have a great view of Peninsula Valdes and the rugged cliffs of Patagonia.

Afterwards you experience an asado at the Estancia El Pedral, a typical Patagonian bbq lunch with lamb and wine (or vegetarian). This tour is one of the best things to do in Puerto Madryn if you are looking for more privacy and an off the beaten track experience.

Estancia El Pedral is an authentic Patagonian farm nestled in the desolate landscape of Punta Ninfas. The farm was built in the early 20th century with materials and furniture brought from Europe. Today you can stay overnight at Estancia El Pedral or take a day trip to the natural reserve.

Visit Peninsula Valdes | one of the main things to do in Puerto Madryn

Peninsula Valdes is a natural reserve and considered a World Heritage site by Unesco. Different animals, such as nandus, a kind of ostrich, armadillos, vicuñas and condors live here. Depending on the season, you can observe sea lions, elephant seals, penguins, whales, and if you are lucky even orcas.

Visit Peninsula Valdes

A tour starts with a visit to the visitor center. Here you will find a lot of interesting information about the area and its fauna. For example, you will learn about the difference between a sea lion and an elephant seal and realise how big whales and killer whales actually are.

Afterwards, depending on the climatic conditions, you can visit a number of points, located on the coast. Punta Delgada has a large colony of sea elephants, and there is a big chance of seeing orcas between May and October.

Punta Norte has a large colony of sea elephants and sea lions as well. The largest sea elephant coloniy can be seen in Caleta Valdez. Almost twelve thousand sea elephants are born here every year. It is possible to go for several short and easy walks at the different spots around the national park.

How to reach Peninsula Valdes in Argentina

In the whale season you can combine a visit to Peninsula Valdes with a boat trip to look for whales. Keep in mind that distances on the peninsula are immense (60 x 100 km) and the roads are unpaved. So you will be driving for at least 2 hours to get from one point to another. On the way you moslty see steppes and endless grass plains passing by. So prepare for a day with a lot of time in the bus. It is recommended to go with a tour and local guide to learn more about the environment and know the exact places on where to find the animals.

Curious about Peninsula Valdes? Check out prices and availability and book your Peninsula Valdes tour here.

What to do in Puerto Madryn city

Puerto Madryn is a is a holiday destination for the Argentines and your gateway to the surrounding natural reserves. Even though there are not many things to do in Puerto Madryn, the city is pleasant to stay. You can stroll along the boulevard, enjoy the beaches and eat delicious fish in nice restaurants.

Mini travel guide Puerto Madryn

Best restaurants in Puerto Madryn

Puerto Madryn has different restaurants, located along the boulevard and beach. These are a few of my favorite places.

• Cantina el Náutico: This is the place, where you want to go for incredible fish dishes. You won’t find it better and more authentic than here.
• Malon: This fancy place, is located at the boulevard and offers great meals, such as fresh pasta and Argentine steaks.
• Loica Cafetaria is a nice café for a lunch, cup of coffee, tea and cake.

Hotels in and around Puerto Madryn

There are many mid-range and mainstream hotels in and around the boulevard of Puerto Madryn. Very well located but not particularly my style of traveling. Shai Shai Hue is a 5-minute drive and a twenty-minute walk from the boulevard and a place I am happy to recommend. Here you have your own little house, located on a large garden. Nothing luxurious, but very comfortable and well-maintained. There is also free parking. Are you looking for more luxury? Then Hotel Territorio is a good choice.

Check the latest prices and availability for: Shai Shai Hue and Hotel Territorio.  Looking for more hotels in Puerto Madryn? Here you will find a comprehensive overview.

Do you want to experience something more exclusive? Then you should book a room at Estancia El Pedral, located in the Punta Ninfas natural reserve. It is not cheap but the location and service make it a unique experience. In addition, everything is included during your stay: Meals, excursions, transport and whale watching on Peninsula Valdes, near Puerto Madryn.

There are only a few rooms so book your stay in advance. Check the latest prices and availability for Estancia El Pedral here.

Hotels in Puerto Pirámides

If you have more time to spend, then one of the best things to do is book one night in Puerto Pirámides, located on the Peninsula Valdes, near Puerto Madryn. Puerto Pirámides is a small village and the place where the whale watching tours start. At the end of the day, when all the tourists are gone, you have the entire place to yourself and there is a very good chance of seeing jumping whales. I recommend Puerto Palos, a small hosteria, with a number of rooms, including sea view. You can have dinner at Combacha or at the sea, in hotel Las Restingas.

Check the latest prices and availability for Puerto Palos here. Looking for more hotels in Puerto Pirámides? You will find a comprehensive overview for hotels in Puerto Pirámides here.

Transportation in and around Puerto Madryn

One of the best things to do in Puerto Madryn is to go on a guided tour and learn more about its animals and unique enviroment. Puerto Madryn offers a variety of great tours, including transportation and guiding services. It is important to book your tour in advance, especially in high season because prices go up frequently.  Personally I love to rent a car and drive around in Argentina. If you decide to drive yourself, make sure to schedule your gas station visits well. You will drive for hours through the pampas without finding anything along the way. In Puerto Madryn city you do not need any transportation, as everything is within walking distance.

Car rental

Need a rental car for your trip to Puerto Madyn and Peninsula Valdes in Argentina? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.

How to get to Puerto Madryn in Argentina

Puerto Madryn is located on the east coast of Argentina, 350 km from Buenos Aires. There is a small airport near the city center, with only one or two flights a day. There are more daily flights from Buenos Aires to Trelew (2 hours). Trelew is a 40-minute drive from Puerto Madryn and you can easily book a transfer.

It is also possible to travel by bus, bringing you from the main bus terminal Retiro in Buenos Aires directly to Puerto Madryn. This night journey will take up to 18 hours but is very comfortable. First-class chairs can be folded almost to a bed position and are not expensive.

Best tours in Puerto Madryn Argentina

• Tour to Punta Tombo penguins colony in Puerto Madryn Argentina
• Whale watching tour Peninsula Valdes – Puerto Madryn Argentina
• Snorkeling and diving with sea lions
• Tour to Peninsula Valdes in Argentina
• Day tour to Estancia El Pedral and Punta Ninfas

Argentina travel itineraries

Argentina is such a beautiful and diverse country that you can explore it for months. But what if you a limited amount of time and still want to get the most out of your travels? What should you see and do? Have a look in my Argentina itineraries, I will give you tips for destinations, hikes, national parks, tours, things to do and restaurants to include in your trip. Enjoy and get inspired to visit Argentina!

• Argentina itinerary 3 weeks 
• 2 weeks in Argentina itinerary
• 10 days in Argentina itinerary

More about Argentina

Did you enjoy reading this article with best things to do in Puerto Madryn Argentina? Do you want to learn more about Argentina? With Passport the World I am taking you on a journey to discover this beautiful country. Make sure to check out my other travel guides about Argentina as well.

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• Things to do in Bariloche Argentina – tips, hikes and tours
• El Chaltén Argentina – a comprehensive guide with hikes and tips for your stay
• Things to do in El Calafate Argentina
• National Parks of Argentina
• Iguazu falls – everything you want to know

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