sea lions viewpoint peninsula valdes
sea lion patagonia
magellan penguin couple
north point trail
orca land sighting
jumping killer whale
peninsula valdes viewpoint couple
orcas viewpoint in peninsula valdes
welcome to puerto piramides
fauna peninsula valdes
fauna peninsula valdes
sea lions peninsula valdes
whale monument
tour vehicle
1 / 14

Península Valdés Full-Day Tour

Discover the wildlife and landscapes of Península Valdés. Spot elephant seals, penguins, sea lions, and, if lucky, orcas

(3 reviews)
Puerto Madryn
1 day
Spanish and English
Starts: From your accommodation in Puerto Madryn at 7:30 a.m.
Ends: To your lodging in Puerto Madryn at 6:00 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

Península Valdés Full-Day Tour from Puerto Madryn.

Experience the Península Valdés Full-Day Tour, the only excursion available year-round from Puerto Madryn, designed for a more intimate and authentic wildlife encounter. At Howlanders, we recommend exploring with a local expert guide to fully appreciate the region’s incredible biodiversity.

Your journey will take you through the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus, Puerto Pirámides, Caleta Valdés, Punta Cantor, and Punta Norte. Depending on the season, you may spot elephant seals, sea lions, penguins, and if you're lucky, orcas hunting on the shore. Along the way, you’ll also encounter guanacos, maras, and other native Patagonian wildlife.

This tour includes round-trip transfers from your Puerto Madryn accommodation—a must-do adventure for nature lovers!

Tour details

Included

  • Transportation from Puerto Madryn
  • Pick-up + drop-off at your accommodation
  • Bilingual guide (Spanish/English)

Not included

  • Entrance to the Peninsula Valdes Reserve
  • Meals

Important information

Accessibility

This tour is wheelchair-accessible for travelers with reduced mobility, as long as they are accompanied. If you have specific needs, please contact us in advance for further details.

Wildlife Watching

This Península Valdés Full-Day Tour is designed to observe animals in their natural habitat. While sightings of elephant seals, sea lions, penguins, or even orcas are common, wildlife encounters can never be 100% guaranteed. Nature always has the final say!

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

Cancel at least 3 days before the tour starts to receive a 100% refund. After this period, or in case of a no-show, refunds will not be available.

Tour itinerary

Península Valdés Full-Day Tour

Duration: 10 hours

Departures: Available all year round

Difficulty: Low

Pick up in Puerto Madryn

Your adventure begins early in the morning with hotel pick-up in Puerto Madryn. From there, we’ll head to Península Valdés, one of Argentina’s most important nature reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, we’ll make a short stop at El Desempeño, where you’ll need to pay the reserve entrance fee (not included).

While payment can be made by credit card, we recommend bringing cash in case of connection issues.

minivan vehicle

Península Valdés Reserve – Interpretation Center

Our first stop is the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus Interpretation Center, where you’ll gain insight into the region’s unique wildlife, flora, and geography. Here, you can admire a massive whale skeleton and take in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding gulfs and Isla de los Pájaros from the outdoor viewpoint.

After the visit, we’ll continue exploring the peninsula, spotting guanacos, maras, foxes, and other native species roaming freely in their natural habitat.

whale skeleton next to a girl

Puerto Piramides

Our next stop is Puerto Pirámides, the only town within the peninsula and the gateway for maritime excursions. You’ll have free time to explore the village, stroll along its beaches, or enjoy a coffee with an ocean view.

We will also visit the La Elvira Complex, where you can take a break, use the restrooms, and walk along the interpretive trails. This is the perfect moment to have lunch, whether at the resort's restaurant or by enjoying a picnic with breathtaking scenery.

Valdés Cove

The journey continues north to Caleta Valdés, a stunning coastal area where you’ll get to observe elephant seals lounging along the shore. If you're visiting between September and March, you’ll also have the chance to see a colony of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.

la elvira complex

North Point (Punta Norte)

Our adventure continues as we reach Punta Norte, one of the top spots for wildlife watching on the Península Valdés Full-Day Tour. Depending on the season, you’ll have the chance to see elephant seals (September–December) and sea lions (January–April). If you're lucky, you might witness the breathtaking moment when orcas approach the shore to hunt—a rare and unique phenomenon seen only in a few places in the world.

South of the Peninsula (May–October)

If you're visiting Península Valdés between May and October, your itinerary will include Punta Delgada, where you can get closer to the shore and observe elephant seals in their natural habitat. This area offers a unique perspective of these fascinating marine mammals, making for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

sea lion sleeping

Return to Puerto Madryn

After an incredible day exploring Península Valdés, observing its diverse wildlife, and admiring its breathtaking landscapes, we will begin our journey back to Puerto Madryn. We expect to arrive around 6:00 PM, giving you time to relax and reflect on the unforgettable moments you experienced in this stunning corner of Argentine Patagonia.

vehicle driving to Puerto Madryn

What to bring to Península Valdés Full-Day tour

The climate in Península Valdés is temperate and dry, with well-marked seasons. Summer (December to March) can bring temperatures exceeding 86°F, while in winter (June to September), temperatures can drop to 32°F, with strong winds year-round. The wind chill can make it feel even colder, especially in exposed areas.

To fully enjoy the Península Valdés Full-Day Tour, we recommend bringing:

  • Comfortable, warm clothing in winter; light clothing in summer.
  • A windproof and waterproof jacket.
  • Closed, comfortable footwear (ideally sports or trekking shoes).
  • Hat, gloves, and scarf for the colder months.
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses year-round.
  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Snacks or a light lunch, in case you'd like to have a picnic during the tour.
  • A camera or phone with enough battery to capture wildlife and scenery.
  • Cash for the reserve entrance fee and any additional expenses.

If you're visiting in summer, bring insect repellent. In winter, thermal layers are recommended for extra comfort.

Where does the tour Península Valdés Full-Day start

The Península Valdés Full-Day Tour starts and ends in the coastal city of Puerto Madryn, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. To ensure a smooth experience, please provide your accommodation name and address when booking or via email.

Questions & Answers

  • When can I take the Península Valdés Full-Day Tour from Puerto Madryn?

    This tour runs year-round, but the wildlife varies by season. Southern right whales can be seen from June to December, while penguins arrive between September and March.

  • What animals will I see during the Península Valdés Full-Day Tour?

    Depending on the season, you may spot whales, penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, maras, foxes, and even orcas. Since these are wild animals, sightings cannot be guaranteed.

  • Does the tour include whale watching?

    No, this tour includes a visit to Puerto Pirámides, but not a whale-watching boat tour. If you're traveling between July and October, you can book the Puerto Madryn Whale Watching Excursion separately.

  • How long does the tour last?

    The Península Valdés Full-Day Tour lasts approximately 10 hours. It starts with an early morning pickup in Puerto Madryn and ends in the late afternoon.

  • Are there stops along the way?

    Yes! You’ll make several stops at key points to observe wildlife and enjoy stunning landscapes. Some highlights include the Carlos Ameghino Isthmus Interpretation Center, Puerto Pirámides, Punta Norte, and Caleta Valdés.

  • Is the tour to Peninsula Valdes accessible for people with reduced mobility?

    Yes, wheelchair users can join the tour, but they must be accompanied, as some trails may be challenging.

  • What is the weather like in this area of Patagonia and what should I wear?

    Península Valdés has a dry and windy climate.

    • Summer (Dec–Mar): Can exceed 86°F (30°C) – wear light clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
    • Winter (Jun–Sep): Can drop below 32°F (0°C) – bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, and gloves.
  • Does the tour from Puerto Madryn include meals?

    No, lunch is not included, but you’ll have the option to buy food in Puerto Pirámides or bring a picnic to enjoy during the tour.

  • Where does the tour start?

    The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Madryn. If you’re staying outside the city, please check for available pickup points.

  • Do I need to pay an entrance fee to visit Península Valdés?

    Yes, there is an entry fee to the Península Valdés Natural Protected Area. This fee is not included in the tour price and must be paid upon arrival (cash is recommended in case card payment is unavailable).

Península Valdés Full-Day tour reviews with Howlanders

Loading...

Other travelers also booked

from