Whale season and other must-sees in Puerto Madryn

As the calendar turns to a new month, an Argentine destination becomes one of the most beautiful in the world. In September, Puerto Madryn transforms into the home of whales, penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals.

All these species and their millions of individuals converge in this city located at the foot of Golfo Nuevo, in Chubut. The stars of this time of year are the southern right whales that swim along the city’s shores and can even be seen from El Doradillo beach, about 13 kilometers from the center.

How to see southern right whales in Puerto Madryn?

Another way to see them in their natural habitat is through a boat tour departing from Puerto Pirámides, about 94 kilometers from Madryn, which becomes one of the most memorable experiences in this Patagonian destination.

The tour lasts approximately two hours and is usually done in semi-rigid boats that quietly approach the whales and wait. These animals are often very playful and always put on a show: jumps, tail fins, and even singing.

There are six companies offering this excursion, which costs around $125,000 per person. Another way to see the whales is with Yellow Submarine, a semi-submersible vessel where you can observe the whales through windows that give the sensation of diving alongside them.

Also of interest: Hotels in Buenos Aires with good price-quality ratio

For those who want to explore different companies offering this service, you can check them out at this link.

Magellanic penguins: the other stars of Puerto Madryn

Most people who visit Madryn do so for these black-and-white little creatures that seem friendly (although not always so much). In September, the males arrive to prepare their nests and wait for the females. In November, the colonies become more populated with the birth of the chicks, and in April, they leave Madryn and migrate.

Where to see magellanic penguins?

There are three major places to visit:

• Punta Tombo (180 kilometers from Madryn): It is the largest continental colony of Magellanic penguins. It has a 3-kilometer trail that goes through the penguin colony and an interpretation center to learn more about this species.

• Estancia San Lorenzo Natural Reserve (160 kilometers from Madryn): Located within the Protected Natural Area of Península Valdés, it is home to 600,000 penguins. They offer a Patagonian lunch and a visit to the estancia.

• Estancia El Pedral (72 kilometers from Madryn): Offers a full-day visit with an experience that includes penguin watching and diving into the history of the first settlers in the area.

What to eat in Puerto Madryn?

The steppe and the sea are part of Puerto Madryn’s identity, as are its scallops, squid, mussels, and Patagonian lamb. Along the coast, there are dozens of eateries open year-round offering dishes with fresh ingredients.

Náutico Bistró de Mar (Almirante Brown 860) is perfect for admiring the landscape, enjoying a cold beer, and savoring the best scallops au gratin in town. This spot is the younger sibling of El Náutico (Av. Julio Argentino Roca 790), a canteen with over 60 years of history.

Also of interest: The best hotels to go with children in Argentina

La Posada Restó (Abraham Mathews 2951) is ideal for those who want to enjoy southern flavors and an exquisite experience. The restaurant operates in a small boutique inn with wooden tables and chairs and a garden decorated with string lights. The cuisine is gourmet, with chef Pablo Bianco highlighting local flavors in every dish.

When it comes to gastronomic identity, Gustavo Rapretti is one of the main symbols of Puerto Madryn. Although his restaurant En Mis Fuegos has closed, he continues to participate in the local scene at events like the Patagonian Chef Festival. Browsing his Instagram is like strolling through a showcase of Madryn’s flavors.

How much does it cost to eat in Puerto Madryn?

Here are some prices to keep in mind: a seafood platter for two people starts at $38,000 to $50,000, approximately. Meanwhile, a gourmet dish can range from $16,000 to $25,000. A lamb dish with a side costs between $22,000 and $35,000, approximately.

An excursion to swim with sea lions

Recommended for those who don’t suffer from vertigo or seasickness, this excursion is also a must. It involves (literally) swimming with sea lions. The tour begins with trying on a neoprene suit and a 45-minute boat ride into Golfo Nuevo. Once at the colony, you jump off the boat and enjoy a dip in the middle of the sea.

Also of interest: 5 hidden gems of Iguazu

The young sea lions, in particular, approach and "play" with tourists. Sometimes they brush against your legs or hands, and the guides take the opportunity to capture amazing photos with your new friends. Staying upright in the water with the neoprene suits can be a bit challenging, but nothing that can’t be learned with a bit of practice.

This excursion costs around $150,000 per person, and several providers offer it.

Souvenirs: where to shop in Puerto Madryn?

There’s no better way to remember a trip than through objects or flavors that make you feel like you’re back in that place. At the Muelle Chico, you’ll find the Artisan Walk, offering everything from children's toys to jewelry, clothing, and wooden mate cups painted with whales and penguins. The fair operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

For those who prefer a beautiful design object like notebooks or journals with illustrated covers, Casa Hulpe (Av. Julio Argentino Roca 681) is a great choice, where you can also enjoy a specialty coffee with a pistachio and raspberry alfajor.

A block away from this spot is Julia Chocolates (Av. Julio Argentino Roca 555), a paradise for sweet lovers. Alfajores, bonbons, and Welsh cakes are some of the delights offered, although the true stars are the chocolate whale tails filled with dulce de leche.

Where to stay in Puerto Madryn?

The city offers over 7,000 beds distributed among hotels, inns, cabins, apartments, hostels, and more. Options are varied, with some prices for double rooms as follows: 4-star hotels range between $150,000 and $250,000; 2-star hotels between $50,000 and $150,000; and cabins from $30,000 to $50,000.

One hotel with an excellent location is Dazzler Puerto Madryn (Av. Almirante Brown 637), right in front of the sea and in the most central area of the city. It’s a modern accommodation with panoramic rooms, a restaurant with signature cuisine, and a spa.

For those who prefer something more remote and smaller, Océano Patagonia By Nordic (in Puerto Pirámides) is an excellent choice. It’s a three-story property with rooms featuring panoramic terraces overlooking the sea and a small kitchen-style setup. Being within the ANP Península Valdés, this accommodation has a water recycling system and a geothermal system to control the building’s temperature.