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 Estimated reading time: 3 min. |
 Marcelo Sola  Jorge González |
Ria Deseado is an extraordinary spot, unique in South America, whose origin dates back to approximately 160 million years ago. This is a geological phenomenon in which the dry river bed is invaded by ocean waters. In this case, they got 42 kilometers deep into the West. This gave shape to various natural spaces that concentrate the largest biodiversity of species in the entire Patagonian coastline.
Declared Intangible Natural Reserve, there exists the possibility of touring along it on rigid-inflatable boats that allow watching incredible bird life dwelling in the area. |
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Without hesitating, we resolved to explore this place thoroughly, just like Ferdinand Magellan, Charles Darwin and the English pirate Thomas Cavendish once did, or just like Perito Moreno himself experienced it. We were aware that a fascinating adventure was about to begin and that we would soon discover an exceptional landscape.
Already on board, the intense turquoise shade of the ria took hold of our senses. Impressive walls reaching 30 meters of height contain and frame the winding tongue of water. As the boat sailed on, the colors of the landscape began to change and surprises did not take long.
In Search for the Unknown
The bow would point towards Chaffers Island. The skunk dolphins -a kind of black and white dolphin- turned up all of a sudden and started to play around the boat, swimming at great speed among jumps and pirouettes. The members of the excursions were amazed at such a show especially presented to us. |
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After a few moments, the boat turned towards the inside of the ria and got deep into its territory. The geological formations of the cliffs made us behold in absolute silence. The rigid-inflatable boats approached the textured wall slowly so that we could observe the red-legged cormorants –endemic to Santa Cruz – and the rock shags from a close distance. We watched them fly, sing and brood in their nests. By then, we were already very happy with the experience.
We sailed around small islands and islets dwelled by various sea species. Thus, we got to Larga Island, which features a colony of South American sea lions. |
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Farther ahead, we landed on Isla de los Pájaros (The Birds' Island), where we could make contact with Magellanic penguins and Neotropic cormorants.
After watching these funny feathered creatures, which gather especially since October, our guide invited us to enjoy a delicious snack on the river bank.
Back Home
Before starting our way back, we sailed along Cañadón Torcido (Twisted Ravine) and off Quiroga Island, where we continued watching penguins, cormorants and steam ducks mixed with a large flock of kelp gulls. We also had the chance of watching some snowy sheathbills, black-crowned night-herons, crested ducks, terns and blackish oystercatchers. A complete experience for lovers of bird-watching.
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What is particular about this tour is that we managed to watch a great variety of Patagonian specimens in a much reduced space. Something we never managed before.
The day began to die, but before the sun set on the horizon, we resolved to steal the last postcard of the ria and immortalize our unforgettable visit to this place.
If you drench for adventure, you must not miss this navigation tour when visiting Puerto Deseado. Your soul will appreciate it. |
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the time of departure is to be arranged with the tourist operator. |
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Darwin Expediciones
Puerto Darwin - España 2551 (9050) Puerto Deseado - Santa Cruz - Argentina
Cel: +54 15-6247554
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birdwaching, sea wildlife mapping |
| he place to be visited features a site with the largest diversity of fauna in the entire Patagonian coastline, with 80% of sea birds. |
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