Outings and excursions · Puerto Madryn
The privilege of watching the southern right whale
Text: Miriam Coronel · Photos: Southern Spirit
Whale watching is one of the favorite activities in the Golfo Nuevo. The area is fortunate to receive the largest population of whales from June.
In late autumn, the migratory journey of southern right whales reaches the Patagonian coasts to reproduce, give birth and nurse their young in warmer waters. The Valdés Peninsula and the Golfo Nuevo are some of the destinations to enjoy this spectacle of nature.
The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) is distributed in subtropical and subantarctic waters of the southern hemisphere and is the protagonist of the Patagonian coast between June and December. The oceanographic characteristics of the peninsula cut by high cliffs and the gulfs repaired from the winds make the marine fauna find the necessary attributes for the breeding season. The calmer waters also contribute to the breeding of calves.
Traditional whale watching
The traditional excursion to observe the whales in their natural habitat departs from Puerto Pirámides. Sailing in semi-rigid boats offers a proximity to the whales, ideal for the enjoyment of the dances and pirouettes of these giants of the sea.
Southern Spirit has more than 20 years of experience in whale navigation, so it knows about the management of these scenarios, movement patterns and preferences of these marine mammals. The agency offers this nautical tour in the Golfo Nuevo, moving within a radius of 10 miles from Puerto Pirámides.
In these traditional walks, it is common to see the mothers with their young, because they stay on the surface and approach to make contact. In this season of sighting, the waters of the gulf become a large maternal garden. From birth, whales can already be identified by the characteristic white calluses on the blackish body. Through these identifications, the maternal lines can be known.
Underwater sighting
From Puerto Pirámides, the second option is underwater sighting with the semi-submersible Yellow Submarine, a two-deck vessel. Passengers move freely from an upper deck to have a traditional experience to an underwater cabin, from which to feel the closeness of the whales comparable to diving. It is about enjoying a different perspective of whale travel, an unrepeatable privilege.
The arrival of southern right whales to the Golfo Nuevo is the beginning of a new season of sightings of the species that today is protected around the world. In our country it is a National Natural Monument.
The whaling guides guarantee an unparalleled experience, taking care that the activity complies with the protocol of good practices for the sighting of these majestic beings of the sea.
- Type of tour: Whale watching
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Location
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Tips
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Wearing a jacket/coat breaks the wind
