Whale Watching Trips in Patagonia
Whale watching tours in Patagonia (Chile & Argentina) and Antarctica
As locals, we feel that the whales are coming back, replenishing their populations and occupying former breeding and feeding grounds. Nothing in the natural world is more humbling than observing these mighty and gentle creatures traversing the waters of our blue planet. Patagonia whale watching trips
We invite you to check out our trip portfolio to these wonderful places. In addition, we have a few more dedicated cruises visiting remote and exotic places such as the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia and the remote islands of the South Atlantic. Patagonia whale watching trips.
If you want to see all our Patagonia nature tours, please click here. Patagonia whale watching trips
Chiloé Island and Corcovado Gulf (Chile)
We will begin by describing the north-western corner of Patagonia. Facing the Pacific Ocean, and surrounded by the nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current lies the interesting island of Chiloé. For nearly two decades, scientists have been studying and monitoring a visiting population of the recently split Pygmy Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda). Of course, Blue Whales are huge and fast, and they cover immense spaces. The most visited and accesible areas to visitors, are the north-western corner of Chiloé Island (Puñihuil) and the vast Corcovado Gulf, located south of the main island. The small fishing cove of Puñihuil offers good prospects on any dedicated whale-watching trip whereas the Corcovado Gulf is mostly accesible during one of the regular expedition cruises heading south to San Rafael Glacier, for example. Most of the sightings of the world’s largest animal occur between December and February.
Magellan Straits & Francisco Coloane Marine Park (Chile)
Down in southern Patagonia, and south of the town of Punta Arenas, is located Chile’s first protected area: Francisco Coloane Marine Park. Named after the Chilean author of several classic maritime, adventure and whaling books, this area of the mythic Magellan Straits, offers good shelter to a migratory population of Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaengliae). This remote and pristine area provides excellent feeding opportunities to these Humpbacks which migrate south after giving birth off Colombia waters. The marine park is accesible by small boats, carrying a limited number of visitors. The experience is quite unique and intimate as you are never going to see crowds around the whales. You can even base your stay at one island’s tented camp and actually learn what the scientists are doing and discovering. It’s not rare the see other whales such as Sei Whale, Orca, several dolphin species, fur seals and penguins, of course. The best time to visit this inspiring place is between November and late April/early May.
Valdes Peninsula (Argentina)
The classic and most renowned place in Patagonia to watch these gentle giants is Valdes Peninsula, located north of the cities of Trelew and Puerto Madryn, both founded by Welsh settlers. The barren Patagonian steppes collide with the rich Atlantic waters and provide a unique habitat for an array of intriguing wildlife, including rheas, tinamous, Patagonian Hare (locally known as Mara) and Guanaco. Between June and July, the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) leaves the cold Subantarctic waters and approach the shallow and protected gulfs of Chubut, in order to give birth and mate again. This nature spectacle attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and the local community has benefitted from it, setting up a responsible and sustainable whale watching industry. There are daily trips, leaving from the village of Puerto Piramides, between June and December. Valdes Peninsula is not just whales but a lot of other great wildlife-viewing opportunities.
