What to see
Valdés Peninsula
All the sea animals in one place. With its gulfs, small coves, cliffs and beaches, the Valdés Peninsula is a great wildlife reservoir that you can visit following 2 internal paths leading to the main colonies of sea animals and viewpoints.
From June through November, there are boat navigation tours departing from Puerto Pirámides (93 km away from Puerto Madryn) to go whale watching.
Depending on the season, you may be able to see Magellanic penguins (as from September), killer whales, elephant seals and sea lions. The Valdés Peninsula is a must-see place in Patagonia.
El Doradillo
About 13 km away from Madryn, in the El Doradillo Protected Nature Area, you can watch whales from the coast. With high tide, you only need to sit down on the sand to see whales swimming just a few metres away from the beach. They can be seen from June through mid October.
Punta Tombo
One of the best places to watch penguins. Located 67 km away from Trelew, and 185 km away from Madryn, Punta Tombo Nature Protected Area protects one of the most important continental colonies of Magellanic penguins. The season goes from September through March.
From the trail and the viewpoint, you can see penguins from up close, as well as their nests, offspring and behaviour during their breeding season.
It is important to keep your distance, do not try to touch them or feed them, and avoid getting in their way.
From Puerto Madryn, you can reach Punta Tombo driving south along National Route 3, and after 61 km, take the gravel Provincial Route 75 and 1.
Snorkelling with sea lions
Considered the National Capital of Diving, Puerto Madryn has several diving areas with different degrees of complexity. Snorkelling with sea lions is an experience that you cannot miss, no prior knowledge is needed and the sea lions are very friendly and playful.
Ecology Centre
An exhibition centre where science and art meet for you to discover the secrets of the sea. It has beautiful views of the coast.
Paleontological Museum Egidio Feruglio
Located 70 km south of Puerto Madryn, the Paleontological Museum Egidio Feruglio of Trelew (MEF) is the perfect stopover for dinosaurs and palaeontology enthusiasts. Its exhibitions show how life was in Patagonia millions of years ago.
Commerson's dolphins in Rawson
Throughout the year, except for May and June, there are boat navigation tours running from Rawson (80 km away from Madryn) to see Commerson's dolphins: The Patagonian dolphins that jump over the waves as if they were surfing. It is quite a sight to see.
