Full Day Whale Watching From Puerto Madryn

Exploring the vibrant waters off the Patagonian coast, the full-day whale watching tour from Puerto Madryn promises an unforgettable encounter with these majestic marine mammals. Operated by the reputable company Luna Roja, the tour transports travelers to the picturesque town of Puerto Pirámides, where they’ll board a vessel and navigate the open sea in search of the region’s iconic southern right whales. With an experienced guide providing in-depth commentary, participants can expect to witness the whales’ impressive displays and gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors and ecological significance. However, the tour’s non-refundable policy and cash payment requirement may give some potential travelers pause.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Whale Watching Experiences In Puerto Madryn.

Key Points

• Full-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Madryn operated by Luna Roja, priced from $309.00 with a maximum of 10 travelers.
• Tour includes air-conditioned vehicle, professional English/Spanish guide, and boat/catamaran navigation for whale spotting.
• Lunch options available, with the choice of a packed meal or dining at a local restaurant.
• Entrance fees to the National Park vary based on residency and age, payable in cash upon arrival.
• Tour has received mixed reviews, with concerns about booking agency issues and lack of transparency regarding the itinerary.

Tour Overview

The full-day whale-watching tour from Puerto Madryn, Argentina, is operated by the tour company Luna Roja.

It’s priced from $309.00 and has a maximum of 10 travelers. Confirmation is received at booking, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s stroller accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English/Spanish professional guide, and navigation by boat or catamaran in Puerto Piramides.

Lunch options are a pack lunch or a local restaurant. Entrance fees to the National Park vary based on residency and age.

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the tour, travelers are provided with an air-conditioned vehicle and an English/Spanish professional guide.

The tour includes a navigation by boat or catamaran in Puerto Piramides, where travelers can spot whales in their natural habitat.

Lunch options are available, with the choice between a packed lunch or a local restaurant.

Plus, the tour includes entrance fees to the National Park, which vary depending on the traveler’s status:

• Foreigners: 2800 pesos
• Argentines: 1300 pesos
• Chubut residents: 500 pesos
• Children (2-11 years): 50% of entrance fee

Meeting and Pickup Details

For the whale watching tour, the start time is 09:00 am. Travelers can select a pickup point prior to the tour. The available pickup locations are shown in the table below.

Pickup Point	Address
Puerto Madryn Port	Ruta Nac. 3, Puerto Madryn, Chubut
Plaza Independencia	Av. Roca 110, Puerto Madryn, Chubut
Hotel Dazzler	Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen 456, Puerto Madryn, Chubut

The tour is led by an English/Spanish professional guide and transported via an air-conditioned vehicle. Travelers should note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.

Whale Watching Experience

Typically, the whale watching tour commences with a scenic drive from Puerto Madryn to Puerto Pirámides, the prime location for sighting the majestic southern right whales.

Once there, the tour group embarks on a boat or catamaran for a thrilling adventure on the open waters.

The experience may include:

• Observing the whales’ graceful movements and breaching behavior
• Listening to the whales’ distinctive calls and vocalizations
• Spotting other marine life, such as sea lions, dolphins, and seabirds
• Learning about the whales’ biology and conservation efforts from the knowledgeable guide

The tour offers a chance to witness the remarkable creatures in their natural habitat, creating lasting memories for the participants.

Lunch and Dining Options

The lunch arrangements on the whale watching tour provide flexibility, allowing participants to choose between bringing a packed meal or dining at a local restaurant in Puerto Pirámides.

For those who opt for a packed lunch, the tour includes transportation to the national park.

Alternatively, guests can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in the coastal town, with a variety of seafood and local cuisine options available.

The cost of the restaurant meal isn’t included in the tour price, allowing visitors to select a dining option that best suits their preferences and budget.

Regardless of the lunch choice, the tour ensures a seamless whale watching experience.

Park Entrance Fees

Though the tour price doesn’t include the national park entrance fees, a breakdown of the costs is provided.

Foreigners must pay 2800 pesos to enter, while Argentine residents are charged 1300 pesos. For Chubut residents, the fee is 500 pesos, and retired foreigners pay 2800 pesos.

Children aged 2-11 years receive a 50% discount on the entrance fee. The park entrance can only be paid in cash, as credit cards aren’t accepted.

This information ensures travelers are aware of the additional costs and can plan accordingly before embarking on the whale watching excursion.

• Foreigners: 2800 pesos
• Argentines: 1300 pesos
• Chubut residents: 500 pesos
• Retired Foreigners: 2800 pesos
• Children (2-11 years): 50% of entrance fee

Booking and Cancellation Policy

This whale watching tour from Puerto Madryn operates on a non-refundable basis, with no refunds provided for cancellations. While the operator offers confirmation at the time of booking, the tour itinerary is not fully disclosed, leaving some uncertainty for travelers. Plus, cash is required to cover the national park entrance fees, as credit cards are not accepted.

Entrance Fees	Amount
Foreigners	2800 pesos
Argentines	1300 pesos
Chubut residents	500 pesos
Retired Foreigners	2800 pesos
Retired Argentines	650 pesos
Children (2-11 years)	50% of entrance fee

The lack of flexibility and transparency in the booking and cancellation policy may be a consideration for some travelers when planning their whale watching experience in Puerto Madryn.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Reviewing the whale watching tour from Puerto Madryn paints a mixed picture.

While the overall rating sits at 3.5/5, a deeper dive into the reviews reveals several concerns.

Notable issues include:

• Booking agency Luna Roja receiving multiple 1-star and 2-star reviews for problems like incorrect departure times, language discrepancies, and inaccurate park entrance fees.
• No 5-star or 4-star reviews, indicating a lack of truly exceptional experiences.
• Concerns about the tour itinerary not being fully disclosed by the operator.
• The requirement of cash for park entrance, with credit cards not accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

According to the tour overview, infants must sit on laps during the whale watching tour. Plus, children aged 2-11 years are eligible for a 50% discount on the park entrance fee.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a strict non-refundable cancellation policy – no refunds are provided for any cancellations. Travelers should carefully consider their plans before booking, as there are no exceptions to this policy.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Available?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Guests should confirm any accessibility needs with the tour operator before booking.

Can I Purchase the Park Entrance Fee on the Day of the Tour?

The entrance fee to the National Park must be paid in cash on the day of the tour. Credit cards are not accepted. Rates vary depending on visitor type, such as foreigner, Argentine, or resident.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour operator does not specify a dress code, but recommends guests dress comfortably and in layers. Warm, windproof clothing and sturdy, non-slip shoes are advisable for the boat or catamaran portion of the excursion.

Recap

The Full-Day Whale Watching tour from Puerto Madryn offers a captivating opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. While the tour includes a scenic drive, boat navigation, and an informative guide, travelers should be aware of the non-refundable booking policy, cash payment requirements, and additional park entrance fees. With positive traveler reviews, this tour provides a unique and memorable whale watching experience.