Boat-based whale watching is the region’s ultimate naturalist adventure: a navigation to observe the Southern Right Whale in Golfo Nuevo. Departures are from Puerto Pirámides (~100 km from Puerto Madryn) with licensed captains, crew, and guides aboard safe and comfortable vessels.
Typically, the navigation lasts approximately 1 h 30 min. Depending on the animals’ location, the crew navigates within the usual operating area. In addition to whales, it is common to see South American sea lions and coastal birds. During the season, you can witness courtship, calving, and nursing behaviours at remarkably close range.
Planning your whale watching day
For that reason, our boat-based whale watching experience prioritizes safety, wildlife interpretation, and compliance with local regulations in Península Valdés. We therefore recommend booking in advance during peak months and arriving at the boarding point with time to spare. If you would also like to combine this experience with other highlights (e.g., Magellanic penguins or land wildlife), contact us for custom options tailored to your interests and schedule.
Note: the activity is subject to weather and port conditions. Wildlife is free-ranging; specific sightings cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, you can learn more about the protected area at UNESCO and on the official Península Valdés site.
Terms and conditions
By booking or participating in an activity with Tinamou Travel, the passenger and, where applicable, the agency, hotel or operator requesting the booking accept these terms.
1. Confirmation and deposit
An enquiry, availability request or quotation does not hold space or resources. A booking is confirmed only when the stated deposit has been received and Tinamou Travel confirms receipt. For agencies, hotels and other intermediaries, a booking may also be confirmed in writing under a previously accepted credit agreement.
The standard deposit is at least 20% of the total price and is credited toward the balance. If specific advance and non-recoverable third-party commitments exceed that amount, the proposal may require a higher deposit and must state it expressly before confirmation.
2. Balance payment
Unless the proposal states a different deadline, the balance must be received at least 48 hours before the start of the service. Bookings made within that period require full payment. Failure to pay on time may be treated as a cancellation by the contracting party.
3. Cancellations and no-shows
Except where a statutory withdrawal right or a special condition expressly stated in the proposal or product applies:
- Cancellation more than 48 hours before the service: 20% of the total price.
- Cancellation within 48 hours, on the day of the service, or no-show: 100% of the total price.
Amounts already paid are credited against the applicable fee; two penalties are not added for the same event. Changes of date, passenger numbers or service are subject to availability and any non-recoverable costs already incurred.
4. Bookings requested by agencies, hotels or other intermediaries
The same terms apply unless a different written agreement is in place. Without a received deposit or a written credit confirmation, there is no firm booking. An intermediary contracting in its own name is responsible for cancellation amounts and must disclose these terms to its passengers before confirming.
5. Operational changes or cancellations
Because of weather, tides, road conditions, closures, authority instructions, safety or other reasonable circumstances beyond our control, the itinerary may be modified or rescheduled. Operational adjustments that do not substantially alter the service do not entitle the customer to a refund. If Tinamou Travel cancels the entire service and cannot offer a reasonable alternative within the dates provided, all amounts paid for the unprovided service will be refunded.
When a separable component is operated by a third party, its cancellation will result in the alternative, credit or refund applicable to that component under the proposal and applicable rights. A special condition published for a product — for example, a cruise excursion when the ship does not dock — prevails only for that circumstance.
6. Wildlife, safety and scope
Wildlife is free-ranging and its presence, proximity or behavior cannot be guaranteed; lack of sightings is not grounds for a refund. The booking includes only what is listed in the proposal or voucher. Participants must follow the guide's instructions and are responsible for their belongings. Appropriate travel assistance or insurance is recommended.
7. Mandatory rights
Nothing in these terms limits non-waivable rights under applicable law. For distance contracts with consumers, the statutory withdrawal right applies within the legal period; for tourism services on a fixed date it must also be exercised with the minimum notice required by current law. This consumer regime does not apply to purchases made for resale or integration into services supplied to third parties.