Sea lion diving in Puerto Madryn. Additionally, the activity includes full gear and instructor support throughout the experience.
If you are not certified yet, you can also choose Discover Scuba Diving with same-day training. As a result, first-time participants can prepare and dive on the same day under continuous supervision.
A unique dive in the world
Just like sea lion snorkeling at the Punta Loma Nature Reserve, sea lion diving is a must-do because it’s one-of-a-kind worldwide. Additionally, this haul-out hosts a stable population of approximately 600 animals, free and wild.
As a result, after a ~20-minute boat ride to the Reserve, we enter the water for an unparalleled experience: there is no other colony on record where sea lions approach and interact with people the way they do here.
Additionally, this uniqueness is due to three factors: the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens), known for its friendly behaviour; the fact that much of the colony resides permanently at the site; and the complete absence of predators. The animals are neither handled nor forced: they always decide the approach and the type of interaction. Therefore, we depend on their willingness and adapt to them respectfully.
Dive overview
- Options: dive with a valid certification or choose Discover Scuba Diving (same-day training for non-certified participants).
- Timing: boat ride ≈ 20 min each way; up to 40 min in the water (per Reserve regulations).
- Area: Punta Loma Nature Reserve (Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn).
- Safety: continuous instructor supervision throughout the activity.
Key regulations inside the Reserve
- Maximum time allowed in the activity area: 40 minutes.
- People simultaneously in the water: up to 24.
- Boats simultaneously inside the Reserve: up to 3.
- Minimum approach distance: 50 meters (a buoy line must not be crossed).
- Interaction is defined by wild animals: no touching and no feeding.
Access and stay are regulated by rangers. Quotas and conditions are supervised to protect the resource.
Discover Scuba Diving — First sea lion dive
Additionally, if you’re not certified, you can choose Discover Scuba Diving: a theory + practice session on the same day of the excursion that enables your first dive with these amazing animals, always under instructor supervision.
During the dive we observe the marine mammals in their natural habitat in a relaxed, safe way. In other words, approaches happen by their own will.
Punta Loma Provincial Tourist Reserve
Located 17 km from Puerto Madryn and created in 1967, it protects the area’s only permanent haul-out site of South American sea lions. Snorkeling and diving practices are subject to strict regulations, with ranger monitoring to avoid negative impacts. You can also find Neotropic Cormorants, South American Terns, and other marine and terrestrial birds, reptiles, and mammals.
Itinerary
- Check-in & gear set-up: meet at the operator, gear hand-out, and safety briefing. For Discover Scuba Diving, theory and guided practice first.
- Boat ride to Punta Loma: ≈ 20 minutes to the colony area.
- Dive with sea lions: assisted entry; up to 40 minutes in the water with instructors, passive observation, and animal-led interaction.
- Return to port: gear offload and end of the experience.
The plan may vary due to tides, wind, visibility, and Reserve regulations.
FAQs
Do I need certification?
When is it available?
What are the limits inside the Reserve?
Who decides the approach?
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.