Sea lion snorkeling from Puerto Madryn. Additionally, the activity includes full gear, a certified guide, and year-round departures.
Before entering the water, we also provide a briefing so you can enjoy the experience with confidence. As a result, first-timers can join the activity with clear guidance and continuous support.
Snorkelling at Punta Loma
The outing starts with a boat ride of about 20 minutes from Puerto Madryn to Punta Loma Nature Reserve. We snorkel there with a guide in the habitat of South American sea lions.
The animals are free-ranging and choose whether to approach. We observe without chasing, touching or feeding them; their proximity and behaviour can vary with each outing.
The activity is offered year-round, subject to weather and sea conditions. Full equipment and a briefing are included.
Planning your outing
The stated maximum of 40 minutes refers to time in the water. Equipment preparation, the briefing and the boat ride are also part of the outing and take additional time.
Tour brief
- Profile: no prior experience required; being comfortable in the water is recommended.
- Timing: boat ride ≈ 20 min each way; up to 40 min in the water (per regulations).
- Area: Punta Loma Nature Reserve (Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn).
- Safety: pre-snorkel briefing, certified guide/instructor, and responsible interaction protocols.
Key regulations inside the Reserve
- Maximum time allowed in the snorkeling area: 40 minutes.
- People simultaneously in the water: up to 24.
- Boats simultaneously inside the Reserve: up to 3.
- Minimum distance to the shore: 50 meters.
- Interaction is always determined by the animals: no touching or feeding; passive, respectful behavior.
Access and stay are regulated by rangers. Quotas and conditions may be adjusted for safety or conservation.
Itinerary
- Check-in & preparation: meet at the operator, gear hand-out, safety briefing, and guidelines for responsible interaction.
- Boat ride to Punta Loma: ~20 minutes along the Golfo Nuevo coastline.
- Water entry: gentle entry from the boat and adaptation; the guide stays with the group at all times.
- Snorkeling with sea lions: up to 40 minutes of passive observation and spontaneous play by the juveniles around us (per regulations).
- Return to port: back to the operator, change of clothes, and end of the experience.
Order, timings, and boarding may vary due to tides, wind, visibility, and Reserve regulations.
FAQs
Do I need to swim or have prior experience?
When is it available?
What’s the difficulty?
Are there quotas and limits inside the Reserve?
Can we touch or feed the sea lions?
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.