Puerto Madryn: stunning nature, unique proximity to whales, and Patagonian hospitality

How would you describe the experience a tourist has when watching whales in Puerto Madryn?

It's an unforgettable and up-close experience, as the southern right whale is curious and often approaches boats, creating unique encounters. In addition to the adults, it's common to see their calves.

There are two types of whale watching available: the classic boat trip from Puerto Pirámides, and coastal whale watching in the El Doradillo Natural Area, especially at Las Canteras Beach, where whales can be seen just 10 or 15 meters from the shore.

It is, without a doubt, an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life.

What must-do tours or activities does the city offer during this season, besides whale watching?

Puerto Madryn offers a wide variety of complementary activities:

Excursions to Peninsula Valdés and El Doradillo.

Visits to Punta Tombo, where you can walk among Magellanic penguins starting in September.

Snorkeling with sea lions, a direct contact experience with the pups in their natural habitat.

Active tourism: kayaking with wolves, trekking and mountain biking through the Patagonian steppe, as well as 4x4 vehicle excursions.

Patagonian ranches invite you to spend an authentic day in the countryside, enjoy the scenery, and taste classic Patagonian lamb.

How is the destination preparing to welcome international visitors?

Puerto Madryn has worked for years to consolidate two key aspects: the quality of its tourism services and hospitality. The entire city is involved in welcoming visitors.

While nature is our greatest attraction, what truly sets us apart is the warmth and personalized attention we offer.

What actions are you taking to promote Puerto Madryn as a tourist destination this time of year?

Through the Joint Tourism Promotion Agency, we carry out various activities: we participate in fairs, develop marketing campaigns, and organize press trips, among other strategies aimed at positioning Puerto Madryn in both the national and international markets.

What is the current situation of tourism in Puerto Madryn, and what are your short- and medium-term prospects?

We work constantly to promote the destination and increase bookings. The six-month whale season is one of our key advantages, as it allows whale watching from boats, the urban coast, or the El Doradillo Protected Natural Area, just a few kilometers from the city.
Puerto Madryn is also the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its incredible biodiversity.

Throughout the year, we offer active tourism with activities such as kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling with sea lions. We are the National Diving Capital and boast an outstanding culinary and hotel infrastructure.

Added to all this is the human value: the close and hospitable treatment of residents, which creates a special bond with visitors, encouraging repeat visits and recommending the destination.

We also focus on regional tourism, ideal for weekend getaways, and on meetings and events tourism, which boosts the local economy.

The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, the Joint Entity, and the private sector allows for ongoing initiatives that position Puerto Madryn as an accessible and versatile destination for all types of travelers.

What initiatives related to sustainability and responsible tourism are being implemented in whale watching and tourism in general?

Puerto Madryn is the service center of the Valdés Peninsula and has a long tradition of sustainable tourism.

Years ago, the captains themselves developed the Patagonian technique of responsible whale watching.
The city implements waste management, water conservation, and environmental education programs. There is a strong citizen awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, which is reflected in each tourist attraction and in the community's attitude toward visitors and their natural surroundings.

Source: INPROTUR.