Hafen
Puerto Madryn

OVERVIEW

Observe colonies of Magellanic penguins and South American sea lions at two remote seaside settings that are as visually captivating as the Patagonian wildlife. After a breathtaking drive to Punta Ninfas, you will come upon a colony of Magellanic penguins, which are named for explorer Ferdinand Magellan. While witnessing the charming antics of these large flightless birds, you will hear enlightening commentary from the naturalist guide and most likely donkey-like braying from the penguins. You may also see the penguins diving for fish, often in groups. Sea lions are the attractions at nearby Punta León. You will likely spot them feeding on fish and squid just offshore, sunning along the rocky coast and socializing. They can be surprisingly vocal so expect to hear them barking, growling and grunting at each other. Male sea lions are typically twice the size of females and feature lion-like manes of hair around their muscular necks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a colony of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat at Punta Ninfas.
• Observe a colony of sea lions at Punta León, remote coastal location nearby.
• Learn fascinating details about these Patagonian animals from the naturalist guide.
• Enjoy a boxed lunch at the Punta León viewpoint.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample a variety of Argentine foods and wine at several venues known for their locally sourced products. You will first visit a processing center where various Argentine teas are blended and packaged for sale. After an eye-opening tour, you will sample a cup of tea thoughtfully paired with local snacks. You will also be treated to a tasting at Chacra B&G, an agricultural enterprise that grows fruits, vegetables and nuts, especially almonds. A tour of the property will provide great insight into the types of ingredients found in the local cuisine. Nearby Finca Caballo Blanco winery is known for its natural, dry-farming techniques that enhance the terroir and intensity of the grapes. The winery mostly produces Malbecs and Pinot Noirs, which you will likely sample. The former tends to be exceptionally fruit-forward with nuanced flavors of chocolate. You may also be offered a selection of olive oils produced on the estate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a sampling of local products that heavily influence the Patagonian cuisine.
• Watch how teas are blended before enjoying a cup with snacks.
• Tour a farm and sample a variety of its dried fruits and nuts.
• Visit the winery Finca Caballo Blanco for a tasting of its award-winning products.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Travel to the scenic Estancia San Guillermo, a typical Patagonian ranch and get a glimpse of life in the vast countryside and stop for photos in Punta Loma, a breeding ground for sea lions. Your hosts at Estancia San Guillermo welcome you to their 7,400-acre ranch for a unique experience. This sheep ranch is surrounded by endless open countryside. You’ll see a wide variety of ranch animals and pets. In the sheep shed, sit down for presentation by the owners and their favorite household pets followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. Enjoy a tasty snack and free time to browse the souvenir shop. Stop at Punta Loma Reserve and from the lookout point, you’ll be able to see the permanent colony of sea lions lying on the rocks. The sea lions, when not sunning themselves on the beach, can be observed full of life in the water showing off their swimming skills.

Explore Peninsula Valdes, one of the world’s finest nature reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, traveling in a small group and the comfort of an air conditioned mini-bus.

Peninsula Valdez is one of the finest wildlife reserves in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides an outstanding natural habitat for sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and a variety of birds. Enjoy a brief stop at the small Visitors Center to view exhibits on the flora and fauna of the Peninsula.

Visit Caleta Valdes on the eastern shore, a sheltered bay with a long gravel spit onto which elephant seals and others haul up in the spring. You’ll spend some time here to watch the wildlife from a distance. Nearby, there may be a possibility to view a very small and new penguin colony. Stop to watch one of the peninsula’s major sea lion colonies near Puerto Piramides, where you'll also enjoy lunch.

Discover Punta Tombo, home to the world’s largest nesting colony of Magellanic penguins in the company of a small group and comfort of an air conditioned mini-bus.

This is the largest penguin nesting ground in continental South America and from September through April this vast rookery and breeding area hosts hundreds of thousands of Magellanic penguins. With two nurturing parents foraging at sea and taking turns with their care, chicks thrive and start fledging in January.

Magellanic penguins mate with the same partner year after year and live approximately 25 years. Males reclaim the burrow from the previous year and wait to reconnect with their mates. You’ll have time to walk among the thousands of nests and marvel at this wonder of nature and these unforgettable birds. A boxed lunch is provided.

Drive to the old Welsh town of Gaiman, where traditional Welsh tea houses dot the farming landscape. The first settlers arrived here in 1865 and founded "New Wales". The small town now entices visitors by serving a classic Welsh tea in a charming Welsh home. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea, or two, accompanied by pastries.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an introductory look at two towns that are vastly different in size yet share a common history. Although Puerto Madryn boasts a population 10 times that of Gaiman, Welsh immigrants founded both towns to escape cultural and religious persecution in the latter half of the 19th century. That Welsh influence is still highly evident in Puerto Madryn through attractions such as the Welsh Settlers monument and the street names, many of which honor prominent Welsh immigrants. Chances are, you will spot the Welsh flag flying on many of the buildings or perhaps just the flag’s iconic red dragon on the signage. The Welsh heritage may be even more noticeable in Gaiman as the red-brick town is more compact. Patagonian Welsh is widely spoken as you will likely discover while pausing for cakes and pastries at a Welsh tea house. To enhance the experience, a Welsh choir will perform traditional songs. A walking city tour is done over the city of Gaiman. Once back to Puerto Madryn, there is a short drive through the city to see the Municipality, Main Square and the Welsh Women's Monument and then return directly to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the surprisingly strong Welsh heritage of Puerto Madryn and Gaiman.
• See Welsh-influenced attractions and perhaps hear Patagonian Welsh being spoken.
• Enjoy tea and tasty pastries at a Welsh tea house in the town of Gaiman.
• Hear a Welsh choir perform traditional, heartfelt songs about the Welsh heritage.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Paddle a kayak through the waters off El Pozo beach, an area teeming with wildlife such as sea lions and sea birds. Although the beach seems isolated, it won’t take long to reach, giving you all the more time to observe the abundant wildlife. After a brief orientation to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and follow the naturalist guide across the sheltered waters within Golfo Nuevo. The views will be spectacular as cliffs serve as the backdrop to El Pozo beach. Keep an eye out for South American sea lions clustered along the rocky shore and feeding on fish not far offshore. One may even surface right next to your kayak. As there will be few sounds except those of nature, you will likely hear the typically vocal sea lions barking, growling and grunting. The larger sea lions are males, which grow to twice the size of females.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kayak through the typically calm, sheltered waters of Golfo Nuevo.
• Look for sea lions on the rocky coast and feed on fish and octopuses in the water.
• Keep an eye out for birds such as cormorants, terns and oystercatchers.
• Learn about the indigenous flora and fauna from the naturalist guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel, sunscreen and hat.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a close-up look at a colony of penguins and then dine at an extraordinary eco-friendly ranch that also borders the sea. The penguins at Punta Ninfas are Magellanic and easy to identify by the white crescent-shaped bands around their faces. Like several other species of penguins, they nest in burrows as deep as six feet. They are a delight to watch as they waddle about, dive into the water in search of prey and interact with each other. Magellanic penguins communicate by mooing, bleating, cackling and most commonly by braying like donkeys. Although their numbers are high in this colony, these flightless birds are listed as near threatened by conservationists due to oil spills and fishing nets. A gourmet lunch follows at La Providencia, a sprawling sustainable ranch with olive groves along the New Gulf. Although the menu changes seasonally, you will likely dine on grilled lamb with classic Argentine side dishes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe a colony of Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat at Punta Ninfas.
• Learn about the penguins’ characteristics while watching their delightful antics.
• Dine on an exquisite grilled lunch at a coastal ranch that is more than century old.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Peninsula Valdez is one of the finest wildlife reserves in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It provides an outstanding natural habitat for sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals and a variety of birds. Enjoy a brief stop at the small Visitors Center to view exhibits on the flora and fauna of the Peninsula.

Visit Caleta Valdes on the eastern shore, a sheltered bay with a long gravel spit onto which elephant seals and others haul up in the spring. You’ll spend some time here to watch the wildlife from a distance. Nearby, there may be a possibility to view a very small and new penguin colony. Stop to watch one of the peninsula’s major sea lion colonies near Puerto Piramides. A boxed lunch is provided.

Discover Punta Loma Natural Reserve where you will have the opportunity to see a sea lion sanctuary. Young sea lions, which are not sexually mature, may be seen during the entire year, and, from April onwards, you can view the sea lions that migrate from Puerto Piramides. Before returning to the ship, we visit the Puerto Madryn Ecocentro Museum, the first center of its kind in Argentina, dedicated to the study of marine ecosystems.

OVERVIEW

Walk along the coast of Golfo Nuevo to observe a colony of sea lions and then relax over a cup of hot tea and fresh-baked pastries in the Welsh-founded town of Gaiman. The colony of sea lions at Punta Loma Reserve – which may number in the hundreds – is protected and live there permanently so you are bound to see them along the beach and just offshore. Even from a distance, you can easily distinguish the males from the females as they are twice the size and sport lion-like manes around their muscular necks. Although sea lions may move awkwardly on land, they are graceful swimmers and can reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour in the water. Their antics will give you plenty to discuss later at the Ty Gwyn tea house in Gaiman. Afterwards, you will enjoy free time in town, where the ambinace is still decidedly Welsh.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe a colony of sea lions along the coast of Punta Loma National Reserve.
• Enjoy tea and tasty pastries at a Welsh tea house in the town of Gaiman.
• Explore the Welsh-influened town of Gaiman independently during free time.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Observe the abundant wildlife in the naturally beautiful Patagonian steppe, highlighted by a leisurely walk among a large colony of Magellanic penguins.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for an immensely scenic drive along the New Gulf and on to rugged Punta Ninfas on the Patagonian steppe. The vegetation here is shrubby, wind-blown and an ideal wildlife habitat. Gray fox, llama-like guanacas and various species of seabirds, including oystercatchers and albatrosses, are found in this dry landscape.

Even so, penguins are the star attractions in this part of Patagonian, as you will discover from your base at El Pedral Lodge. Perched on a cliff, the lodge was built in 1904 and some of the period furnishing still remain, including the mahogany dining table.

From here, you will head to a nearby Magellanic penguin rookery for an extended walk among these highly social birds. If you hear the penguins braying like donkeys, it is simply the way they seek mates.

You can expect to see the penguins tottering about, tending to their young, interacting with each other, and perhaps hunting small fish just offshore. A group of penguins floating in the ocean is called a raft; a group on land is sometimes called a waddle because of their awkward walk.

Later, you will walk through a ravine where you can observe fossils from the Cenozoic Era, estimated to be at least 30 million years old. Lunch at the lodge follows, after which you will return to the pier.

Discover Punta Tombo, home to the world’s largest nesting colony of Magellanic penguins and a place that attracts wildlife researchers and conservationists from around the world.

This is the largest penguin nesting ground in continental South America and from September through April this vast rookery and breeding area hosts hundreds of thousands of Magellanic penguins. With two nurturing parents foraging at sea and taking turns with their care, chicks thrive and start fledging in January.

Magellanic penguins mate with the same partner year after year and live approximately 25 years. Males reclaim the burrow from the previous year and wait to reconnect with their mates. You’ll have time to walk among the thousands of nests and marvel at this wonder of nature and these unforgettable birds. A boxed lunch is provided.

After a short transfer, you’ll go by boat towards Punta Loma navigating near the coastline passing Kaiser beach with the run aground ship 'Kaiser'; Punta Este with its majestic cliffs; Playa Parana and the shipwrecked fishing vessel 'Folia’s' rising from the water foam. The navigation will only last approximately half an hour and upon arrival in Punta Loma, if nature allows, you’ll be welcomed by sea lions and cormorants watching the surrounding activities from the top of the cliffs. Sea lions resting on the rocks will be attracted by the divers and will join them to play and swim with curiosity.

After approximately 45 minutes of snorkeling, enjoying this exciting sub-aquatic experience, you’ll board your boat and navigate back to the city with a sense of comradeship typical of divers. A boxed lunch will be provided.

OVERVIEW

Zip through the sheltered waters of Golfo Nuevo in a Rigid Inflatable Boat known as an RIB and look for frolicking dolphins and lumbering sea lions. The vessel is completely open allowing you uninterrupted views of the natural beauty and teeming marine life. Chances are, you will spot dolphins following in the boat’s wake. Depending on the season, they could be black-and-white Commerson’s dolphins or dusky dolphins, whose coloring is more muted. Both species are gregarious, acrobatic and fast swimmers so they put on quite the show. To see one leap completely out of the water is quite the spectacle. As you approach Punta Loma National Reserve, a colony of sea lions will come into view. They will likely be sunning on the rocky coast or feeding just offshore. The RIB should be able to come so close to the sea lions that you can hear them grunting and barking at each other.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through Golfo Nuevo in an open-top Rigid Inflatable Boat known as a RIB.
• Look for various species of dolphins, which often swim in the boat’s wake.
• Observe a colony of sea lions along the coast of Punta Loma National Reserve.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the remarkably strong Welsh influence in this part of Patagonia, which dates to 1865 when the first Welsh settlers arrived on the tea-clipper Mimosa. They emigrated to escape persecution and to retain their cultural identity as the Industrial Revolution fueled rapid growth in Wales. Once the Welsh arrived in Argentina, they fiercely preserved their heritage, which is still evident today in towns such as Dolavon. You will see the flour mill that the Welsh built there in 1881 to grind the wheat that flourished in the surrounding fields. Irrigation canals powered the mill’s water wheel as this area was naturally arid. You will learn more about the Welsh influence by browsing a museum and visiting a Welsh chapel built more than a century ago. Patagonian Welsh is still widely spoken in Gaiman, where you will be served a traditional Welsh tea complete with cakes and pastries. In this tour, the Dolavon Flour Mill, Bethel Chapel and the Gaiman Regional Museum are visited. Also on this tour guests visit Quinta Narlu, where they are dedicated to the production of fine fruits, processing of sweets and artisanal liquors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the Welsh influence that is still evident in two towns that they founded.
• Visit the area’s first flour mill, which the Welsh built in 1881 to grind wheat.
• Browse the enlightening exhibits in a Welsh museum and visit a typical Welsh chapel.
• Enjoy tea and tasty pastries at a Welsh tea house in the town of Gaiman.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the evolution of Patagonia in a unique and informative new way during this fascinating, full-day, behind-the-scenes excursion to the MEF Museum.

Puerto Madryn, Trelew City, MEF Museum, Permanent Exhibits, Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Trelew City. Upon arrival, head for a visit to the Paleontological Museum Egidio Feruglio (MEF Museum), one of the most important scientific institutions in Argentina. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of its permanent exhibits and a backstage visit to observe how the museum operates behind the scenes.

Observe Paleontologists Working, Rebuilding and Studying Fossils and Relics

Every year, MEF investigators and technicians travel through the Chubut Province in order to explore potential sites of scientific interest. Fossils and paleontological samples are hidden, after millions of years in the sediment, waiting to be finally discovered. These pieces provide valuable information to understand how our ancient history, and planet, evolved. During this fascinating visit, see how the paleontologists work, and how they've rebuilt and study this millennial giants.

Welsh Village of Dolavon, Local Restaurant, Traditional, Homemade Pasta Lunch

Following your visit, re-board your coach and continue on to the Welsh village of Dolavon. Upon arrival, enjoy its Welsh heritage and charm, then proceed for a traditional, homemade pasta lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the treasures of the beautiful Punta Loma coast during this exhilarating, half-day excursion via Zodiac boat.

Zodiac Boat-Ride, Golfo Nuevo, and Black and White Dolphins

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 10-minute walk from the Piedra Buena Pier to the beach. Upon arrival, a short walk takes you to your high-speed rapid inflatable boat (RIB) for an exhilarating, approximately three-hour adventure on the water. After embarking the RIB, receive your boating and safety instructions, sit back and relax as your captain navigates north, along the coast of the Golfo Nuevo and towards Punta Loma, a protected natural area inhabited year-round by South American sea lions. During the ride, look for the black and white dolphins that frequent these waters.

Punta Loma, Sea Lion Colony, Sea Lions, and Puerto Madryn

As you near Punta Loma, your Captain pauses close to the sea lion colony for splendid views and photo opportunities. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the 45-minute drive along the coast and past the beaches of Puerto Madryn before arriving back to the pier. En route, you may opt to return directly to the pier, or be dropped off in the city centre for individual shopping and exploration at your leisure, and return to the ship at your own expense.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 300 yards (about 274 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the Zodiac boat. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests suffering from motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking or boat shoes, and bring sun protection and weatherproof raingear with a protective hood or hat from the ship; umbrellas are not permitted. A life vest and pair of binoculars is provided for each guest. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The tour sequence and timings may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

You will leave the beach of Puerto Piramides and navigate towards Punta Piramides bay. There, the abundance of wildlife, Southern Sea Lions, Cormorants, South American Terns, gives life to these cliffs. Once we have passed the "punta", you will be able see the rock formation that gaves to Puerto Piramides its name. On the way back, you will can discover both gulfs of the Valdes Peninsula from a different perspective, gliding across the surface in Kayak

This Sea kayak tours offer you access to coastal wilderness, and the chance to enjoy it in every way possible. You'll experience enough challenge to ensure adventure, and visit one of the most beautiful places on earth whilst learning a new sport or indulging in a already discovered passion.

Be prepared for unexpected encounters with wildlife. Enjoy a delicious snack, fresh air and exercise. Share the pleasure of photography or bird watching.

You will be guided by an Expert english speaking naturalist guide

Discover the Welsh traditions in the middle of the Patagonia visiting the most emblematic places & enjoying their traditional food during this full day tour.

Narlu Eco Ranch

Depart the port for the 1.45 hour drive to Narlu Eco Ranch. This is a very special place and a place where the owners currently call home. They will take you around their plantation of berries and fruits they use to prepare their own homemade sweets.

Gaiman and Welch Tea

Next, continue to Dolavon, another of the Welsh Villages that settled at the end of the 19th century. Here you will find an excellently preserved Flour Mill. It still works! With the flour produced here, the owners built a restaurant where they serve their own home-made pasta.

At the end of the 19th century Welsh settlers arrived on this coastline of Patagonia. The town of Gaiman, which almost seems to be stuck in the past, is bursting with traditions - distinctly Welsh. The streets irrigation ditches water trees not native to Patagonia and buildings include chapels constructed by the Welsh in the style of their homeland. Customs from afar continue and during your visit you enjoy a Welsh tea with delicious pastries at a typical 'tea-house'.

After a delicious traditional Welsh Tea, we will return to the ship but not before enjoying the delightful voices of a welsh choir.

Following this visit, re-join your coach for the approximate 1-hour return drive to the pier in Puerto Madryn.

Departing the port, begin your tour with a one-hour drive on paved road to the entrance of the Valdés Peninsula, connected to the mainland via a narrow isthmus. At this point, you will make a stop at the Visitors Centre for a look at interesting displays about the geography, history and wildlife of the Valdés peninsula. Valdés is one of the finest nature reserves in South America for sea lions, elephant seals and numerous species of seabirds and penguins. Often called an 'open air zoo', it has been declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

Punta Norte

From the Visitor Centre, continue with a 1.5-hour drive through a landscape of scarce vegetation and void of traffic. Most of the peninsula is barren land with several salt water lakes. There are a few private sheep estancias between salt flats and, occasionally, you can spot rhea, Patagonian hare and guanaco. The northern part, or Punta Norte, is the only continental breeding colony of elephant seals in the world. The huge mammals reach 21 feet (6.4 metres) in length and weigh an average of 3 tons. There are also colonies of sea lions mixed with a variety of birds. You will have time to observe the animals at close range and take photographs.

Leaving Punta Norte, proceed with a 30-minute journey to an estancia with a privately owned penguin reserve.

Estancia San Lorenzo & Penguin Colony

Following your arrival, drive through the sizable estate en route to the small rookery of Magellanic penguins. There are great photo opportunities of these endearing animals and their young. (Refrain from touching the penguins as their beaks can inflict serious wounds.)

Leave the rookery and return to the estancia where a typical lamb barbecue will be served. At the same time, get some insight into the lifestyle at this isolated locale.

Afterwards, begin the journey across the peninsula and back to Puerto Madryn and the ship.

Discover the charm of Puerto Madryn on this walking tour blending history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Starting at the iconic Luis Piedra Buena Pier, enjoy breathtaking views of the Nuevo Gulf before heading to the Punta Ballena Monument, a tribute to the marine fauna, including the southern right whales that visit the area.

Next, stop at the "Nietos Recuperados" sign, a symbol of memory and justice, and explore the artisan market featuring handmade textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and unique regional crafts. Visit the Welsh Woman Monument, honoring the brave pioneers who contributed to the community’s foundation, then continue to the main square, surrounded by gardens and historic landmarks like the City Hall and the Chapel "Nuestra Señora de Luján."

Indulge in a sweet treat at a local chocolate house with a tasting of handmade chocolates before visiting the Ebene de Meisen Museum, where exhibits detail the arrival and legacy of the Welsh settlers. Pass by the historic Chalet Pujol and the city’s first school, both significant cultural landmarks.

The tour concludes at the Islas Malvinas Monument, a tribute to the combatants and Argentina’s sovereignty over the islands, before returning to the pier.

This half-day outing allows for viewing the sea wolves colony of Punta Loma and a visit to a traditional sheep farm. A stop is also made in town at the Eco Centre.

Sea Lion Colony

Begin your outing with the 30-minute drive along the scenic coastal road to Punta Loma. From a cliff top location you are able to view the beach colony of sea lions below. Then re-join your coach for the 30-minute drive to one of the area's farms.

Estancia San Guillermo

During your visit at this Patagonian farm watch a sheep shearing demonstration and enjoy coffee or a cup of "mate" tea with homemade pastry. Also see domesticated guanacos roaming the grounds before leaving the estancia en route back to Puerto Madryn.

Eco Centre

This interpretation centre was founded with the Patagonian Sea as inspiration. The exhibits encourage respect for nature through education, art and science. Here you learn about the hazards that affect marine wildlife and the efforts that are made locally to protect it. Your tour concludes with an orientation drive through Puerto Madryn en route back to the pier.

Scenic drive to Punta Loma. From a cliff top location you are able to view the beach colony of sea lions below. Drive to one of the area's farms: Estancia San Guillermo.

During your visit at this Patagonian farm watch a sheep shearing demonstration and enjoy coffee or a cup of "mate" tea with homemade pastry. Also see domesticated guanacos roaming the grounds before leaving the estancia en route back to Puerto Madryn.

Learn about Patagonia at the Eco Center, this interpretation center was founded with the Patagonian Sea as inspiration. The exhibits encourage respect for nature through education, art and science. You will learn about the hazards that affect marine wildlife and the efforts that are made locally to protect it. Your visit concludes with an orientation drive through Puerto Madryn en route back to the pier.

Punta Ninfas is located 73 km southwest of Puerto Madryn. It can be described as an outstanding display of nature, its main feature being the Patagonian steppe with its shrubby vegetation continuously shaken by the wind. Also, its highly appreciated land fauna- guanacos, foxes among others, which can normally be observed. Most of "El Pedral" Ranch coastline is sheltered by high cliffs that slope down the sea. From the cliff tops, there is a magnificent view of the "Golfo Nuevo" main points: Punta Ninfas & Morro Nuevo, the mouth of the gulf. During this visit, you will visit Punta Ninfas view point, the Pengion Rookery (a very small penguin colony that is starting to grow in this area), as well as enjoy a local traditional barbecued Patagonian lamb lunch in El pedral.

Enjoy an incredible experience of snorkeling with sea lions. Navigating to the natural reserve of Punta Loma takes no longer than 25 minutes, and close to the diving area you begin to spot the local birds nesting over the cliff and shores of Patagonia.

Sea lions are harmless and they like to play when they find themselves among humans. Your visit lasts approx. 45 minutes and the presence of the sea lions is normally constant. You may even be escorted by your new friends on the way up. Departure is subject to tide conditions & visibility.

From June through December the whales arrive in the Golfo Nuevo to mate, give birth and raise their calves. It is an unforgettable experience to watch them in their natural habitat.

Departing from the pier, drive for approximately an hour to the Península Valdés reserve. On the scenic drive to Puerto Piramides, pass the Isla de los Pajaros, off the Isthmus Carlos Ameghino in the Golfo San Jose.

Upon arrival in Puerto Piramides, board a zodiac that takes you on a memorable whale watching expedition. Your zodiac ride first proceeds along the coast, and then heads one or two miles into the sea to find the whale feeding area. The whales are incredibly interesting and a pleasure to watch because they are graceful despite their size.

Once back in Puerto Piramides, rejoin your bus for a return drive to Puerto Madryn.