Known as the diving capital of Argentina, Puerto Madryn is an underwater paradise. Its coastline stuns at a glance, particularly from the vantage point of its dramatic, steep seaside cliffs that overlook a vast expanse of cerulean blue water. It’s a unique place visited by divers from all over—especially those fond of eclectic marine life.

In addition to being a South American destination for its historic shipwrecks and colorful sea stars, fish, anemones and crustaceans, Puerto Madryn is a hotspot for an array of marine mammals. Whales, orcas, penguins, elephant seals, sea lions and dolphins can be easily observed—if you know where and when to look.

Prime-Time Whale Watching

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Valdes Peninsula on the far east edge of the city is considered one of the top 10 whale-watching spots. While several species visit the area, the southern right whale takes center stage because it remains in the area longer—from May through December to mate and give birth. Afterward, they depart for Brazil’s and Uruguay’s coasts.

For the best whale–spotting experience, it is recommended to go between September and November when the weather is usually better and the number of whales tends to be at its highest. You can observe them from the coast or charter a boat to get closer. I recommend doing it with Bottazi, a local tour operator that specializes in whale watching.

Related Reading: What It’s Like to Swim With Humpback Whales

The Orca’s Call

The southern right whale may steal the stage for most of the year, but ocean lovers and enthusiasts also come from all over the world to see one of nature’s best-known apex predators: the orca.

The orcas of Valdes Peninsula have developed a special predatory behavior, one of the most fascinating in the animal kingdom, called “intentional stranding.” It's a unique hunting technique where orcas purposely force themselves close to shore to capture seal and sea lion pups, and then return to the sea.

This unique behavior has been studied extensively; every year, photographers and scientists flock to the area to witness it.

Due to the type of prey they feed on, you have a better chance of seeing them in Caleta Valdes in October and November, and in Punta Norte from February to mid-May. Book an excursion with Bottazi to help ensure that you enjoy this beautiful experience to the fullest.

Playful Pelagic Puppies

Sea lions are another favorite among tourists, ones that you can see throughout the year. While encounters may take place at any of the local diving spots, the best place to scuba dive and snorkel with them is the natural reserve of Punta Loma.

This reserve is home to a stable population of around 600 sea lions. They often approach curiously and choose to observe you as you swim in the turquoise sea.

You can enjoy this great experience with Dive centers like Madryn Buceo and Aqua Tours. The activity lasts around 45 minutes. They provide you with a 7 mm wetsuit so you can stay submerged with the friendly sea lions without getting too cold. They are almost a guaranteed sighting and will accompany you until you get back onboard.

Related Reading: Best Sites to Wreck Dive in Patagonia, Argentina

Up Close With Elephant Seals

I highly recommend visiting La Antonieta, a 27,000-acre ranch with an affinity for conservation, where you can enjoy a typical Argentinian meal (think stews or homemade pasta made with lamb from the ranch) and drink local wine while supporting its foundation, Dos Pozos.

This foundation oversees a reserve with a conservation project to protect and preserve elephant seals. It’s located on the beach, a little over a mile from the ranch, where you can watch the elephant seals up close while they sleep, eat or swim.

Penguin Land

Another friendly and characteristic Patagonian animal is the beloved penguin. They’re found all along the coast, but the best place to see them is at Punta Tombo National Reserve.

Punta Tombo is a protected natural area where thousands of Magellanic penguins arrive every year, always faithful to their partners, to prepare their nests. This beautiful reserve, with its brown colors of the steppe and red rocks contrasted against the turquoise sea, is also home to guanacos (a close relative to llamas), foxes and Pampean cavies (a rodent similar to guinea pigs).

Dolphins, the Ocean’s Acrobats

Dusky dolphins enter the Golfo Nuevo in December and remain there for five months. These dolphins are an extremely sociable species and stand out for their acrobatics, so the best way to observe them in their natural habitat is from a boat. Tours usually last around three hours, and it's recommended to bring binoculars. Book an excursion with Botazzi tours to experience this great adventure.

Related Reading: Expert Alex Mustard Shares His Secrets on How to Photograph Dolphins in the Wild

Puerto Madryn might be an undeniably remote destination in South America, but it's also a one-stop shop for witnessing an abundance of marine wildlife like nowhere else. In a single trip, you can check off numerous ocean dreams from your bucket list, making the long trip absolutely worthwhile.