Whale Watching

An unforgettable experience

From September to December whales come to the peninsula and tourists follow. The reason is simple, you get the chance to see up close and personal these amazing animals, the right whales.

Though you can embark in Madryn your best bet is to go to Puerto Pirámides, a small town in the heart of the peninsula. There several companies offer whale watching trips.

All of them are themselves closely watched by the state and conservation NGO's that make sure none of these activities have a negative impact on the animals.

The number of trips a day, the maneuvers they can make, how close they can get to the whales, all these things are regulated.

When it is finally time the guide gathers people around and starts explaining what will happen. As he or she speaks life jackets and waterproof ponchos are handed out.

You laugh, look at your neighbor and decide it is time to look silly.

All sorts of boats are available .

Once everybody is dressed and the basic instructions spoken it is time to go to the beach only a block away where the boat awaits. For different ticket prices you can go on different experiences, from a large ship that may make you feel safer but keeps you far from the water to smaller inflatable boats with little between you and the whales you have come to see. It is your decision.

Now you are sailing. The ship's captains exchange information daily so they can almost assure you you will encounter whales. Sometimes they are close to shore and you get there in minutes, sometimes the trip there can take up to an hour.

What nobody can promise you is what will happen once you get there. Whales have elaborate behaviors but not all of the are expressed every time. Mostly likely you will see them jump, you will see them float belly up and you will go crazy when they dive lifting their tails high above the water surface.

All dressed up .	On board looking out .
A jump caught.	And a tail.

Bring your camera, take pictures, but don't forget you are there for the experience. Take some time to just do that. Open your eyes, drop the camera and feel what is going on because it is unique.

After some 45 minutes in the company of the whales it is time to head back to shore. People are very excited and everybody talks about what just happened. And how could they not, they just spent time next to the largest animal of the surface of the earth. Gentle giants that swim and jump and sing. Fantastic !