Peninsula Valdes’ Unique Marine Fauna Heaven & A Visit to the world’s second largest colony of Magellanic penguins (San Lorenzo Ranch)

• See the largest continental colony of Southern Elephant Seals in the entire world

Peninsula Valdes is one of the largest marine wildlife reserves in the entire world, and a prime spot for viewing wildlife. It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its global significance as a marine wildlife refuge for several threatened species. The scenic Peninsula Valdes, where arid landscapes contrast with the blue crystalline sea, is home to an important breeding population of the endangered southern Right Whales (whaling season takes place from May to early December), southern sea lions, orcas (also known as “killer whales”), Magellanic penguins (penguin season is from mid-September to mid-April), as well as the largest continental colony of southern elephant seals in the entire world.

The inner part of the peninsula is inhabited by rheas, guanacos (American Llama), hairy armadillos, ostriches and maras (very similar to hares). A high diversity and range of birds live in the peninsula as well; at least 181 species. Our tour begins in the morning, when we head to Peninsula Valdes, which is an island united to the continent by a long strip of land called, in this case, Carlos Ameghino Isthmus. After 48 miles (77 kilometers) we make our first stop at the small interpretation center. We continue our journey to our second stop: Puerto Piramides (Port Pyramids town) from where we’ll depart to enjoy a whale-watching navigation experience (from mid-June to early December) or a sea lions watching navigation (from mid-December to early April).

We’ll next head to Caleta Valdes, a natural channel, which lodges a great diversity of marine fauna. Caleta Valdes boasts the most spectacular panoramic views of Peninsula Valdes. Elephant seals can be seen from a viewpoint that overlooks the ocean; as well, you’ll find there a small colony of Magellanic penguins. Peninsula Valdes has the largest continental colony of elephant seals in the world.

The elephant seal is the largest pinniped (seal) on Earth, with adult males weighing up to 4000 kilograms (4 tons), which is around 8 times heavier than a polar bear! They get their “elephant” name from their massive size and also the proboscis (the inflatable trunk-like snout) of the males, used to make a loud roaring sound to assert their dominance against other males, to establish their territory, and to defend their haram (group of females). During mating season, they can be very aggressive with each other. Elephant seals are excellent divers, and are able to dive up to 4900 feet (1500 meters) beneath the ocean’s surface, able to stay underwater for more than an hour and a half.

An outlook balcony located near a cliff will allow for the chance to enjoy a panoramic look at the elephant seal colony. Depending on weather conditions, orcas may be seen from October to November and from February to April, when they feed on young sea lions. Please note that, while present in the area, they are certainly not easy to see. Orcas are the greatest predators of the seas and also among the fastest marine animals in the world; reaching speeds of 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour!. They eat several species of fish chief among them sea lions, sea tortoises, elephant seals, sharks and penguins

In Peninsula Valdes, orcas exhibit a unique behavior while hunting: they will quickly swim towards the shore and climb up onto the sand in order to prey on sea lions. The orcas in Patagonia are the only ones in the world who use this dangerous hunting method, where they leave two-thirds of their body exposed on the beach. They subsequently grip their prey in their strong jaws and slide back into the water.

Our last stop is Estancia San Lorenzo, where you will also have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the cutest creatures that inhabit the Peninsula Valdes: the Magellanic penguins! Estancia San Lorenzo plays host to the second largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world, after Punta Tombo; and here you’ll have the chance to get a close view of tens of thousands of these two-colored birds. This particular penguin can only be seen on the Falkland Islands, and on the coasts of Argentina and Chile. Magellanic penguins are seabirds that, unlike most other birds, cannot fly, but they are excellent swimmers. As such, every year come April they escape the Autumn and Winter seasons of Argentina, swimming 1875 miles (3000 kilometers) to the warmer Brazilian coasts. They swim back the same route every September to mate and build their nests in a safe environment.

These birds are highly sociable, living in flocks with numerous other Magellanic penguins… they are also strictly monogamous, mating with the same partner year after year. Penguins can recognize their partners from their calls alone, as each penguin’s voice is as distinct as a human fingerprint! There is definitely no sexism between these birds, as both males and females look after their nests and go into the sea to find food for their offspring. The sight of so many penguins is often overwhelming, and at Estancia San Lorenzo you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a very close-up experience and learn first-hand how the penguins live, breed, feed, and interact with each other.

After an exciting day exploring the wildlife of Peninsula Valdes, we will return to your hotel with a camera loaded with fresh memories to share with your loved ones.

Since you’ll be doing this tour with your own private vehicle and guide, you’ll be able to enjoy each attraction at your own pace; making all the stops you want, all the while enjoying personalized assistance and care from your expert guide. You’ll also enjoy more convenient and faster transfers to and from your hotel, as there will be no other travelers to pick up or drop off at other hotels.

Important: the tour’s exact itinerary and duration may change subject to weather conditions and decisions of the tour guide to optimize your tour experience.