Argentina · Wildlife

Punta Tombo Penguin Colony from Puerto Madryn with Toninas Watching

9 Hours Round trip from Puerto Madryn Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Punta Tombo, one of Patagonia’s best-known wildlife reserves
  • 02 Observe Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat
  • 03 Look out for seabirds and native steppe wildlife along the way
  • 04 Optional toninas watching boat trip at Union Beach
  • 05 Chance to see the world’s smallest dolphin in the wild
  • 06 Scenic drive through Patagonian landscapes from Puerto Madryn
  • 07 Possible historical stop in Gaiman with traditional Welsh tea option
  • 08 Round-trip transport from selected hotels in Puerto Madryn

Discover one of Patagonia’s most memorable wildlife experiences on this full-day journey from Puerto Madryn to Punta Tombo, home to South America’s largest Magellanic penguin colony. Travel through sweeping Patagonian landscapes and spend time observing penguins in their natural habitat, alongside a variety of coastal and steppe species.

Depending on the option selected and weather conditions, the day also includes toninas watching by boat at Union Beach, where you may spot the world’s smallest dolphin in the wild, or a historical visit to Gaiman with the possibility of tasting traditional Welsh tea. With round-trip transport and a professional guide included, this is a rewarding way to experience Patagonia’s wildlife and scenery in a single day.

You will be able to get close to the Toninas, the world's smallest dolphin.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Puerto Madryn
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Puerto Madryn

We will start our tour around 07:30 hs leaving from our selected hotels in Puerto Madryn. 

Union Beach + Toninas Watching

When you finish touring the area, if you choose the option with toninas, you will board a small boat to go see dolphins. You will be able to get close to the Toninas, the world's smallest dolphin. We will sail until we see the playful dolphins in their habitat. This excursion lasts 1 hour.

Punta Tombo

After this magical experience, you'll go to Punta Tombo, a geographical accident that Magellan's penguin uses as a habitat (entrance fee not included). It is located 3 hours from Puerto Madryn, on the road you will have time to appreciate Patagonian landscapes. 


At this stop, you can watch penguins in their own habitat as they scurry and play on the rocks. There, you'll have time to observe how the penguins coexist on the coast with other species, such as Gulls, Skúas, Giant Petrels, Cormorants, Ostreros, and Pato Vapor and, given the extension of the area, typical species of the steppe-like Guanacos, Choiques, Maras and Grey Foxes. You'll spend approximately an hour and a half at this stop.

Gaiman

In case the dolphin watching cannot be carried out or the Gaiman option has been chosen, we will carry out a historical circuit in this old Welsh colony where there will be the possibility of tasting the traditional Welsh Tea (not included).

Puerto Madryn

We will return to Puerto Madryn around 18:30.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Puerto Madryn 1 city · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Round-trip navigation 

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fee for Punta Tombo
  • Lunch
  • Cruise Port pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • The stop at the Rawson's Port is subject to favorable weather conditions.
  • If the weather conditions are not conducive to dolphin watching, the itinerary could be modified.
  • Season: From September to Mid-April
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Please note that lunch will be taken in the car, as we won't have time to stop : the road trip will take approx. 6 hours (round-trip). We suggest you to prepare sandwiches, if not you will still be able to buy food when we stop on the road. Office number: (Mon to Fri from 9 to 18 Hs) Emergency mobile: (After office hours)
  • We suggest you to confirm the booking details with us prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly. The pick up transfer is only from selected centrally located hotels. If your hotel is outside the geographic area, we will confirm the closest meeting point. Indicate the name and address of your hotel.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Puerto Madryn, AR
Tour start
Puerto Madryn, AR
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Puerto Madryn.

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