Patagonia Kayaking with Southern Right Whales, Argentina

October through early December, endangered Southern Right whales and their calves cruise the sheltered waters of Gulfo San Jose, located between the peninsula and the Patagonian mainland, where we navigate unobtrusively in our kayaks for close encounters with the whales, elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, southern sea lions, fur seals and dolphins.

The whales come here for mating and giving birth, because the protected water in the gulf is quieter and warmer than in the open sea. It’s the best place in the world to watch the nursing mothers and their playful calves up close from the shore and your kayak. Breaching, fin-slapping and tail-lobbing, the highly social whales will captivate your attention with their behavior.

We offer three different itineraries for you to observe the Southern Right whales and discover Patagonia’s diverse, fascinating ecosystem of windswept steppes, unique wildlife, and dramatic coastline. Our three-, six- and ten-day itineraries include camping at a secluded beach at the center of whale activity that is also a research area for a local whale conservation organization. We’ll visit the researchers at their field lab for informative presentations on whale natural history. It is the perfect place to see the whales as they surface and blow right in front of our camp!

On shore your guides will take you hiking to fossil-rich rock formations and beaches strewn with ancient shells. Nights are spent camping out on the beach and dining on local shrimp and scallop while tender beef and piles of sausages sizzle on a wood-fired grill. Afterwards, the hollow resonating blows of the whale lull you to sleep.

The trip concludes with a visit to a nearby Magellanic penguin colony and final evening of dinner and lodging in Patagonia.

Our advice: Spend a day in Buenos Aires (most international flights come through here) before and after your trip.

Entry into Argentina:   Most people fly into Buenos Aires, enjoy a day tour, tango show and hotel night there before flying early morning to Trelew for the whale watching tour.

Air Flights:  We have a travel agent who can help you get to Buenos Aires, Trelew and design further extensions should you wish to combine this trip with the Lake District of Chile or Torres del Paine National Park of Chile.

Weather:   Late spring/early summer is generally dry and sunny in this arid area, but be ready for some wind and clouds

Travel Agent:   Please call us for details

What qualifications do your guides have?
In addition to being experienced outdoor leaders our guides have taken numerous courses such as the A.C.S.K.G (Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides) Sea Kayaking leadership course, Advanced wilderness first aid, C.P.R, Leave No Trace. All are experts at interpreting nature and cultural history as well as comforting, safe, and fun to share a campfire with!

What size are the groups?
The group size varies from 8 to 10 participants, usually accompanied by 2 guides.

Can you arrange private & custom trips?
Yes. We offer private departures for all kinds of groups from couples, families and friends to clubs and organizations. You have to contact our office well in advance of your planned departure date to ensure trip availability.

Can we bring our children?
Although most of our trips have adults in mind, some of our itineraries are suitable for strong and active teenagers. If you would like your children to join you on a trip please call our office to obtain more information. The minimum age for our trips is normally 15 to ensure that all our guests are capable of fully participating in the kayaking and other activities involved.

What if I'm traveling alone?
Prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay a single supplement fee. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a single supplement fee.

Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
Some prior sea kayaking or camping experience is recommended but we are happy to speak with anyone about the suitability of our kayaking trips.  Since we have 3 to 10-day itineraries, there is something for most every level of kayaking ability.  Anyone in good physical health with a positive attitude can enjoy these activities. Your experienced sea kayaking tour guides will be right with you to pace the trip and teach you about the local environment and fauna.

For all of our trips, we ask that you be in good health and fitness. You need to be comfortable being physically active all day long. On trips, you are expected to pitch your tent, help with group chores, and manage your own gear. Participants must be capable of helping with the loading and unloading of kayaks, carrying personal and group gear to and from campsites, and helping to carry the kayaks.

How much paddling will we do each day?
On full field days, time on the water will typically be 4 - 6 hours per day with plenty of time to relax, take scenic pictures, stretch your legs and have lunch. Due to the weather situation, some days may require longer paddling hours in order to reach the intended destination for the day. We also like to incorporate some hiking and of course leisure time.

What type of kayaks do you use on this trip?
Single and double fiberglass touring kayaks are used on our trips. (Singles may be used by guests when deemed safe by guides). They are remarkably stable and seaworthy and are specially designed for this kind of expeditionary ocean travel.

What sort of wildlife might we see on the tour?
The peninsula is an outstanding faunal sanctuary where numerous species of marine birds and mammals congregate in its island-like isolation to breed, often in large numbers, and to find shelter and abundant food in the warm and productive waters of the peninsula and the surrounding coasts. A population of southern right whale uses the clear and protected waters of Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San José to mate and calve. Individual whales start to arrive by late autumn, and are present from May to December.

The southern elephant seal forms a mating and calving colonies on Punta Norte, Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada from late August to early November. This is the most northern colony of the species and the only colony on the Argentine mainland, all other colonies being on Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic islands. It is also said to be the world's only colony on the increase.

The nominated site is also important as a breeding point for the southern sea lion. Several other marine mammals are found in the area including a stable group of orca;they feed on a basic diet of fish and squid but will take both young and adult sea lions, elephant seals and adult right whales on the peninsula and elsewhere in Patagonia. A notable orca hunting technique is to rush into the shallow surf, beach themselves, grabbing the prey in their jaws, and manoeuvre back to sea with the next wave.

Terrestrial mammals are abundant. There are large herds of guanaco almost everywhere on the peninsula. Other species present include the big hairy armadillo, Mara or Patagonian cavy, a large rodent, Argentine grey fox, Culpeo fox, the weasel-like small grison Patagonian skunk and the pampas cat.

Península Valdés has 181 species of birds, of which 66 are migratory. Seven species of marine and coastal birds form nesting colonies on 12 distinct sites scattered throughout the Península. The Magellanic penguin is the most numerous with active nests amongst five different colonies. The second most numerous bird is the kelp gull. The lesser rhea is quite common. Other colonial birds are the neotropic cormorant, black-necked cormorant, great egret, black-crowned night-heron and common tern.

The site with the largest diversity of breeding birds is on Isla de los Pájaros where the American oystercatcher, the blackish oystercatcher and the flying steamer are also seen. The intertidal mudflats and coastal lagoons are important staging sites for migratory shorebirds, including red knot, white-rumped sandpiper and Hudsonian

What are the chances of seeing Southern Right Whales?
On our tours we stand a high chance of seeing the whales. Understandably we cannot guarantee what nature will dictate, but we can tell you that this area has one of the highest concentrations of Southern Right Whales on earth and this is where they spend their mating and calving season. It is very likely that you will see them, whether it be within reach from your kayak, or our beach camp on the shore. Hearing the blow of a whale even from a mile across the ocean will create a sensation of excitement.

What are typical meals on the trip?
Food on our trips is a key element. We pride ourselves in preparing top-quality meals in a wilderness setting from the freshest ingredients available. Our menu is varied: substantial North American breakfasts and freshly ground coffee start the day, wholesome sandwiches and fresh salads for lunch, tried and true international favorites for supper and fresh baked goods almost every day. We integrate local ingredients with supplies we have brought from home to yield meals that are unique, nourishing and delicious. Vegetarians as well as special dietary requests can easily be accommodated.

What is the camp set up like?
All of our campsites are in wilderness settings. We seek out sites with beautiful surroundings and those that offer solitude.

We provide all camping gear of the best quality: tents, camp tables and comfortable camp seats; you get the best beach sites and you don't have to worry about missing the wildlife.

Where do we wash? Are there toilets?
For those wanting to wash up, you have the option of using the ocean. For washing we do not suggest using any cleansing agents, but if you do please use biodegradable environmentally friendly brands.

Toilet facilities are not common in most wilderness settings, although some areas may have pit toilets. On the tour your guide will generally designate an area or system that works for ensuring your privacy. In your detailed info package we have some guidelines and suggestions for comfortably and correctly 'doing your business in the outdoors'.

What about safety?
Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Any concerns about risks and physical abilities are handled with the greatest care by our office staff and trip leaders. Your guides are always in close proximity, well equipped with First Aid kits and specially trained in Wilderness First Aid to handle emergency situations. Before each trip your trip leader will provide a comprehensive instructional session designed to familiarize you with paddling techniques and the equipment.

What do I need to bring?
Usually all you need to bring is your personal gear. A detailed clothing and equipment list for each trip is mailed with the trip packet. We supply all specialized paddling gear, kayaks, and group camping equipment including top-quality tents.

Because we are self-supported on our paddling trip, carrying all of our food and water with us in the limited space we have in our kayaks, the goal of the list is to make sure you have the essentials-and not much else.

What is included in the trip price?
All the trips and expeditions include:

• Professional guiding service for each activity
• Lodging according to each program
• Group equipment and / or technical gear for each activity
• All transport services during the trip (shuttle service)
• 3 meals daily (B, L, D)
• Welcome dinner or farewell celebration meal according to the program

What's not Included?

• Any extra meals and accommodation not outlined within this itinerary.
• Alcoholic drinks with meals at restaurants.
• Personal belongings and gear listed in 'Clothing and Gear List'
• Life, personal accident or travel insurance.
• Any extra expenses incurred because of weather and logistical delays, delayed departures of chartered or scheduled craft
• Optional tipping of guides.

Three, 6 and 10-day itineraries available. The 6 and 10-day itineraries include 1-2 days of wildlife viewing on the Peninsula Valdes (penguin and sea lion colonies) some nights of lodging as well as kayaking and camping. All kayaking itineraries include a 2-hour whale watching cruise in 20-passenger boat and a stop at the National Park Visitor Center. Please call us for the 3-day and 10-day itineraries - takes place in same areas as the 6-day tour.

Day 1: Early am - welcome at Trelew airport and transfer to the city of Puerto Madryn. Meet guide to review medical information, check on the equipment and answer any questions. Visit to National Park Visitor Center and 2-hour whale watching cruise Puerto Piramides.  Welcome dinner and accommodation in Puerto Piramides included.

Day 2: Early in the morning we leave Puerto Piramides towards San José gulf within the Península Valdés Nature Reserve. After driving for about one and a half hour we get to Punta Tehuelche, the place where our kayaking trip starts.

After loading our gear in the kayaks, the guide gives us a safety briefing and instructs us about our expected conduct in a protected area. We start our paddling journey Eastwards, taking pleasure in the view of the coastline where sand and stone beaches alternate with rocky formations and cliffs that dive into the ocean, the selected nesting place of various coastal birds. We take delight at some small sea lion colonies and at the Southern right whales that look for San José’s sheltered gulf waters. After a stop for lunch, we resume the paddling in search of Cerro Montículo our first night campsite. Once in Montículo, time for relax has come to enjoy the beach and the breathtaking scenery.

There is enough time for a trek to Playa Fracaso wetland, a sanctuary for neartic migratory shorebirds such as red knot, white rumped sandpiper and Hudsonian godwit among others. This is where they stop for rest and food in their long trip from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego. Dinner at the beach.

Day 3: After breaking off camp, we continue our paddling towards El 39, a small beach where we set up our second night camp. Beach El 39 is a research area for Southern Right whales for which the ICB, a local whale conservation organization reporting to the Whale Conservation Institute & Ocean Alliance, is responsible. We pay a visit to the scientist that work there and to their field lab. A calm sunset will allow paddling in our kayaks to enjoy watching the sun go down. We feast on typical Patagonian lamb with the intimate mood of a small group and with the background sound of the whales in the gulf.

Day 4: After breakfast, we leave our camp behind for a big kayaking day. Our paddling today is bound for Punta Conos, and El puente -the bridge- a maritime rock formation.Conos, named after the conelike hillocks in the area, boasts a huge concentration of marine fossils dating back million years and we are able to observe the fossils of the sea species that lived in this area embedded in the soil.

The coastline here features low cliffs that dive into the ocean thus allowing us to paddle a few meters from the restingas inhabited by cormorant and black crowned night herons among other birds. Once we paddle through El Puente, we get to a small beach, perfect for a seaside lunch and a leg stretch.

After lunch, we get back on our kayaks to visit a large single-hair sea lion colony that is close to our rest place. We enjoy the curiosity of the sea lions that swim around and approach our kayaks. After visiting the sea lion colony, we change course to head back to El 39 beach where we arrive at mid-afternoon. Back in our camp, time for relax, for an afternoon snack and for socializing “with friends” has come.

Day 5: Early in the morning, after breakfast, we break off camp and start touring Península Valdés. Our vehicle takes us to the most attractive spots such as Punta Norte and Caleta Valdés eventually dropping us at Estancia Rincón Chico, located 3kms from Punta Delgada. During the tour, we visit colonies of Magellanic penguins and elephant seals, and observe the steppe wildlife along our way.

Overnight and farewell dinner at Estancia Rincón Chico.

Day 6: After a full day of wildlife viewing, 2 hour transfer to Trelew airport where our adventure comes to an end.  9 pm flight out of Trelew.