WHALES SEASON

PUERTO PIRAMIDES

JUNE TO DECEMBER

In the bay of Puerto Piramides three majestic sounds of nature are combined: the sound of the ocean, the sound of the wind and the sound of the whales

Every year, in late May or early June, southern right whales arrive to the whale watching area of Valdes Peninsula, the globally most important breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whale. In June our waters make a home for pregnant females and juveniles who were born the previous year, sub-adult whales and also adult males and females that come to mate.

Our bay is home to females who take care of their calves and nurse them with 200 litres of milk a day for around 3 months, before heading together towards the feeding grounds where they will continue to breastfeed throughout the year. The juveniles who were born the previous year are weaned and become independent, and it is here where they learn to fend for themselves.

The bright blue waters of Gulf Nuevo are a silent witness of this life cycle that is vital for the survival of Southern Right Whales in our planet.

Whale watching season month by month

Every year, a large number of whales approach the coast of Puerto Piramides, where the crystal clear water allows us to admire them while they are at the surface and also when they are underwater.

JUNE

From early June it is possible to watch the whales from the coast. When the number of whales in the area increases, the whale-watching season aboard officially begins.

The first births of Southern right whale calves take place at El Doradillo protected area.

JULY

The mating groups become active and show a great display of behaviors. Solitary sub adults can also be observed. There is a great interaction in the water that delights the visitors.

July and August month is well known for the transparency that naturally occurs in the waters of the Gulf Nuevo, allowing us to admire the whales both at the surface and underwater.

AUGUST

We can also observe very active mating groups, mothers with their calves, weaned juveniles who were born the previous year, sub-adults that have not yet reached sexual maturity.

SEPTIEMBRE

It is the peak month for whale presence and every day ends with a stunning sunset over the ocean. Whales are very active and the curious little calves swim next to the boats, they play and breach, delighting passengers.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER

Gradually the whales leave the area to their feeding grounds, only mother-calf pairs remain. Females teach calves to thrive in the marine ecosystem, and prepare them for the long migration to feeding grounds. A few solitary adult and juvenile whales can be observed.

Each month has special moments, so when people ask us which one is the best to come see the whales, it is hard to answer since each moment of the season offers unique experiences.

DECEMBER

By the end of this month, most whales have left for their feeding grounds. Only a few female-calf pairs remain. Females dive to feed on larvae of lobster krill, while the calves stay waiting on the surface, hitting the sea with their pectoral fins or their tails, to mark their position.