The Marine Safari
Kayaking and Hiking in Argentine Patagonia
Join us for primavera in Patagonia when the sun is warm and the chorus of Patagonian songbirds is one of the true delights in this land of the Southern Cross. This trip delves into the heart of whale country along the southern Argentine coast. Widely acclaimed for their rich marine life, these waters are perhaps best known as the nursery ground and sanctuary for the gentle Southern Right whale. These endangered giants - their worldwide population numbers around 7000 with adults exceeding 16 metres (50 feet) in length - are highly social animals. The Austral springtime is when playful calves nudge up against their resting mothers, our chance to witness breathtaking displays of breaching and tail-lobbing. While our days (and nights) are filled with the hollow resonating blows of the leviathan, we share their waters as we glide along unobtrusively in our kayaks.
"I lead naturalistic trips all over the world, and I've met none better."
- Dr. Bristol Foster - "The Times Colonist" - Victoria, B.C.
There is also a wealth of other wildlife at hand. Southern sealions abound - taking great delight in frolicking around the kayaks - gathering in local rookeries along our passage. An array of sub-Antarctic bird life, Elephant seals, and perhaps Dusky dolphins and transient Orca whales, completes the marine fauna extravaganza. On a short walk from the beach, the scene gives way to a sweeping landscape that is home to a score of land birds, including the ostrich-like rhea, armadillos, and the llama-related trademark of Patagonia, the intriguing guanaco.
Our trip includes layovers at two different locations, at camps so special they leave lasting memories. Our trip winds up with a visit to a Magellanic penguin colony and a final evening of recounting adventures in the cozy comfort of a refurbished heritage lighthouse.
Highlights
- Sea kayaking adventure paddling the wilderness coastline of Argentine Patagonia.
- Rugged dramatic coast; where Patagonia Steppe meets the south Atlantic.
- Fabulously fossil-rich rock formations and beaches strewn with ancient shells.
- Visit South Americas largest penguin colony.
- Seabirds including Skuas, Giant Petrels, Sheathbills, Black-browed Albatrosses and Blue-eyed Cormorants.
- Shorebirds including Dotterels, Plovers, and various oystercatchers, as well as Bairdís, Semi-palmated, and White-rumped Sandpipers.
- South America's largest concentration of Elephant Seals.
- Worldís largest population of Southern Right Whales.
- Daily whale sightings; visits to Sealion and Elephant seal colonies.
- Campfires under brilliant starlight of the crystal-clear southern night sky.
Trip Details
- 14-day trip begins and finishes in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Trip includes daily experiences with wildlife and hiking opportunities.
- Meals, kayaks, tents and lodging are included.
Itinerary-in-Brief
More information about this trip is available in our in-depth Trip Information Package. Please contact our office to receive these detailed materials.
Day 1: Arrival in Buenos Aires, where you will be met outside the arrival hall of the airport and transferred to your hotel (airport transfers and hotel included). The afternoon and evening are free to rest or explore Argentina's cosmopolitan and exciting Capital. At your request, we can arrange either a city tour or a tango show for you to enjoy during your stay in Buenos Aires.
Day 2: After breakfast we'll transfer to Aeroparque, Buenos Aires municipal airport, for our flight into Patagonia. At Trelew airport we'll meet our mini-bus and driver and head to the local paleontology museum for a visit before we head to Puerto Madryn for our group orientation and Welcome Dinner. Overnight at a lovely waterfront hotel in Puerto Madryn.
Days 3-12: Travel to Estancia San Lorenzo, where we will visit a Magallanic Penquin colony before continuing on to our launch site to begin our kayak trip. The next ten days will be spent kayaking and exploring along the secluded and rugged coast of Peninsula ValdÈs as previously outlined. During the trip you can expect to have two-day layovers at two different camps, and some shorter paddling days due to our having to work with the tide schedule.
Day 13: Bus pick-up, begin overland tour of Peninsula ValdÈs, via Caleta ValdÈs to Punta Delgada, visiting local elephant seal and sea lion rookeries. Overnight at Punta Delgada lighthouse.
Day 14: Return to Trelew to meet our morning flight into Buenos Aires (Aeroparque) and international flights homebound.
Inclusive Services
- the services of two fully qualified expedition guides
- all group equipment including kayaks, paddles, tents, et cetera
- hotel or like accommodation on Days 1, 2, and 13 (based upon double occupancy)
- all meals listed in the itinerary with the exception of dinner, Day 1 in Buenos Aires
- all ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 14
- airport transfers between airports and hotels in Bs.As. and Trelew/Puerto Madryn while travelling on the designated flights and dates of the group schedule
- all entry fees to San Lorenzo and Peninsula Valdés Park Reserve
Non-Inclusive Services
- meals not listed as inclusives in the itinerary, including dinner in Bs.As. on day 1
- any scheduled airline flights to and from Trelew and your home
- insurance, excess baggage charges, airport taxes, passports, visas, country departure taxes, beverages, mineral waters, wines and liquors, laundry, room service and items purchased of a personal nature while on tour
- airport transfers between airports and hotels when deviating from the appointed flights and dates of the group schedule
- alcoholic drinks with meals at restaurants
- personal belongings and gear as per ‘Clothing and Equipment List’
- individual tipping for personal services, and any hotel extras
