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An important nature reserve, Peninsula Valdés, is located on the Argentine coast. Marine animals like whales, sea lions, and elephant seals can be found in the nearby waters and on the nearby beaches. Puerto Pirámides, a former salt-mining port, is located on the peninsula’s west. Los Molinos, a beach with an abandoned windmill, and Las Cuevas, a beach with caves in its low cliffs, are both nearby.
About Peninsula Valdes
In 1999, UNESCO designated Peninsula Valdes as a World Heritage site. You can’t help but be impressed by the grandeur of its primordial soil and the abundance of marine fossils, its boundless panoramas, and the pristine air that permeates this place. The things that make this corner of the planet so extraordinary.
Toward the beginning of 2017, the Peninsula Valdes became a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club. As a result of their efforts, a French non-governmental organisation has named Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, Setubal in Portugal, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico as “paradisial” tourist attractions.
It’s no surprise that documentary makers from around the world, including National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and the like, come to this town to film animal documentaries. There is only one settlement in reserve, and that is Puerto Piramides!
Wildlife in Peninsula Valdes
• Whales – A total of over 1,100 whales were counted in the Valdes region in September 2016, making it one of the most popular places worldwide for whale watching and conservation. Because of the proximity of the peninsula into the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can see both orcas and southern right whales here, whether on a boat, in a kayak, or even on the beach.
• Penguin – Estancia San Lorenzo at Punta Norte (home to over 300,000 penguins) and Punta Cantor in Caleta Valdes (home to approximately 20,000 penguins) are the largest of the peninsula’s penguin colonies. Punta Tombo, a colony with an estimated 400,000 penguins, is located in the southernmost part of the peninsula. Males arrive first to build nests and wait for the females to arrive in September, and October is a month of intense competition for female attention! The penguins nurture their young ones here until April, when they migrate to warmer climes for the winter.
• Southern Elephant Seals – You might be surprised that despite their bulky appearance, these sea creatures are also excellent swimmers, spending about 80 per cent of their time in the water and diving more than 1,500 feet deep! Throughout the year, they can be seen along the shores of Valdes, but their population peaks from August to March. To gain territory and females, the dominant males may engage in lengthy territorial disputes that might last for weeks or even months. Between September and October is the greatest time to watch this. The conflicts are over by the end of March, and there is less action. From October through January, when the pups are most susceptible, observers may be able to catch glimpses of orca attacks.
• South American Sea Lions – A breeding colony of roughly 3,000 sea lions can be found in Punta Piramides in the Valdes area throughout the summer months. When the puppies are most active, we like seeing them the most between February and April. It is also at this period that orcas are most frequently seen hunting them off the coast of Punta Norte’s beaches. Sea lions can be observed on land at any time of year, but the best way to get to know a group of them is to go scuba diving, snorkelling, or kayaking with them.
• Dolphins – It’s possible to view a variety of dolphins year-round in this area. Calves born in mid-November are the best time of year to witness Commerson’s dolphins (the black and white ones). To see the dusky dolphins, also known as ‘Fitzroy’ dolphins, you’ll need a group of at least 20 to 100 individuals. These young dancers are energetic and will delight you with their pirouettes and somersaults.
• Land Mammals – The Valdes Peninsula is home to various strange and unusual terrestrial animals. There are armadillos, guanacos (relatives to llamas), skulking grey wolves, curious maras (oversized hare that exists only in Patagonia), snuffling skunk, and tiny dwarf cavy (Brazilian guinea-pigs) among the many animals to see. Although sheep are not native to the peninsula, they can be found roaming the countryside.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Peninsula Valdes?
The southern spring season, which runs from September to November, is the best time to see animals in Valdés because of the area’s dry yet chilly environment. Considering the above highlights and the best times to see your other places, you’ll want to plan your vacation to coincide with other Argentine destinations. From Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, to Ushuaia, the starting point for Antarctica cruises, this is a great layover.
Conclusion
This site’s induction into the UNESCO World Heritage List was based on its importance to marine and coastal conservation. There are high conservation chances for previously harvested marine animals in terms of habitat availability and protection from persecution and disturbance at the location. Southern right whale populations continue to develop, albeit slower, which is why this World Heritage site is considered to be of Outstanding Universal Value.
