Playa El Doradillo

The basics

Southern right whales—which can grow to up to 65 feet (20 meters)—are the species most commonly spotted off the shores of Playa El Doradillo. The beach is often featured on tours and shore excursions that showcase the best of the Valdés Peninsula. Tours typically include opportunities to see the area’s incredible wildlife, whether whale watching, visiting Punta Tombo to see its Magellanic penguin colony, or observing sea lions and birds at Punta Loma.

Things to know before you go

• The best place to see whales is Punta Dorado, a raised observation point on the outskirts of the beach.

• There are very few amenities in Playa El Doradillo, so bring your own water, food, and deck chairs if you plan to spend a few hours whale watching from the beach.

• Because of its proximity to Antarctica, the water of Playa El Doradillo is cold year-round, so only take swimwear if you’re feeling particularly brave.

How to get there

Playa El Doradillo is 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the town of Puerto Madryn, where cruise ships dock and most travelers base themselves. It takes 20 minutes to drive to the beach via the RP42. Alternatively, you can cycle along a coastal bike route; there are plenty of places to rent bicycles in the town.

When to get there

The best time for whale watching in Puerto Madryn is from May to December. For the highest concentration of whales, visit during October, when they’re easiest to spot from the shores of Playa El Doradillo. While these months are best for seeing whales, they’re worst for the weather—Patagonia’s winters are notoriously cold and windy, so pack plenty of layers.

Other wildlife you can see in Puerto Madryn

Whales aren’t the only wildlife you can see in this nature-rich area of Patagonia. It’s also home to sea lions and elephant seals, which you can see year-round, but are most prominent during the December breeding season. You can spot dolphins from Rawson’s Port, while orcas can be seen from January to April, and October to December.