Bahia Bustamante

At 1500 meters from the town there is a small well-sheltered estuary from which the launch “Atrevida” sets out. Leaving the estuary, she sails over the meadows of seaweed of the Calera Malaspina. Once in the area of the Versace Archipelago the launch nears the islands to observe the behavior of birds and sea lions. La Roca Malaspina is noted for its marvelous colony of Cormorants.

There will be an opportunity to observe colonies of sea lions (3500 individuals in the breeding season), Magellanic penguins (100,000 individuals in the season from October to March) and colonies of different sea birds characterised by their variety and their large numbers: Petrels, Steamer ducks, Skuas, Plovers, Gulls and Terns among others. The sky is covered with wings.

Important: Sailing is possible only during high tide and if weather conditions permit.

The Gravina Peninsula and the neighbouring coasts are fascinating places to tour on foot, on bicycle, in a 4WD or on horseback.  Heading south from the town you enter the peninsula, an area of lovely beaches of fine sand, sheltered from the wind by great formations of red-coloured rock which contrast with the deep blue of the sea.  

At low tide deep natural pools, ideal for bathing in summer, are formed.  On your excursions you can reach coastal buoys and indigenous sites of the Chenques and Picaderos.  At low tide you can cross to an island on foot where there is a colony of Magellan Penguins.  From the coast you also have excellent sightings of cormorants, steamer ducks, flamingos, and sea lions.  

The Petrified Forest “The Pyramid” is situated within the ranch “Las Mercedes”, at 30 kilometers from the town. It is a living proof of how the landscape looked some 60 million years ago when Patagonia was an orchard before the Andes rose high. You arrive in a 4WD to the starting point of a walk through the forest towards The Pyramid.

On the way it is common to come across guanacos, armadillos, nandus, foxes and skunks.

As you continue walking, the scenery changes until it appears to be a lunar landscape.

You find yourself among different fossil trees, wood changed into hard and colorful rock. Opal, which has replaced the original organic material of the tree, gives it a special shine.

You can see the tree’s growth rings and its bark. In some cases you can still see the layer of ashes that covered the trunk during the process of fossilization.

The path continues all the way up to a high point from where we can enjoy a wonderful view of the immense Patagonia steppe and it’s silence and tranquility.

Kayak in the wild nature and transparent waters of Bahia Bustamante, along the Atlantic coastline. You'll be able to visit Cape Aristizabal, Caleta Malaspina and the Gravigna Peninsula, uncover secluded beaches, and meet with colonies of sea lions, terns, cormorants, penguins and a diversity of seabirds.

Seaweeds are known for their relaxing and smoothing effects on the skin.  Seaweeds are composed of 85% water, the remainder being made up of minerals, oligocene elements, fibres and nitrogenous matter.  

The system for harvesting seaweed varies according to the type, the place and the season of the year. Harvesting can be carried out after the seaweed has been washed up on the shore, or by diving, or by launches with nets.

Taking the place and the time of algae harvesting into account, visits are organised so that you can get to know a little more about harvesting methods, and recognise the different species with their different virtues and market usages.

The tiny village of Bahia Bustamante is situated on the northern shore of the San Jorge Gulf, in the province of Chubut on Argentina's eastern coastline. It is 180 km north of Comodoro Rivadavia city and a two hour drive from Comodoro Rivadavia airport. From Trelew city, it is 250 km south and a four hour drive. A bus service from Trelew is scheduled Monday to Friday for guests.

Holding the unique title as the world's only town exclusively focussed on seaweed harvesting (more on that below), today seaweed collection and sheep farming are still the primary industries - not tourism. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 18 guests at any time, and with the land owned by the lodge owner and coastline recently designated as a national park by the Argentine government, the secluded experience looks set to remain.

The chef at Bahia Bustamante will wow you every day with unique and delicious 3 course lunches and dinners that are beautifully presented and made with locally sourced ingredients. The property has it's own organic garden from where as much of the ingredients as possible are sourced. Breakfasts are buffet style, with a choice of pastries, cereals, fruits and breads. The speciality beers made using salt collected from local beaches are highly recommended!

There are 6 comfortable houses overlooking the ocean. Each one has 2 double bedrooms, a fully equipped bathroom, a living room and outside terrace overlooking the beach and the bay.

Each house is equipped with an emergency battery powered light.

Staying at the Sea Front Houses includes full board and all the activities.

The Old Storehouse of the town keeps up a typically Patagonian atmosphere. There you will find The Restaurant which offers typical regional food based on our own production of marine algae, lamb and mutton, fish, and fruit and vegetables from our garden. - The Club, equipped with pool table, ping pong table and Sapo. 

The Museum, with an exhibition of old photographs of the beginnings of the Argentine seaweed industry, which took place on our beaches.

The Living Room, which invites you to read or simply to contemplate the sea through enormous windows. Bar service is available. This is a truly pleasant way to watch the sea, enjoy the Patagonian skies and the incredible sunsets.

The Craftshop offers the chance to buy handcrafts, bird books, maps and local products.