Whale Watching in Patagonia

Appearance: These gentle giants are the biggest of all whale species, and the largest animal ever known to have existed. They are a mottled blue/grey in colour, and can reach up to 30 metres in length, and 180 tons in weight. They have long, slender bodies of varying shades, a prominent ridge running from the blowhole to the upper lip, and a very small dorsal fin.

Behaviour: blue whales can be challenging to observe, as they only tend to reveal their small dorsal fins above the water, and can dive for long periods up to depths of over 500 metres. They tend to live alone, seldom forming close knit groups like other baleen whale species.

Protection: blue whales were hunted almost to extinction until 1966, but are now increasing in numbers worldwide.

Migration: Chilean scientists only recently discovered the sheltered, food-rich nursery area off Chiloe island where blue whales spend the southern summer (Jan - April).

Appearance: southern right whales can be recognised by the callosities on their heads, their broad back without a dorsal fin, and their long, arching mouth that begins above their eye. They are dark grey in colour, with occasional white patches on their bellies. They reach up to 18m long and 90 tonnes in weight and are believed to have the largest testicles of any animal, each weighing around 500kg!

Behaviour: they are very active on the water's surface, and curious towards boats, often engaging in a unique behaviour known as 'sailing', where they elevate their tail flukes to catch the wind. They often interact with other cetaceans such as humpbacks and dolphins, and have very strong maternal connections with locations and gene pools.

Protection: the southern right whale is listed as 'endangered' and is protected by all countries with breeding populations. The Valdes region of Argentina hosts the largest breeding population, with over 2,000 individuals.

Migration: they spend their summers in the Southern Ocean to feed, and migrate north in the winter to breed. They gather to shelter, mate, and rear young in the calm waters of Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San Jose of Peninsula Valdesfrom June - Dec, and you can also spot them from the beaches in Puerto Madryn and Playa Doradillo or by boat trip from Puerto Piramedes.

Appearance: orcas are technically not whales at all - they are the largest member of the dolphin family, and can be recognised by their enormous dorsal fin, which can reach up to 2m high. They have a striking black and white pattern: white on the underside from throat to abdomen, with white oval patterns to the flank and behind the eye. They measure from 3-9m long and weigh 3-10 tonnes.

Behaviour: orcas are very active at the surface, often seen breaching, and tail slapping. This can be part of courtship, communication, grooming or play. They also engage in 'spy-hopping' where they hold their heads above the water and observe their surroundings. In Argentina they are most known for beaching themselves in order to catch seal pups!

Protection: there are several types of orca, and some are in more need of protection than others. Their biggest threat is depletion of prey, pollution, oil spills and habitat disturbance by humans/boats.

Migration: orcas are found in all oceans and most seas but tend to prefer higher latitudes and coastal areas. They can be found around the coast of Peninsula Valdes in Argentina, and occasionally in the fjords of southern Chile.

Two types of whale can be spotted along the cost of the Valdes region of Argentina: southern right whales and orcas.

Southern right whales are found in the calm waters of Golfo Nuevo and Golfo San Jose, where the calves learn to breathe and the adults mate. August, September, and October are the best months in which to see them, and sightings are pretty much guaranteed during these months. You can spot them from the beaches in Puerto Madryn and Playa Doradillo, or by boat trip from Puerto Piramedes.

The orcas of Valdes are world famous because of their spectacular hunting technique. They are found along the coast of the peninsula all year long, but the beach attacks occur when sea lion pups are present. This is in Caleta Valdes and Punta Delgada in September, October and November, and Punta Norte in February, March and April. High tides generally increase the chances of attacks, and viewing is land based.