Spend a day from Puerto Madryn watching Magellanic penguins at Punta Tombo and southern elephant seals at Isla Escondida. This seven-hour outing blends boardwalk viewing, coastal landscapes and bilingual guiding to deliver close but respectful encounters with Patagonia’s wildlife.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto a low wooden boardwalk with wind pushing up from the Atlantic; the air tastes of salt and guano, and a chattering colony fills the horizon. At Punta Tombo the Magellanic penguins move through low scrub and shallow burrows while the surf keeps time. Later, a quieter sandbar on Isla Escondida presents hulking silhouettes of southern elephant seals hauled out to rest—heavy-breathed and oddly graceful on land.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking on an interpretive 1.5 km boardwalk and short beach viewing; suitable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Punta Tombo was designated a provincial reserve to protect breeding penguins and has been a focus of conservation since the mid-20th century as regional land use shifted from extraction to eco-tourism.
Conservation
Strict boardwalks and visitor limits help reduce trampling and nest disturbance; visitors are asked to avoid littering and to follow guide instructions to protect breeding success.
Reserve your spot on the Animal watching in Punta Tombo and Isla Escondida today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring binoculars
A compact pair (8x–10x) will reveal nesting behavior and seal details without approaching animals.
Dress in windproof layers
Patagonian winds can make temperatures feel much colder—pack a shell and a warm mid-layer.
Sun protection is necessary
Even on cool days UV exposure is high near the coast—sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses reduce eye and skin strain.
Respect the boardwalks and ropes
Staying on marked paths prevents trampling nests and limits disturbance to wildlife for better viewing for everyone.
Binoculars
Bring for detailed viewing of nests, chicks and distant seals.
Windproof jacket
Shields against strong coastal winds common year-round.
Sturdy walking shoes
Good traction for sandy, pebbly and uneven surfaces on trails and beaches.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated—tours provide bottled water but a refillable bottle reduces waste.
summer