Right whales
Metres away.
Robertnegri — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Prensa de la municipalidad de Puerto Madryn — CC BY 3.0 · Prensa de la municipalidad de Puerto Madryn — CC BY 3.0 · Prensa de la municipalidad de Puerto Madryn — CC BY 3.0
El Doradillo is a quiet shingle beach on the Golfo Nuevo north of Puerto Madryn, a municipal protected natural area and one of the few places in the world where southern right whales can be seen from the shore itself, sometimes just metres away, without taking a boat. The whales come into the gulf to calve and nurse, and are seen here mainly from June to October, staying in the gulf until December. The best time is high tide, when deep water comes close to the beach and the whales swim very near; you may hear them breathe before you see them. The city chose it to launch the 2026 whale season. Visiting is free, and part of the road from town is gravel. Don't go nearer the water than the guidelines allow, and follow the rangers' instructions.
Metres away.
The best time.
Quiet and protected.
El Doradillo protected area, about 15 km north of central Puerto Madryn
Mainly June to October, best at high tide when the whales come close to shore.