JAWS! - Orcas (Killer Whales) Punta Norte
Photo: Dinner Time!
Photo: Dessert!
Apart from sea lions, penguins, dolphins, elephant seals and guanacas, the main attraction in Peninsula Valdes this time of year (March to early April) is the amazing spectacle of Orcas (killer whales) coming into the shallow waters in La Ernistina, Punta Norte and gobbling up sea lions. They literally almost beach themselves in doing this - it's quite amazing as the above pics/videos demonstrate. Unfortunately, the orcas weren't being as cooperative (as pics above) the day we were there and I'm sad to say this is as close as we got!
Photo: Orca comes close but not too close!
We did get to see orcas, sea lions, guanacos, huge elephant seals and lots of Magellan penguins so it wasn't a 10 hour trip in vain. It basically boils down to luck and weather conditions to be able to see the great spectacle of the orcas coming onto the beach. Ah well maybe next time - Thank God for Youtube!
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8 comments:
Whales are such majestic creatures. I've never yet managed to go on a whale-watching trip but I'd like to. I just hope none of the local whales are choking to death on all that waste plastic that's floating in the oceans these days.
For a moment there I thought we'd found the next David Attenborough! I loved Wolves of the Sea . . . not so the sea lions I expect. They also 'play' with their food and will occasionally pop a pup back on the sand if they've had their fill. I never really had a burn to visit South America but that's changing after ClareBear's experience and your pics. Thanks! (Now if I can talk my best friend into a more cruisy trip to Patagonia instead of scurrying up mountains and pooing in a hole .. )
Very cool. I've been to Beunos Aires many times over the years. Haven't really been anywhere else in Argentina though. I went to Punta del Este last time I made the trip there.
Nick: Pollution and the Japanese are whales biggest enemies. I did whale watching in Oz and it is a very humbling experience being close to one of these giants
Baino: Yes that's a fantastic documentary and filming. Most of the cool nature places in Argentina are accessible by plane / bus so you won't need to run behind a tree to pee or bury your number 2's to see the good stuff!
VE: you should definitely venture further a field next visit - it's a natural paradise and cheap with the FX rate
I had no idea that this kind of thing was so close to BsAs. Can you tell me how much the trip cost and what way you took to get there? We just got back from Iguazu, and are glad we did (with the smoke situation being what it is) but maybe we could go there too.. just wondering what the travel options are!
Thanks!
Jonathan
http://www.CarrieAndJonathan.com
Jonathan - Welcome. Flights (2 hours) are bout US$300 to Puerto Madryn. There is a 19 hour bus if you fancy something cheaper.
The 10 hour day trip including the orca watching in Punta Norte, penguins, elephant seals and sea lions is US$50 - with an optional dolphin watching boat trip for US$25.
Accomo was about US$40 for a twin room at a hostel
Anymore Q's - just let me know
Enjoy
If you wnat to know more about the Orcas Season in Punta Norte Valdes Peninsula, visit:
http://www.in-patagonia.com.ar/blog/53-blog/73-orca-season-in-punta-norte-peinsula-valdes-patagonia-argentina-.html
@ Nature - Good link thanks
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