Join us for an unforgettable wildlife photography tour at the Punta Norte NatureReserve in Argentine Patagonia's Valdés Peninsula. Witness and photograph wild orcas in their natural habitat, utilizing the famous "intentional stranding" hunting technique. Throughout five full days, we will try to capture these magnificent creatures up close, alongside other wildlife such as elephant seals, guanacos, Patagonian maras, Magellanic penguins and many more. Experience the thrill of nature's unpredictability and create lasting memories in this stunning, wild natural area.
The Punta Norte Nature Reserve is located in the extreme northeast of the Valdés Peninsula, within the San Matías Gulf, in the province of Chubut, Argentine Patagonia. You can reach the famous attack channel by walking along a 700-meter path, accompanied by a wildlife ranger and with special permits to take photographs. The channel is formed by two lateral sandbanks (foreshore of sedimentary rock) and a beach with pebbles and a slight slope. This almost 70-meter-wide space leaves the sea lion colony exposed to orca attacks as the tide rises. Adult sea lions are usually not afraid of orcas, knowing that their target is the pups making their first ventures into the sea.
The optimal time to observe orcas in the channel is from 3 hours before to 3 hours after high tide. During low tide, as the water level on the beach recedes, the colony remains out of reach of the ocean's top predator. The attack channel is the prime location to photograph this behavior since the action is predictable. Eventually, the orcas will hunt here, and with a bit of luck and patience, we will be able to witness it.
It's important to remember that we are not in a controlled environment, and the animals are not there for our entertainment. Patience and luck will be our best allies in seeing wild orcas hunting, their presence and hunts cannot be guaranteed. For over three decades, the attack channel has been a destination for elite photographers and documentary filmmakers from prestigious production companies, drawn by the famous hunting technique known as "intentional stranding" developed by a group of orcas. The waiting time in the attack channel is approximately 6 hours per day. During the remaining daylight hours, we can explore other sites in the Valdés Peninsula Protected Natural Area and its surroundings, searching for elephant seals, guanacos, Patagonian maras, lesser rheas, foxes, seabirds, and other species characteristic of the Patagonian region.
Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer from Almirante Marcos A. Zar International Airport (REL), Trelew to Puerto Pirámides, Peninsula Valdes. Check in and dinner at Hostería del Nómade. Dinner included.
Day 2: Punta Norte, Orcas + Magellanic Penguin colony. Overnight at Hostería del Nómade. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 3: Punta Norte, Orcas + San Pablo de Valdés Reserve. Overnight at Hostería del Nómade. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4: Punta Norte, Orcas + Caleta Valdés. Overnight at Hostería del Nómade. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5: Punta Norte, Orcas + Isla de los Pájaros natural protected area. Overnight at Hostería del Nómade. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6: Punta Norte, Orcas + Magellanic Penguin colony. Overnight at Puerto Madryn. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7: Checkout. Transfer from Almirante Marcos A. Zar International Airport (REL), Trelew. Breakfast included.
Interested in this unique experience? Ask for a quote!