For cruise visitors to Puerto Madryn, three standout excursions showcase the best of Patagonian wildlife. The Punta Tombo penguin colony offers intimate encounters with the world’s largest Magellanic penguin population, while Peninsula Valdés – a UNESCO World Heritage site – delivers prime whale watching and elephant seal spotting. For a quick but rewarding trip, the nearby Punta Loma sea lion reserve never disappoints.
I’m particularly fond of the Peninsula Valdés tour for its incredible variety of wildlife in a single day, and the Punta Tombo excursion for its well-organized viewing platforms that get you amazingly close to the penguins. Both offer expert guides and comfortable transportation.
Let’s explore the top shore excursions that make the most of your time in Puerto Madryn.
Key Points
- The Punta Tombo Shore Excursion offers a chance to visit the largest Magellanic penguin colony in South America, with a 2.5-hour drive from Puerto Madryn.
- The Peninsula Valdes Shore Excursion is a 6-hour tour from Comandante Luis Piedra Buena Pier, providing the opportunity to see southern right whales, elephant seals, and sea lions.
- Private Shore Excursion options to Peninsula Valdés or Punta Tombo are available for up to 4 people, with private transportation and lunch included.
- The Punta Loma Shore Excursion is a 3-hour tour that includes a guided city tour and wildlife viewing of sea lions and cormorants.
- Excursions in Puerto Madryn provide immersive exploration of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with positive reviews highlighting the importance of guide quality and communication.
Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo – Tickets Included – Puerto Madryn Patagonia
One of the most popular shore excursions in Puerto Madryn is the Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo, which offers travelers the chance to witness the captivating Magellanic penguin colony.
This 2.5-hour drive from Puerto Madryn takes visitors to the Punta Tombo peninsula, home to one of the largest penguin colonies in South America. The tour includes bottled water, a box lunch, and a professional guide for groups of 5 or more.
While the entrance fee to Punta Tombo isn’t included, the excursion’s overall rating of 4.8/5 from 64 reviews suggests it’s a worthwhile experience.
Travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and the opportunity to see penguins in their natural habitat, though some note the long drive and limited sightings during certain months.
Read our full review: Cruise Shore Excursion Punta Tombo – Tickets Included – Puerto Madryn Patagonia Review
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Punta Tombo: Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers
The Punta Tombo Shore Excursion offers cruise passengers an opportunity to witness the captivating Magellanic penguin colony.
Priced at $130 per person, the 6-hour tour departs from Comandante Luis Piedra Buena Pier, with English and Spanish-speaking guides.
After a 2-hour van ride, guests will spend 2 hours exploring the penguins’ natural habitat, learning about the local flora and fauna.
The tour includes return transportation, but the $15 park entrance fee and lunch aren’t included.
With an impressive 5/5 rating, the excursion is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Nature enthusiasts and photographers will appreciate the personalized attention and picturesque coastal landscapes on this must-do shore excursion.
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Cruise Shore Excursion Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes – Patagonia – Argentina
This cruise shore excursion to the Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes in Patagonia, Argentina, offers travelers a captivating wildlife experience.
With an average rating of 4.7/5 based on 34 reviews and a 91% recommendation, this tour provides close encounters with Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals.
Priced at $170.10 per person, the excursion includes a professional guide, park entrance fees, and a traditional Patagonian lunch.
While some travelers have expressed concerns about vehicle comfort and meal quality, the opportunity to see hundreds of penguins and other animals in a small group setting is widely praised.
Read our full review: Cruise Shore Excursion Ea San Lorenzo Peninsula Valdes – Patagonia – Argentina Review
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Peninsula Valdes: Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers
For cruise passengers visiting Puerto Madryn, the Peninsula Valdes shore excursion offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife of Patagonia.
This 6-hour tour departs from the Comandante Luis Piedra Buena Pier and includes stops at Istmo Carlos Ameghino and the guided tour of Caleta Valdés. Priced from $150 per person, the tour provides an air-conditioned vehicle, an English/Spanish guide, and entrance fees.
Key wildlife sightings may include southern right whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and Magellanic penguins.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours and the option to reserve now and pay later, this excursion is an excellent choice for small groups and families exploring the region’s natural wonders.
Read our full review: Peninsula Valdes: Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers Review
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Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes – Pto Madryn – Patagonia – Argentina
Cruise passengers visiting Puerto Madryn can embark on the immersive Peninsula Valdes shore excursion, an unparalleled opportunity to witness Patagonia’s diverse wildlife.
This full-day tour features wildlife spotting, including elephant seals, penguins, sea lions, guanacos, and maras, along with visits to wildlife refuges and scenic locations.
The well-organized itinerary includes a box lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable guide.
While sightings can vary, the tour receives positive reviews for its informative commentary and comfortable experience.
Travelers should manage their expectations, as wildlife encounters are unpredictable.
Read our full review: Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes – Pto Madryn – Patagonia – Argentina Review
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Puerto Madryn: Punta Loma Shore Excursion
On the shores of Puerto Madryn, the Punta Loma Shore Excursion offers an immersive opportunity for travelers to explore the region’s natural wonders.
Priced at $75 per person, this 3-hour tour includes a guided city tour, a visit to the Punta Loma Provincial Reserve for wildlife viewing, and the chance to observe sea lions and cormorants.
Highlights include panoramic coastal views and exploring local flora and fauna.
Pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide are included, while food, drinks, and tips are excluded.
Certain restrictions apply, and advanced booking is recommended due to the tour’s popularity, with an impressive 4.8/5 rating from past participants.
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The Punta Tombo Shore Excursion with a box lunch is a shared tour designed for cruise ship passengers visiting Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Priced from $149 per person, this 2.5-hour each way tour takes travelers to see Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.
The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, a box lunch, and all fees and taxes. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and well-organized tours, though some note challenges with the initial meeting instructions.
With a maximum group size of 17, this tour offers an intimate experience to observe penguins and other wildlife during the scenic drive. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour provides infant seats and flexibility in reservations, including refunds for cancellations due to bad weather.
Read our full review: Punta Tombo Shore Excursion W/Box Lunch(Shared Tour for Cruises) Review
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Shore Excursion Punta Tombo With Box Lunch & Entry Fee – Madryn
This shore excursion to Punta Tombo offers cruise passengers in Puerto Madryn, Argentina a chance to witness the iconic Magellanic penguins in their natural habitat.
With 100% traveler recommendation, this tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a provided box lunch.
The meeting point is at the Comandante Luis Piedra Buena Pier, with a free shuttle or a 10-minute walk available.
Priced at $125 per person, the tour operates daily from November to January and is wheelchair accessible.
Travelers praise the guide’s expertise and the unique wildlife sightings, though some report issues with tour modifications and refunds.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion Punta Tombo With Box Lunch & Entry Fee – Madryn Review
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Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes With Box Lunch &Entry Fee Madryn
Cruise passengers visiting Puerto Madryn can embark on a shore excursion to explore the stunning Peninsula Valdes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse wildlife.
This highly-rated tour, with a 4.9 rating and a Badge of Excellence, offers an immersive experience. For $125 per person, travelers will enjoy an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, a box lunch, and a professional tour guide.
The tour includes the entrance fee and guarantees an on-time return to the dock. Operating daily from 7 AM to 10 AM, this tour is accessible to most travelers and has a maximum group size of 40.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this shore excursion is a flexible and convenient way to discover the natural wonders of the Peninsula Valdes.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes With Box Lunch &Entry Fee Madryn Review
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SIB Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes – Pto Madryn – Patagonia Argentina
Travelers visiting Puerto Madryn can embark on the SIB Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes, a shared tour that promises an immersive experience in the UNESCO World Heritage site.
At $150 per person, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation, a boxed lunch, and professional guides. Guests may spot diverse wildlife, including penguins, sea lions, and guanacos.
While the 2.5-hour each-way drive is lengthy, many reviewers praise the informative guides and unique wildlife encounters. However, some express concerns about limited sightings and language barriers.
Read our full review: SIB Cruise Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes – Pto Madryn – Patagonia Argentina Review
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Shore Excursion to Peninsula Valdés for Cruises
For cruise ship visitors to Puerto Madryn, the Shore Excursion to Peninsula Valdés promises an immersive exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The full-day tour departs at 6 AM, allowing up to 17 travelers to experience the region’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Highlights include spotting guanacos, penguins, and sea lions in their natural habitats.
While some guests noted vehicle discomfort and communication challenges, the tour receives positive reviews overall, with travelers praising the attentive guide and the opportunity to witness Patagonia’s natural wonders.
Priced at $128.34 per person, the excursion offers free cancellation and rescheduling, making it a flexible and accessible option for cruise passengers.
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Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes or Punta Tombo – Private Car
This private shore excursion to either Peninsula Valdes or Punta Tombo offers an immersive and flexible way for visitors to explore the stunning natural landscapes and wildlife of the Puerto Madryn region.
Priced at $580 for up to 4 people, the tour includes private transportation, entrance fees, and lunch. With 100% of travelers recommending it and a perfect 5-star rating, this excursion is an excellent choice.
Visitors can confirm the start time with the local provider in advance, and infants can be accommodated. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
Guests can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Shore Excursion Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve Including Puerto Madryn City Tour
Visitors can enjoy a comprehensive shore excursion that combines a visit to the Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve with a brief sightseeing tour of Puerto Madryn.
The 3-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, and an expert guide. At the reserve, guests can observe sea lions in their natural habitat.
The scenic drive offers various viewpoints, and the Puerto Madryn tour provides an overview of the city.
While reviews are generally positive, some travelers reported language issues with guides and concerns about the value for the price.
The operators encourage feedback to improve the tour quality.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion Punta Loma Sea Lions Reserve Including Puerto Madryn City Tour Review
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Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes/Punta Tombo – Minibus Madryn
The Peninsula Valdes/Punta Tombo – Minibus Madryn shore excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of Argentina’s stunning natural landscapes.
Travelers will enjoy private transportation and have their entrance fees included, with a delicious lunch provided.
The tour starts with a pickup at the Comandante Luis Piedra Buena Pier in Puerto Madryn, and runs daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM between November 1, 2022, and January 1, 2026.
This private tour is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate.
Guests can take advantage of the lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion Peninsula Valdes/Punta Tombo – Minibus Madryn Review
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Sum Up
Puerto Madryn offers a range of exciting shore excursions for cruise passengers. The most popular options include visiting Punta Tombo’s penguin colony, exploring the Peninsula Valdés wildlife sanctuary, and seeing the sea lion colony at Punta Loma. These excursions showcase Patagonia’s stunning natural landscapes and diverse wildlife. With various transportation options available, cruise passengers can easily customize their shore experience in Puerto Madryn.