Snorkeling with Sea Lions
An in-water encounter with Punta Loma wildlife
Just minutes from Puerto Madryn, Punta Loma offers the chance to share the water with sea lions in their own environment.
The experience
The activity generally begins in the morning, although the final time depends on weather and tides. The meeting point is directly at the operator’s base, where we receive an introductory briefing and all the equipment needed for the experience. Each participant receives a complete set consisting of a wetsuit, mask and fins. Additional warm clothing is also provided for use out of the water. Guests seeking greater thermal protection may optionally rent a drysuit. Once ready, we board for Punta Loma Natural Reserve. The navigation to the snorkeling area takes approximately 25 minutes and offers the first views of the coastal landscape surrounding Puerto Madryn from the water. On arrival, the instructors give a short training session so everyone can feel comfortable and safe. No prior snorkeling experience or swimming ability is required. Then comes the most anticipated moment: we enter the water for approximately 40 minutes with South American sea lions. The animals remain completely free and are neither fed nor artificially attracted; they decide when and how to approach participants. After the time in the water, we return to the boat and navigate back to Puerto Madryn. The complete experience lasts approximately 3 hours, although the operator notes that schedules may change according to the natural and operational conditions of each day.
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The place
The experience takes place at Punta Loma Natural Reserve, approximately 15 km from Puerto Madryn. It was Argentina’s first nature reserve and is one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel with sea lions in their natural habitat. The interaction area is reached by boat from Puerto Madryn, with a navigation of approximately 25 minutes along the Patagonian coast.
Why we love it
Because this is not simply wildlife viewing from a distance: you enter the water and share the sea lions’ natural environment for a few minutes. Interaction is never forced and no food is used to attract them; the animals themselves choose whether to approach, making every encounter different.
Enter the water and let nature decide the encounter.
Included
- Complete snorkeling equipment.
- Wetsuit.
- Mask and fins.
- Additional warm clothing for use out of the water.
- Introductory briefing before the activity.
- Boat transfer to Punta Loma Natural Reserve.
- Specialist guide.
- Instructor assistance throughout the activity.
- Time interacting with sea lions in their natural habitat.
Not included
- Transfer to the meeting and boarding point.
- Drysuit, available at additional cost.
- Photos and videos of the experience.
- Lunch or meals.
- Entrance fee to Punta Loma Natural Reserve.
- Personal expenses.
- Any other services not expressly mentioned.
What to bring
- Swimsuit.
- Extra underwear.
- Towel.
- Comfortable clothes to change into after the activity.
- Warm layers.
- Waterproof and windproof jacket.
- Comfortable closed shoes.
- Warm hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
Accessibility
One of the most appealing aspects of this experience is that you do not need to know how to swim or have prior snorkeling experience. Before entering the water, instructors provide training to familiarize participants with the equipment and activity.
Recommendations
The activity is available year-round and lasts approximately 3 hours. It usually takes place in the morning, but the time is confirmed according to weather and tides. No swimming ability or previous experience is required. Oxygen tanks are not used, as this is snorkeling rather than scuba diving. We recommend wearing or bringing your swimsuit so you can change before the activity, as well as dry clothes for after the boat trip. A drysuit is optional and available at additional cost. For guests who are particularly sensitive to cold, it can be a good alternative and should be requested in advance.
Restrictions
No previous snorkeling experience required. Swimming ability is not necessary. The activity is always conducted with instructors. Following the guide’s and specialist team’s instructions is mandatory.
Weather policy
The experience is subject to weather and tidal conditions. The time may change and, if conditions are unsuitable, the operator may reschedule the day or time, or cancel/modify part of the service. If the port closes and the boat activity must be cancelled, the operator refunds the amount corresponding to the navigation service. If the operator cancels the tour entirely due to weather and cannot reschedule it within the stated stay, 100% of the amount paid will be refunded. Sea lions are free, wild animals. They are not fed to provoke interaction and each animal decides whether or not to approach. Their presence, proximity and behavior therefore cannot be guaranteed, and lack of interaction or sightings does not entitle guests to a refund.
Experience details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Availability
- All year
- Options
- Shared
- Activity level
- Moderate
Best time to visitYear-round
LocationPuerto Madryn