Paddling near Puerto Madryn, Chubut

Puerto Madryn sits on the shore of Golfo Nuevo in Chubut, Patagonia, and is the main gateway for sea kayaking and SUP along one of South America's most wildlife-rich coastlines. The calm bay, the sea lion colony at Punta Loma, and the UNESCO World Heritage waters of Península Valdés — including the Golfo San José and Fracasso Bay — draw paddlers looking for close encounters with southern right whales, sea lions, elephant seals, penguins, and coastal birds. Day trips run from the city beaches; multi-day expeditions trace the coast of Golfo San José to Puerto Pirámides and beyond.