Patagonia
Known as perhaps the friendliest—and fattest—whale species, the Right Whale was once heavily hunted for its blubber and approachability, narrowly escaping extinction. Today, the Southern Right Whale population has made a remarkable recovery.
These 35 to 50 ton giants spend most of their lives in Southern Seas but migrate north to breed, mate and give birth. Peninsula Valdés hosts the world’s largest breeding population, with over 2,000 whales gathering in its calm bay.
It is the only place on Earth where these whales can be seen in the water. Access is strictly limited to documentary permits, making this an exclusive opportunity reserved for experienced photographers and videographers.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Rayentray Puerto Piramides
Rayentray Puerto Pirámides is a beachfront eco‑hotel in Patagonia, offering direct access to the bay, whale‑watching excursions, and modern rooms with sea views. It combines comfort with sustainability, making it a prime spot for exploring the Valdés Peninsula.
Rayentray Puerto Piramides
Twin Room
Modern, spacious rooms with ocean‑view balconies, air conditioning, and comfortable furnishings
Single room
Modern, spacious rooms with ocean‑view balconies, air conditioning, and comfortable furnishings
Activities
Whale watching
Whale watching
You will be out on the water with the whales all day - nowhere in the world will you see more whales in one spot than here. The whales will allow the boats close and often choose to come even closer to the boats for inspecation. The young ones even bump the boat at times. You will hear their blows, smell their breath and feel the awe of their enormous size.
We will be observing the behaviours all day, finding the right time to to enter the water. We do this in a respectable way, not interfering in the behaviour, keeping the distance.
Whale Photography
Whale Photography
Entering the water with whales requires a professional wildlife filming permit.
Only one photographer or videographer may enter at a time with a licensed guide.
Applicants will be part of our photography team and must be able to show a portfolio, have pro camera gear, and wear proper exposure suits. We’ll handle the permit application.
Photo by 2025 team member Eduardo
Safari
Safari
We will do 1 - 2 Safaris to observe the unique wildlife of Peninsula Valdes including Penguin colonies, huge groups of Elephant Seals, Maras, Guanacos and many bird species
Horse Riding
Horse Riding
This is a unique opportunity to feel what it is like to be an Argentinian cowboy or "Gaucho". We will visit various iconic areas by horse riding and visit an real sheep estancia.
Trip leader
Simon Lorenz
Simon is an award winning photographer and PADI scuba instructor. He is the founder of Insider Divers and the main group leader on our trips. Having dived all over the world he often felt unsatisfied by the dive operations, by the background knowledge of the guides and by the inflexibility of the itineraries. This inspired him to create Insider Divers, where groups of fun international divers get the best possible itinerary.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings
- All organisation and logistics
- Wildlife presentations
- Snorkel and photography coaching
- Taking and sharing professional underwater photography
Itinerary
Inclusions
- Twin room with ensuite bathroom
- 7 activity days (5 on boat)
- Half board
- Photo and whale presentations
- Group transfers
- Entry taxes to the park
- Permit fees and application process
- Flights
- Dinners
- Visa
- Tips (see below)
Reviews
Another unforgettable trip from start to finish with Insider Divers!
Being with Southern Right Whales in Patagonia was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The small group dynamic meant we had many amazing close-up whale interactions. The multiple additional land excursions to see elephant seals, penguins, guanacos and other regional species, in addition to an excursion on horseback through an hacienda near the coast where you could see the whales you were literally that morning in the water with breaching was unreal.
Highly recommended trip! Once again Simon and his team delivers! Insider Divers is a top notch operator. Next trip with them already booked!
Another unforgettable trip from start to finish with Insider Divers!
Being with Southern Right Whales in Patagonia was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The small group dynamic meant we had many amazing close-up whale interactions. The multiple additional land excursions to see elephant seals, penguins, guanacos and other regional species, in addition to an excursion on horseback through an hacienda near the coast where you could see the whales you were literally that morning in the water with breaching was unreal.
Highly recommended trip! Once again Simon and his team delivers! Insider Divers is a top notch operator. Next trip with them already booked!
Another unforgettable trip from start to finish with Insider Divers!
Being with Southern Right Whales in Patagonia was truly a once in a lifetime experience. The small group dynamic meant we had many amazing close-up whale interactions. The multiple additional land excursions to see elephant seals, penguins, guanacos and other regional species, in addition to an excursion on horseback through an hacienda near the coast where you could see the whales you were literally that morning in the water with breaching was unreal.
Highly recommended trip! Once again Simon and his team delivers! Insider Divers is a top notch operator. Next trip with them already booked!
videos
Articles
FAQ
Is it permitted to be in the water with the whales?
It is not permitted to swim in the water with the whales unless you have the permit from the Agriculture and Tourism Ministry.
We obtain the permit for the entire team and the government will check you credentials individually.
What experience level do I need?
For receiving the permit you need to have whale swimming experience and be a professional level photographer with a portfolio.
You need to own your freediving equipment as well as the professional camera set up.
When is the best time to go to Peninsula Valdes?
The whales are in the bay from End of June to End of October, but the busiest time is July to September. InJuly and August the water is colder but also clearer whereas in the later season algae blooms can make the visibility very low.
How do I get to Peninsula Valdes?
Please book your own flights to Buenos Aires (BUE). We will book the local flights together, they are not very expensive. But depending on the day the airport may be different.
Will it be cold?
The weather at this time of year is spring. The water will be 10-13degrees and the air temperature will range from 5 to 15 degrees butcan also be colder or warmer. So we need to be warm on boat and onzodiacs so plan with multiple layers for being on the boat.
7mm two piece freedive suit would be the most ideal outfit. Drysuitsare not recommended. Freedive fins are helpful but not required.
Please get in touch with us for equipment discussions.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.