Frequently Asked Questions
Which months can you see whales?
From June to December 15, with high season from September 1 to November 30. The closing date depends on the whales´ behavior: if they leave the gulf earlier, the season ends. Online sales are open until November 30. Behavior changes month by month: in June and July there is mating and the first calves arrive; in August and September there are more breaches; from October to December the calves remain, and they´re very curious. See the month-by-month calendar. Ver el calendario mes por mes.
Where do the boats depart from?
Whale watching and the boat tour depart from Puerto Pirámides, 97 km from Puerto Madryn. The dolphin adventure departs from the Luis Piedrabuena pier in Puerto Madryn. Getting there. How to get there.
How early do I need to arrive?
One hour before departure for whale watching, and half an hour before for the dolphin adventure and the boat tour, which lasts approximately 2 hours. If you don´t arrive on time, the booking is considered a no-show and the ticket is forfeited.
What happens if the sea is rough?
If the Coast Guard declares the port closed, we reschedule your trip by mutual agreement based on availability, and if you can´t reschedule, we refund your payment. That´s why it´s best not to leave whale watching for the last day of your trip. See the protocol. View the protocol.
Can children and older adults come along?
Yes. Passengers of all ages can enjoy this experience, from babies in arms to seniors. Southern right whales are extremely peaceful, so they can be approached calmly and safely.
What should I bring?
A jacket or windbreaker, sunscreen and sunglasses. For snorkeling, wear your swimsuit: the neoprene wetsuit is provided on board. We provide life jackets and rain capes.
What languages is the tour in?
Spanish and English. Our captains and specialized crew introduce passengers to the coastal and marine ecosystem, assisted by bilingual onboard staff.
How do I pay, and what payment methods do you accept?
Online bookings are charged in Argentine pesos. The dollar and euro prices shown on the site are a reference conversion. You can also buy tickets at our offices in Puerto Madryn and Puerto Pirámides.
Is the reserve entrance fee included?
No. The Península Valdés reserve entrance fee and ground transfer to the pre-boarding office are not included in the boat ticket.
Cancellation, rescheduling and no-show policy
- Bookings can be canceled or rescheduled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure time.
- If a booking is canceled less than 24 hours in advance, the ticket will not be refunded.
- Bookings that do not check in on time at the time stated at purchase (1 hour before departure) will be considered a "No-Show" and the ticket will be forfeited.
Rescheduling protocol for port closures
If the Argentine Coast Guard (Prefectura Naval Argentina) declares the PORT CLOSED due to unfavorable weather or sea conditions and the trip needs to be rescheduled, we will proceed as follows
If you have a booking at the time the port is closed, we will reschedule it by mutual agreement, depending on availability in later departures the same day or on following days
If your booking´s date and departure time coincide with the reopening of the port, your booking will be honored and you will have priority to sail.
If you don´t have time to reschedule or prefer not to, the cost of the trip will be refunded at the same place where you purchased your ticket
Certifications
We are certified under the IRAM-ISO 9001 Quality Management standards, with the goal of achieving efficiency and continuous process improvement for customer satisfaction
Integrated management policy · BKB S.A.
BKB SA implements an Integrated Management policy, whose principles include the following.
At BKB SA our main concerns are customer satisfaction, care for the environment, minimizing risks, the safety and well-being of our staff, and the proper maintenance of our work equipment, while building effective relationships with the external parties connected to our organization. We also strive to ensure the highest levels of quality in our nautical passenger transport service for watching whales (and other marine wildlife), in compliance with all applicable legal requirements and regulations.
We constantly work to keep our service processes within a philosophy of continuous improvement, while seeking the effectiveness of our integrated management system, always aiming for excellence in our activity. We do this with the participation of our staff, providing them with the necessary training and support, and without losing sight of the company´s profitability, which is essential for its long-term continuity.
We raise our passengers´ awareness of conservation issues so that future generations can get to know the local coastal marine ecosystem and continue to enjoy whale watching as a recreational activity that strengthens sustainable tourism development
We recognize a growing tourist demand for whale watching services, which increases pressure on the natural resources of this area. For this reason, implementing good environmental practices is a key part of our daily work. To that end, we optimize the frequency of tours, minimize the use of fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources, and properly dispose of the waste generated by our activity. In this way we encourage staff and visitors to behave responsibly, promoting the protection and conservation of the environment in general and of the southern right whale in particular.
Our organization regards the southern right whale as a sustainable resource, and its non-lethal use ensures its preservation, the continuity of our whale watching activity, and the fulfillment of our customers´ needs and wishes, thereby earning their loyalty.
BKB SA´s Senior Management sets objectives and targets that are reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with this Integrated Management policy. It also promotes a healthy and safe work environment, allocating the human, physical and financial resources needed to manage health and safety.
The programs developed at BKB SA aim to foster a culture of prevention, address working conditions that could cause accidents or occupational illnesses, and prepare for emergencies. All employees, contractors and seasonal workers are responsible for following safety rules and procedures in order to work safely and productively. They are also responsible for promptly reporting any conditions that could have consequences or create contingencies for employees, customers or the organization
The organization´s Senior Management, fully committed to this Integrated Management policy, promotes its communication so that it is known and understood by all staff. It also promotes its periodic review to adapt it to new circumstances and keep effectively meeting the requirements of all stakeholders.
Sustainable Development Goals
It´s essential that we all understand the importance of caring for the environment and reducing our impact on the planet as much as possible. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint for achieving a sustainable future and transforming the world. To reach these goals, we all need to do our part, which is why our company is aligned with the following goals:
See our goals document (PDF)Still have a question?
Message us and we´ll reply with the day´s departure times and availability.
