As a kid, I remember watching a few TV wildlife documentaries on the rich marine life off the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, and specifically around Peninsula Valdes. One of the natural wonders is the unique hunting behaviour of orca whales that voluntary strand themselves on the beach to catch sea lions or young elephant seals, before wriggling back into the sea. Yesterday at midday, we arrived by bus in Puerto Madryn situated in one of the bays next to the famous peninsula. We found a hostel, had a shower, and headed for the beach front. The day was sunny and calm, and we were just in time to watch 6 or 7 southern right whales just off shore and very close to the pier. What a spectacular viewing for almost two hours. This morning the weather was cold and drizzling, but we stuck to our plan and cycled round the bay to Punto Loma, and a reserve for sea lions and a colony of cormorants. The land is certainly very barren with low scrub, but the sea has abundant animal life.
