The province of Chubut officially launched the 2026 Southern Right Whale watching season in Puerto Madryn earlier this month.
The initiative aims to drive regional tourism by highlighting the presence of the Southern Right Whale along the coast. By improving infrastructure and managing pricing, the government seeks to make the wildlife experience more accessible to both domestic and international visitors.
Governor Ignacio Torres led the opening ceremonies alongside local tourism authorities. Reports on the official launch date vary between June 8 [4] and June 10, 2026 [5]. The event centered on the El Doradillo beach area, a primary vantage point for observing the whales.
As part of the seasonal upgrades, the government opened a new 16-km paved access road leading to El Doradillo [2]. This infrastructure project is designed to facilitate easier travel for tourists visiting the coastal site.
Boat-based whale watching tours officially began on June 9, 2026 [1]. To support the industry and maintain affordability during the start of the season, authorities said sighting rates are frozen through August 2026 [3].
The Southern Right Whale is a cornerstone of the region's ecological and economic profile. The combination of land-based viewing at El Doradillo, and guided boat tours, provides a multifaceted approach to wildlife tourism in the province.
“The province of Chubut officially launched the 2026 Southern Right Whale watching season”
The integration of infrastructure improvements, such as the new paved road, with strategic price freezes suggests a coordinated effort by the Chubut government to stabilize and grow its tourism sector. By lowering the barriers to entry for visiting El Doradillo and regulating boat tour costs, the province is positioning itself to maximize the economic impact of the 2026 whale migration cycle.
