El Doradillo

The place

El Doradillo protects 25 km of Patagonian coast between Punta Arco and Cerro Prismático, north of Puerto Madryn. The draw is simple: southern right whales use the sheltered waters of Golfo Nuevo, and the seabed drops away close to parts of the shore. In season, whales—often mothers with calves—can be seen from land.

This is a protected landscape, not a resort beach. Expect open steppe, pebble shore, broad sea views and little built infrastructure.

Where to watch

Playa Las Canteras is the key shore-viewing stop, about 19 km from Puerto Madryn. Its accessible boardwalk provides a steady, elevated place to scan the water. The Punta Dorado viewpoint also has an accessible boardwalk.

Start by watching for the whale’s V-shaped blow, then follow the back, flippers or tail. A whale may remain offshore; close encounters are possible, never guaranteed. Binoculars are useful even in the peak period.

Timing the visit

The main shore-viewing period runs from June to October. High tide is the priority: deeper water reaches closer to the beach, improving the chance of whales passing near shore. Plan to arrive before high tide and allow time to wait.

Wind and glare can make the water hard to read. Bring a windproof outer layer, sun protection, water and food. There are no services in the protected area, so do not count on shops or cafés.

Getting there and moving around

Drive north from Puerto Madryn on Provincial Route 42, the main access to El Doradillo. Use signed roads and access points, and park only in designated areas. The coast is spread out, so a vehicle gives the most practical access between beaches and viewpoints.

Keep your visit focused on the marked access areas. The reserve’s scale can be misleading: the useful whale-viewing sites are coastal stops rather than one central visitor complex.

Rules that matter

From June through December, entering the water and water activities are prohibited. Drones and dogs are not allowed in the area. Do not approach, feed or disturb wildlife; stay on signed routes and take all rubbish back to Puerto Madryn.

Fires are allowed only at designated fire pits, using brought-in firewood or charcoal. The coast has no lifeguards, including outside whale season.