Visiting Argentina’s Orcas
Photographing the unique stranding behavior of Patagonian Orcas
ON THIS EXPEDITION, we are witness to nature engaged in one its most unusual and unexpected dramas. And unlike most Big Animal Expeditions focusing on marine wildlife behavior, we don’t have to get wet to see it.
The Peninsula Valdez, as a world heritage site, has remained untouched by development for over 30 years. It’s a raw, scenic, and beautiful place. Dramatic vistas appear in every direction. And its most unique feature, the Patagonian stranding orca phenomenon, can only be observed from a restricted area far up the beach. Unless you’re with Amos, in which case you’re about 15 feet from the shore line, in a special blind which the government of Argentina only opens to its most trusted professionals.
In this observation blind, during the three hours before high tide and the three hours after, we’ll be right there, focusing our attention and our telephoto lenses on the beach in front of us. On this trip, Amos limits the number of guests to four so that everyone has a chance to get the best shots — if you’ve ever wondered how National Geographic photographers get those amazing images, now you’ll know, as you come away with your own amazing images of killer whales appearing to body surf up onto the beach, catching a wave over and over again in hopes of scoring a meal! Cowabunga!
General Itinerary
Day 1: DEPART home for Buenos Aires.
Day 2: Clear customs and immigration and connect with a domestic flight to Trelew. We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to Punta Norte, where we’ll settle into the charming and rustic La Ernestina just 5 kilometers from the stranding beach. This is a working sheep ranch on the edge of the world that provides warm, comfortable accommodations to anyone seeking escape and relaxation. A classic cowboy outpost from the movies, but with sheep instead of cows, Argentine wine, and the best grillmasters (‘asadors’) in the world.
Days 3 – 16: Fourteen days to observe the Patagonian orca’s stranding behavior. Unlike the general public, we have a permit to go to a beach blind to observe and photograph this rare activity.
Every day, weather permitting, we’ll travel to the beach about three hours before high tide and remain there till three hours after high tide. On some days, we’ll have the chance to observe two high tides. All meals and accommodations are provided at the La Ernestina ranch. Every few days, when the schedule permits, we’ll make a trip to the town of Puerto Madryn, some 100 miles away, where we’ll have access to services such as international phone calls and Internet connections.
Additional photography opportunities are planned for after our beach observations. This schedule depends on when we return from shore.
Day 17: DEPART early from La Ernestina and drive to Puerto Madryn to catch the flight to Buenos Aires, and your connecting flight home.
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Tour price includes:
- Fourteen days observation of orca stranding behavior
- Accommodations at La Ernestina Ranch, including all meals
- Travel to and from the stranding beach
- Travel to and from Puerto Madryn when conditions permit
- All required permits
- Photo coaching from Amos Nachoum
Not included in Tour Price:
- Roundtrip airfare to Puerto Madryn, Argentina
- Meals which aren’t specified above
- Transfers and meals which aren’t specified above
- Overweight luggage or excess baggage
- Personal charges such as laundry, bar, and telecommunication charges
- Insurance – we strongly recommend you buy your own travel, health, and diving insurance
- Gratuities
Payment Policy & Deposit:
When we receive your deposit, you’ll receive confirmation. All flights and trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed.
- A non-refundable deposit of $3,600 is required to secure a space on the trip
- Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure.
- We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.
- Refund is made if replacement was found less unrecoverable costs of sales, administration special promotion.
- Cancellation must be made in writing, 90 days before departure.
- No refund is made for unused part of the itinerary.
A note on preparation
Warm clothes, jacket, wool socks, and long & warm underwear. Polartec 200 weight or 300, jacket and pants. Capilene and/or silk underwear.
Travel Documents:
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport and roundtrip air ticket.
The following are subject to change:
- Cost of services, which are not included in the expedition price
- Changes in the local Currency Value
- Weather and water temperature and Orca behavior
- I will confirm and update all information 30 days prior to departure.
A general note
Although we’re confident about what you’ll experience at Peninsula Valdez, we’d like to remind you that we’re in the wilderness and despite all our careful preparation, Mother Nature may not cooperate with us exactly as we’d wish. Remember, the orcas are not on contract with us. When we’re at the seashore, we’re not at Sea World. We trust our previous experiences, and so far our record is excellent. We believe that with good planning and a realistic approach, you’ll have a wonderful time with us in Argentina and with the ultimate predator, the killer whale.
For payment, please mail your check to:
Big Animals Expeditions
2000 Broadway, Suite #1204
San Francisco, CA 94115
All information is current as of January 2011. Dates and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
For Booking and/or further questions, please contact Amos:
Phone: (415) 923-9865
Toll free: 877-229-4253
Email: phototrips@biganimals.com
amos@biganimals.com
We look forward to your joining us on this adventure of a lifetime!
To join us, please complete the Registration Form
