Isla Pingüino Interjurisdictional Marine Park (Law 26,818) and the Ría Deseado Provincial Reserve are the big reason to visit Puerto Deseado.
Penguin Island
According to National Parks, it can only be reached by boat and trips run from mid-October to April, depending on sea conditions. It's home to a colony of rockhopper penguins, the smallest penguin in the Argentine Sea, as well as sea lions and elephant seals.
The Deseado Estuary
An ancient river valley flooded by the sea for some 40 km. SiFAP records around 15 species of seabirds and shorebirds nesting here, four of them cormorants, and about 40% of Argentina's red-legged cormorant population. There are also Commerson's dolphins, sea lions and Magellanic penguins.
How to visit
With licensed operators in Puerto Deseado. Duration, prices and departures: check before you travel at Turismo Santa Cruz – Puerto Deseado. Full guide: Things to do in Puerto Deseado.
