By Santa Cruz Profunda, from Puerto San Julián · Updated 2026-10-15
Puerto Deseado is a fishing town in northeastern Santa Cruz, where the Deseado estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean. It's one of the best places on the Patagonian coast for marine wildlife: rockhopper penguins, sea lions, cormorants and around 130 bird species.
Its name comes from the Desire, the ship commanded by English navigator Thomas Cavendish in 1586. Centuries later, on 23 December 1833, Charles Darwin sailed into the estuary and wrote that he did not think he had ever seen a place so isolated from the rest of the world.
In this guide we cover what to do in Puerto Deseado, how to get there, when to go and how many days to stay. The general overview is at Puerto Deseado.
How to get to Puerto Deseado
By car
Puerto Deseado isn't on National Route 3: you have to turn off towards the coast. The province advises arriving via Route 3 and taking the access road from the Fitz Roy area. If you're traveling along the coast, see The coast along Route 3.
By air
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Comodoro Rivadavia, about 293 km away. From there, continue by car or bus.
A bit of history
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1586 | Thomas Cavendish arrives aboard the Desire, which gives the place its name. |
| 1770 | The British corvette Swift sinks in the estuary. |
| 1833 | Charles Darwin sails into the estuary on 23 December. |
| 1884 | The Santa Cruz Governorate is created and a group of settlers moves to the area. |
| 1914 | The first Comisión de Fomento (development council) is formed. |
| 1933 | The first municipality is created. |
Things to do in Puerto Deseado
Sail the Deseado estuary
The Deseado estuary is the town's main attraction. It's an old riverbed that the sea took over once the river abandoned it, which gives it a unique landscape of canyons and rock walls. It's protected as a Provincial Reserve.
Boat trips last several hours and explore the estuary looking for marine wildlife: Commerson's dolphins, sea lions, Magellanic penguins and cormorants. At high tide, schools of fish come in and attract the birds. Operators, duration and prices: check before you travel at Turismo Santa Cruz – Puerto Deseado.
See rockhopper penguins on Penguin Island
Penguin Island is a rugged rocky island reached by boat from town. It's the only place on Argentina's Atlantic coast where you can see rockhopper penguins. The island is part of Isla Pingüino Interjurisdictional Marine Park, and according to National Parks, trips run from mid-October to April.
It's the most sought-after excursion in Puerto Deseado and depends on sea conditions, so book in advance and leave a spare day. More at Penguin Island.
Visit Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Cabo Blanco is a triple rocky headland above the sea with a large South American fur seal colony. It's one of the most striking landscapes in the area. Check road conditions before you go.
Visit the Mario Brozoski Museum
The Mario Brozoski Municipal Museum is devoted to archaeology and underwater archaeology. It displays items recovered from the British corvette Swift, which sank in the estuary in 1770. It's a short and highly recommended visit for understanding the area's maritime history. Opening hours: check before you travel at Turismo Santa Cruz – Puerto Deseado.
See the railway station and Reserved Car No. 502
The old railway station is a reminder that the railway line drove much of the town's development in the early 20th century. Close by you can visit Reserved Car No. 502, a carriage built in England in 1898 that arrived in Puerto Deseado in 1910 and was reserved for distinguished figures of the time.
Go to Darwin's lookouts
The lookouts over the estuary let you see the landscape Darwin described in 1833. There are also guided excursions that follow Darwin's route across the Patagonian plateau.
Visit Monte Loayza Provincial Park
The province recommends Monte Loayza Provincial Park for hiking and birdwatching. The area has one of the largest sea lion colonies in the world, with a stable population of 8,000 to 9,000 sea lions that doubles in December due to migration.
Add the Jaramillo Petrified Forests
Trips to Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo National Park are also organized from Puerto Deseado, with giant fossilized trunks from the Jurassic period, some related to today's araucarias.
When to go to Puerto Deseado
- Mid-October to April: the season for Penguin Island trips and the best time for marine wildlife.
- December: the sea lion colony doubles in size.
- Easter week: there are activities such as walks, trekking and bike rides.
- Winter: the town is quieter. Check which excursions are running.
The climate is cold and dry, with strong wind all year round. More details in Puerto Deseado weather: when to go.
How many days to stay
Two or three days are enough. One day for the estuary boat trip, another for Penguin Island and another for the museums, the lookouts and Cabo Blanco. If you want to add Monte Loayza or the Petrified Forests, add a day for each.
Travel tips
- Bookings: boat trips depend on the sea and the wind. Book ahead and keep a spare day.
- Clothing: bring warm clothes, a windbreaker and something waterproof for the boat trips.
- Wildlife: keep your distance from the animals and follow your guides' instructions.
- Useful contact: Puerto Deseado Tourism Office, San Martín 1137, Monday to Friday 8 am to 7 pm, according to the province.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Puerto Deseado?
In northeastern Santa Cruz, on the Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the Deseado estuary. The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Comodoro Rivadavia, about 293 km away.
When can you see rockhopper penguins?
Trips to Penguin Island, the only place on Argentina's Atlantic coast where you can see them, run from mid-October to April, depending on sea conditions.
Why is it called Puerto Deseado?
After the Desire, the ship commanded by Thomas Cavendish when he arrived in 1586.
How many days do you need for Puerto Deseado?
Two to three days for the estuary, Penguin Island and the town. Add extra days for Monte Loayza or the Petrified Forests.
