Why this trip: THE best time and place to paddle with southern right whales and their babies: Oct through Nov in Peninsula Valdes in Argentina’s Patagonia.

PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA – Sea Kayak Adventures Inc is proud to unveil a new trip – southern right whale watching by sea kayak and skiff in sheltered lagoons on fully catered guided tours each October through November. The tours are suitable for novices in good health

“The two lagoons on the Peninsula Valdes are to Antarctica’s southern right whales what the lagoons of Baja are to the California gray whales, providing sheltered calving grounds in warmer waters” states Terry Prichard, founder of Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc, who has been running sea kayak and whale watching tours in Baja since 1993. “The right whales feed in the rich waters of Antarctica the rest of the year, so this is a perfect window of opportunity to view them.”

The company’s associate in Argentina has exclusive use to private land access to a remote, sheltered part of the lagoons, which are federally protected and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “We could see the mother and baby whales right from our beach camp” exclaimed Terry Prichard. “On two mornings the water was calm as glass, and we could see the babies breaching and tail slapping, and even hear the babies vocalizing – a soul-rejuvenating moment for me. In our kayaks we drifted along silently 70 meters away from a mother and baby as they were resting. These whales are much larger than the gray whales we see each Feb in Baja, so that felt quite close enough!”

Intineraries range from three to nine days of paddling, whale watching and birding by kayak; mostly camping, with some hotel nights. To the kayaking can be added a 2-hour skiff cruise among the whales at the end, visits to a penguin colony and park headquarters. Guests will camp on beaches lined with cliffs full of fossils, view unique mammals guanacos and maras right from camp, as well as the mom and baby whales.

Other trip highlights are the knowledgable local guides, delectable and bountiful camp meals including local specialties of lamb, seafood, beef, cheeses, baked goods, mate tea and Malbec red wine. Tour prices range from $850 through $1450/person US dollars, and do not include airfare to Trelew, Argentina. The company will assist travelers with securing air travel to Trelew. It ishighly recommended to book well in advance. The Oct-Nov 2010 tours sell out fast.

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