Killer Whales, otherwise known as Orcas, are to be found off the coast of Argentina on the Valdes peninsula. It was here that the marine biologist Roberto Bubas first recorded their extraordinary hunting behaviour, when the Orcas launched themselves from the sea onto the beach itself in order to catch Elephant Seal and Sea Lion pups, unique in South America and the world.
The Valdes is a remote area in Argentina and most wildlife oriented visitors access the area from city of Puerto Madryn, having arrived there on a cruise boat. In Puerto Madryn cars can be hired and there are many organised tours that operate. Even so it does take several hours to access the wonderful eastern coast of the Valdez and to reach the best spots, Punta Norte, Caletta and Punta Cantor, from which one might, with luck, observe the Killer Whales themselves. This is a haven for wildlife photographers as well as birdwatchers.
We spent three days visiting the Valdes and were lucky as we did see a pod of three Orcas. One cannot spend the night in the area, visitors have to either return to Puerto Madryn or stay the night at Puerto Piramides. To observe them actually hunting is quite rare. There are only three pods where the females have taught their offspring how to ‘beach’ to hunt Elephant Seal and Sea lion pups.
Time visits to the watch points to coincide with the high tide, arrive at least an hour beforehand and stay, if possible for an hour after high tide. Although the Orcas are present all year, there are certain times which are better, these are when the tide itself is specially high and when the Elephant Seals and Sea Lions have pups. Also visitors are not allowed on the watch points before 8.00am or after 8.00pm, so look at the attached tide tables and make a calculation suitable for you to maximize success.
The photograph above shows how close to the shore the Orcas come, with the Elephant Seals watching them carefully. Waiting and watching out for Orcas is time consuming but for birders and birdwatching there is always to soething to look for, in particular Southern Giant Petrels are commonly seen.
