7 best things to do in Puerto Madryn

Sprawled along the edge of Golfo Nuevo, Puerto Madryn is Patagonia’s marine-life HQ – and Argentina’s self-declared diving capital. It’s the jumping-off point for Península Valdés – a UNESCO-listed haven packed with whales, sea lions, penguins, and more. You’re not here for pretty plazas or colonial charm – this is a city that lives for the sea. It’s also where the Welsh first landed in Patagonia in 1865, and you can still trace their story along the bluffs at Punta Cuevas. The arrival of the railway from Trelew kickstarted growth in the late 1800s – tourism did the rest. Now, Puerto Madryn swells in summer with Argentine vacationers, but the action really kicks off between June and December when the whales arrive. Whether you’re diving, kayaking, or just soaking up the view from the Ecocentro’s tower, this is the place to come face-to-face with the Atlantic. Here are the best things to do in Puerto Madryn – on land and at sea.

1. Visit the Ecocentro – marine life done right

If you’re only picking one museum, make it this one. The Ecocentro isn’t about static displays or dusty artefacts – it’s a fully immersive experience that dives deep into Patagonia’s marine world. Set just east of town on a clifftop overlooking Golfo Nuevo, the centre mixes science, art, and storytelling to help you understand the fragile ecosystems surrounding Puerto Madryn.

The highlight is a life-size model of Mel – a local orca who became a documentary star – suspended mid-air in a dramatic main hall. There are also interactive exhibits about whale migration, penguin colonies, and underwater soundscapes that help you appreciate the rich biodiversity offshore.

Don’t miss the tower – a peaceful space where you can sink into a sofa and stare out over the bay, binoculars in hand. It’s a great spot for spotting real whales if you’re here between June and December. There’s a café, too – ideal for warming up with a coffee after a bracing walk along the coast.

If you're looking for things to do in Puerto Madryn that go beyond the typical tourist fare, the Ecocentro is a smart, engaging stop, especially on a windy day when heading out to sea isn't an option.

2. Watch sunset at Punta Cuevas

It’s easy to miss the small trail heading up the cliffs just south of town – but that would be a mistake. Punta Cuevas offers one of the best panoramic views of Golfo Nuevo, especially at sunset. The golden arc of the bay lights up, the sea turns molten, and Puerto Madryn starts to glow – it’s a moment worth lingering for.

But there’s more here than just a view. This headland marks the spot where Welsh settlers first landed in Patagonia in 1865. The Parque Histórico Punta Cuevas includes the foundations of the early settlers’ stone huts, perched just above the high tide line, and the Monumento al Indio Tehuelche, which honors the Indigenous people who helped the Welsh survive those early years.

3. Explore the Museo del Desembarco

Tucked right above the wave-washed ruins of Patagonia’s first Welsh homes, the Museo del Desembarco is a tiny space with real charm. It’s the kind of museum where you’ll find a vintage mangle next to a hand-written diary – and somehow, it works.

The museum tells the story of the Welsh landing in 1865, when a group of settlers arrived on the Mimosa and built homes just meters from the sea. They planned to create a new Wales – one where language and traditions could thrive. That didn’t quite happen, but their legacy remains scattered through Patagonia in place names, tea shops, and festivals.

Inside the museum, you’ll find personal belongings from those early years – kitchenware, tools, even a passenger list from the Mimosa. It’s not flashy, but it’s grounded in real human stories, and that makes it compelling.

Pair this with a visit to the nearby Punta Cuevas site, and you’ve got a deeper understanding of how Puerto Madryn began. It won’t take more than 30 minutes, but it’s a smart stop if you’re walking along the coast or killing time before dinner. Of all the things to do in Puerto Madryn, this one delivers a personal, low-key window into local history.

4. Dive into the Atlantic

Puerto Madryn didn’t call itself Argentina’s diving capital for nothing – the waters here are clear, surprisingly rich in marine life, and home to more than a few sunken surprises. Whether you’re a certified diver or a total newbie, there’s an outfit in town that’ll take you out.

The main attraction? Diving with sea lions. Head to Punta Loma, a protected reserve just a short boat ride away, where you can snorkel or dive with curious (and occasionally boisterous) sea lion pups. It’s as close to underwater playtime as you’re likely to get in the wild.

More experienced divers can explore wrecks like the Folias, a cargo ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Visibility is decent, water temps can be bracing and full wetsuits are a must.

If you’re thinking of getting certified, many local schools offer multi-day open water courses. Conditions are generally calm in Golfo Nuevo, and boat trips are short, making it one of the more accessible places to learn in South America.

You won’t get coral reefs and tropical colors, but you will get sea life, adrenaline, and some brag-worthy stories. For adventurous things to do in Puerto Madryn, this one’s hard to beat.

5. Eat seafood by the sea – hit or miss, but often worth it

Puerto Madryn takes its seafood seriously – and when it’s good, it’s very good. You’ll find a string of restaurants along the seafront that focus almost entirely on what’s pulled from the ocean that day. The menus are short, the décor is often simple, but the flavors can be spot on.

The local go-to is arroz con mariscos – a Patagonian spin on paella made with prawns, clams, squid, and whatever else the boats brought in. It’s rich, warming, and messy in the best way. Pair it with a cold beer or local white wine, and you’ve got the kind of meal that makes you linger.

That said, quality varies – some spots lean too heavily on frozen ingredients, while others deliver fresh dishes worth a second visit. Locals tend to favor smaller joints without glossy menus – always a good sign.

Prices are higher here than in northern Argentina, especially during high season. But when the wind’s down, the sun’s out and the bay’s in full view, it’s hard to beat a long seafood lunch with sand in your shoes.

No reservations needed most of the year – but if you’re here between October and December, call ahead or go early.

6. Visit the Museo del Hombre y el Mar

The Museo del Hombre y el Mar isn’t trying to be flashy, and that’s part of its charm. Housed in the turreted, 1915 Chalet Pujol, it looks more like a seaside manor than a museum. But step inside and you’ll find an oddball collection of sea life, settler history, and Indigenous artefacts that somehow all come together.

Start with the big stuff – whale bones, a giant squid, and fishing relics that span decades. Then move into rooms that trace the Welsh settlement, complete with black-and-white photos and early household tools. There are Tehuelche arrowheads and textiles, too – a nod to the region’s original inhabitants.

The real highlight is the mirador – climb the internal tower for views over the bay and a glimpse of the city’s industrial edge. It’s not dramatic, but it’s real – a contrast to the more polished exhibits at the Ecocentro.

Admission is cheap, crowds are rare, and you’ll be done in under an hour. It’s not essential, but it’s a good add-on if you’ve got a rainy day or just want a breather from wildlife tours and boat trips. Among the quieter things to do in Puerto Madryn, this one gives you some insight into how nature and humans have shaped the coast together.

7. Launch your wildlife adventure from here – Península Valdés starts in town

Let’s be honest – the main reason people come to Puerto Madryn isn’t the city itself. It’s Península Valdés, a rugged, windswept nature reserve that’s home to some of Patagonia’s most iconic wildlife. And Puerto Madryn is the perfect base for exploring it.

From June to December, southern right whales swim just offshore – close enough to see from cliffs or beaches. Between September and March, penguin colonies take over the coastline. Year-round, you’ve got sea lions, elephant seals, guanacos, and armadillos. It’s basically a Patagonia safari – and you don’t need a 4WD to do it.

Book a guided day trip if you want someone else to handle the logistics – most include whale-watching (by boat or land), time at Punta Norte or Caleta Valdés, and stops to photograph wildlife. Or rent a car and go at your own pace – just be ready for gravel roads and sudden guanaco crossings.