Snorkeling with Sea Lions

Swimming with sea lions is the activity that makes many visitors fall in love with Puerto Madryn. This trip, run by a local dive operator and rated 4.9 by more than three hundred and sixty travellers, takes small groups by vehicle to the coast and then by boat or from the shore to a sea lion colony. After a safety briefing, a wetsuit fitting and a swim tutorial, you slip into the water with a mask, snorkel and fins and drift near the animals. Southern sea lions are curious and agile, and young ones often approach swimmers, twisting and rolling around them in a way that feels like play. The experience is entirely wild, so the animals decide how close to come, and your guide will insist on calm, slow movements and no touching. The water is cold, and thick wetsuits, hoods and gloves are provided to make it manageable. Even confident swimmers are often surprised by the speed and grace of the sea lions underwater, and the close-up views of whiskered faces and bubbles trailing from their flippers are unforgettable. The outing usually lasts about three hours, including preparation, and photographs and video are often available from the guides.

You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable in water. Most operators require participants to be able to swim and to wear a life vest or flotation as needed, and there is usually a minimum age. Anyone with heart or respiratory conditions, or who is pregnant, should check with the operator before booking. The guides watch the group closely and carry safety equipment, and the water near the colony is usually shallow, but cold water can be tiring, so rest if you need to.

Animal behaviour is the main variable. Juveniles are playful and curious; adult males may be territorial, especially in the breeding season, and guides choose spots and times to avoid conflict. If an animal swims toward you, stay calm, keep your arms by your sides and let it pass. Do not chase or try to touch, and do not block the animals' route to the beach. These simple rules protect both people and wildlife and are strictly enforced.

To get the most from the trip, bring a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, a warm dry layer and a hot drink in a flask. Dry off quickly, because the wind can chill you after you leave the water. Avoid heavy meals beforehand, and consider seasickness tablets if the boat ride bothers you.

Waterproof cameras are allowed, but the guides may have their own. This is one of the most popular activities in town, so book ahead in busy months, particularly the summer holidays, and keep a flexible day in case wind or swell leads to a reschedule.

Finally, think about what you want from the day. Some travellers want photographs, others want a quiet moment with the animals, and a few want a challenge. Tell your guide, who can suggest the best spot and pace. Afterwards a hot shower and a meal of fresh fish in town will feel like a reward, and the memory of a sea lion twirling beside your mask will last far longer than the chill.