On September 29, 1967, by Provincial Law 697, the province of Chubut established the Punta Loma Natural Reserve, the first protected area in the provincial system. The decision aimed to protect the colony of one-haired sea lions (Otaria flavescens) that permanently inhabits the rocks and beaches of this coastal stretch of Golfo Nuevo, just 17 kilometers from downtown Puerto Madryn.
Unlike other Patagonian sea lion rookeries that are only active during the breeding season, the Punta Loma colony operates year-round. This makes it exceptional: pups are born in January and February, but from May through October the juveniles — by then confident in the water — become the most sought-after swim companions for divers and snorkelers across the region.
Punta Loma’s sea lions are known for their curiosity. In the water, juveniles and some adult females approach divers, circle them, and play around them, while the maned males — more imposing and territorial — stay on shore. Local operators such as Lobo Larsen and Aquatours run daily boat excursions from Puerto Madryn’s dock, transferring guests to the dive site roughly 200 meters from the rookery.
The activity is conducted in a wetsuit (Golfo Nuevo water temperatures range from 8 to 17 degrees Celsius depending on the season) with a certified instructor on board. No prior diving experience is required: snorkeling options are available, as well as discover-scuba introductory dives for those exploring the underwater world for the first time.
The protected area also shelters breeding colonies of cormorants, seagulls, and other coastal birds visible from the clifftop observation trail. To reach the land-based viewing area, visitors travel 17 kilometers along gravel road from the Monument to the Indigenous People at Punta Cuevas; the reserve opens daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Punta Loma is part of the system of protected areas that has established Puerto Madryn as Argentina’s diving capital. Alongside Golfo Nuevo — where southern right whales nurse their calves in winter — and wreck diving expeditions in the area, this reserve is one of the most accessible entry points to the marine wildlife of the Argentine Sea.
Sources
- Argentina.gob.ar: Swimming with sea lions
- Chubut Patagonia (Chubut Government): Punta Loma year-round
- Puerto Madryn Turismo: Punta Loma: sea lion reserve
- La Nación: The incredible experience of swimming with sea lions in Puerto Madryn
Source: Argentina.gob.ar