Watch orcas launch onto the beach to snatch sea lion pups at Punta Norte on Argentina's Península Valdés, the only place on Earth where killer whales reliably use this intentional stranding technique. Fewer than 30 orcas know the skill, passed down through the pods, and sightings are never guaranteed; viewing is from clifftop areas around high tide. It is best from mid-March to mid-April, with a second window in October and November at Caleta Valdés.
Watch orcas launch onto the beach to snatch sea lion pups at Punta Norte on Argentina's Península Valdés, the only place on Earth where killer whales reliably use this intentional stranding technique. Fewer than 30 orcas know the skill, passed down through the pods, and sightings are never guaranteed; viewing is from clifftop areas around high tide. It is best from mid-March to mid-April, with a second window in October and November at Caleta Valdés.
Up to 68% sighting chance in Valdés Peninsula / Punta Norte (Patagonia, Argentina). Best months: April, March, October.
Mid-March to mid-April during the sea lion pup season is the prime time; a second window comes in October and November when elephant seal pups take to the water at Caleta Valdés.
No. Fewer than 30 orcas use the stranding technique and it depends on tides and prey, so multi-day visits give the best odds.
Around high tide, when the water is deep enough for orcas to approach the shore; hunting can happen from about three hours before to three hours after.
From land, at designated clifftop viewpoints in the Punta Norte reserve, to avoid disturbing this fragile, unique behaviour.
