Programme of expedition

The programme is not guaranteed. The scientific objectives and the distance covered (waypoints) are made in collaboration between the scientists and Doradillo Velas. However, security on board is our main priority and the plan could vary depending on weather conditions.

Day 1: Meeting in Puerto Madryn

Gathering of volunteers.

Briefing: the cetacea of the zone, identification criteria, the waypoints, techniques and use of material, classical errors, scientific context, data gathering.

Logistics and preparation of the boat: loading provisions and security aboard.

Day 2: Puerto Madryn to Bahía Engaño – 72 nautical miles (13-16 sailing hours). Sailing from Golfo Nuevo to Bahia Engaño. During the course of the trip we will be studying populations of Peale’s dolphins and right whales and take as much data as possible. Towards midday, we will be leaving Golfo Nuevo and getting entering the zone of Punta Ninfa (Southern Elephant seal colony). In the afternoon whilst admiring the birdlife we will be taking data till we get to Bahía Engaño where high numbers of Commerson´s Dolphinarefound. Stopping in the bay or in Rawson port.

Day 3: Bahía Engaño to Bahía Janssen – 51 nautical miles (9-11 hours)

observation and gathering data continues up the coast; passing by Punta Delfín and Isla Escondida known for its high number of South American sea lions. Arriving in the afternoon to bahía Janssen to disembark in its South or North side depending on the wind and the currents. Punta Tombo and Punta Clara – both extremes that surround the bay have a high concentration of birdlife and Magellan penguins.

Day 4: Bahía Janssen to Santa Elena - 43 nautical miles (8-10 hours)

Short and active sailing. The bays Cruz and Vera, Cabo Raso, Península Betbeder are accidental coasts that we should explore! The hypothesis is that these are feeding zones or refuges zones for Commerson´s dolphin. Once we arrive to Santa Elena towards noon, we will camp for the first time on land.

Day 5: Santa Elena

A day of rest from sailing, some of the possible activities can include walking treks, marine and terrestrial fauna observation.

Day 6: Santa Elena to Camarones - 30 nautical miles (5-7 hours)

We return onboard and we depart at midday. We will be sailing and gathering data all afternoon. Once we arrive to Camarones we will be staying at the Municipal Camping sight just opposite the port.

Day 7: Camarones to Caleta Sara - 25 nautical miles (4-6 hours)

In the morning, logistics: water, food and oil supplies, weather cast, control and boat maintenance. In the afternoon, sailing in bahia de Camarones that holds another big group of cetaceas such as the Commerson´s Dolphin. Anchoring in Caleta Sara, a protected natural reserve, where we can easily get close to Magellan penguins, American ostrich, guanacos (a kind of llama)and skunks.

Day 8: Caleta Sara to Caleta Horno - 25 nautical miles (4-6 hours)

Sailing and gathering of data depending on sea conditions when getting to Cabo Dos Bahías and the canal Leones.  We establish camping in Caleta Horno.

Day 9: Caleta Horno

Second day rest in the expedition: swimming, admiring the views and local fauna (guanaco, eagles), fishing (salmon, mero, róbalo, codfish, center fish), walking treks (sightseeing lighthouse San Gregorio, beaches of bahía Gil for the indigene’s sanctuary Mapuche). The Dusky dolphins normally use this natural anchorage for resting.  

Day 10: Caleta Horno to Isla Tova - 20 nautical miles (4-5 hours)

We will be taking data whilst sailing all day. We arrive in bahia Norte of Isla Tova, one of the biggest Magellan penguin colonies of South America (60000 couples).  

Day 11: Isla Tova - Bahía Bustamante - Isla Tova - 49 nautical miles (9-11 hours)

We navigate in circles in the North part of Golfo San Jorge, continuing up to bahía Bustamante and returning directly to Isla Tova. We will be taking data all day. We return to our camp site in Tova.

Day 12: Isla Tova to Isla Leones 20 nautical miles (4-5 hours)

We leave camp site and go sailing for the day, still gathering data up to Isla Leones.

We anchorage and camp in one of the refuges of the island towards noon. The island is big, has a lighthouse, a colony of sea lions, many seabirds, cormorants and penguins.

Day 13: Isla Leones to Camarones - 38 nautical miles (7-9 hours)

Return to Camarones passing near islas Arce and Rasa.  We sail all day gathering data and mooring in the port of Camarones, we resume all data.

We would like to remind you that this programme is not guaranteed, since the weather may alter our schedule. We will always try to meet our scientific aims but security of our passengers will be our main priority.