EL PEDRAL
Departure from Puerto Madryn; after traveling 70 km through Patagonian steppe, we reach the southern end of the mouth of the Golfo Nuevo where Punta Ninfas lighthouse is located, a valuable reference for navigators entering this area. On the beaches that surround Punta Ninfas we can see breeding groups of elephants and seals. We then continue to El Pedral, an authentic Patagonian estancia built at the beginning of the 20th century. The materials and furniture were brought from Europe by boat and landed on the coasts of the estancia itself. Then we went to the Magellan penguin colony located on El Pedral seashore, a short distance from the house. A guided tour between their nests allows us to better know these curious animals. In summer we recommend a cap and sunglasses, as well as to carry a bottle of water. At noon, we have lunch in the estancia: grilled lamb with a variety of salads, dessert and coffee (includes drinks and wine). In the afternoon you can enjoy the pool and the pétanque court, as well as take walks around the property or have a tea/coffee before returning back our hotel.
The excursion runs aboard the Yellow Submarine. Unlike other boats this allows you to observe whales submerged in their own world: underwater and with a completely different perspective. The experience is the same as if you were diving with them! While they remain close to the ship it is possible to observe them through the 40 windows of the underwater cabin. On board, passengers can move freely and also opt for the deck of the ship to observe from the surface as in a traditional whale watching. Departures are subject to visibility in the water.
The journey begins by leaving the city of Ushuaia, on a route of approximately 75 km towards Puerto Almanza. We traverse glacial valleys adorned with towering snow‑capped peaks, winding rivers, lagoons and peat bogs: a unique visual spectacle. We arrive at the home of local fishermen who will be our hosts for this authentic experience: they will guide us through the entire process, from preparation to the culmination of the king crab harvest. With the assistance of the experienced guides, we ready ourselves to embark in the boat and explore the local fish farms. During the roughly 15‑minute navigation, we will have the thrilling opportunity to haul the nets and collect our own king crabs, which will then be our lunch. Back at the cozy restaurant of our fisherman‑hosts, we will enjoy a delicious three‑course lunch: it begins with the “Beagle Dip”, followed by the exquisite king crab, and concluding with dessert. After this day at the “end of the world”, we begin our return to Ushuaia.