Larsen Tour: An Exciting Marine Adventure
Larsen Tour, an agency based in Puerto Madryn, has always pursued its main mission: connecting travelers with nature in an authentic and respectful way through unique and immersive experiences, all while respecting the environment.
One of the must-do adventures with Larsen Tour is snorkeling with sea lions, a fascinating and thrilling excursion that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. It is also one of the main and most important tours in Puerto Madryn.
Larsen Tour stands out particularly for creating and developing this activity, distinguishing itself from similar experiences offered elsewhere in the world thanks to three unique characteristics. First, the species of sea lion that inhabits the area, the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens), is known for its gentle and friendly nature. Secondly, the animal colony is stable and does not stray from the area, except for the breeding males who move away from October to February. Finally, the absence of orcas and sharks, their main predators, makes this place unique. These factors allow the sea lions to be more confident, creating a truly unique experience for guests, who form a real connection with these magnificent animals.
Larsen Tour_Excursion
Larsen Tour_Excursion
The starting point of this one-of-a-kind adventure is the Punta Loma Nature Reserve, located 25 km from the city, home to the sea lion colony. After collecting all the necessary equipment for snorkeling with the sea lions, the tour departs from the Diving Center with a journey of about 25 minutes. During this time, the instructors provide a complete briefing, not only on how to use the snorkeling gear but also on the behavioral rules to minimize the impact on the animals within the Reserve. For this reason, guests enter the water in small groups, always accompanied by an instructor, while they wait for the animals to approach.
The most exciting aspect of the tour is that the animals are completely wild and free, so they approach you on their own terms, deciding if and how to interact. Although there are certain times of day that are more favorable for visiting the Reserve, when the likelihood of interactions is higher, it always depends on the sea lions’ willingness, as you are in their habitat. To preserve the environment, guests are allowed to stay within the Punta Loma Reserve for a maximum of 45 minutes. Throughout the trip and during the time in the water, instructors capture the activity with state-of-the-art cameras, allowing guests to purchase footage of this unique experience at the end of the excursion.
For more information on this and other marine adventures, visit the Larsen Tour website. Don’t miss out on additional updates and information about the world of cruises, including photos, videos, and special offers, on Cruising Journal.