Península Valdés
Argentina ·
Description
Peninsula Valdes is a sanctuary where marine life displays its most intimate cycles. Each year, southern right whales arrive in these calm waters to give birth and nurse their calves. On the beaches, elephant seals stage ritual combats while orcas execute their spectacular shore hunting. A natural theater where wildlife takes center stage.
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Why It's a World Heritage Site
Peninsula Valdes is one of the world most important sites for marine mammal conservation. It hosts the largest breeding population of southern right whales and significant colonies of elephant seals and sea lions. Orcas here have developed a unique hunting strategy: intentionally beaching themselves to capture seals on shore.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
It is vital for marine mammal conservation, hosting the largest breeding population of southern right whales and orcas with unique hunting behavior.
It was inscribed in 1999 under criterion (x), recognizing its importance for marine biodiversity.
It is located on the Atlantic coast of Argentine Patagonia, in Chubut province.
June to December for right whales; September-October for hunting orcas; year-round for elephant seals.
They have developed the technique of intentionally beaching themselves to capture sea lions, a behavior unique in the world.