Dates Apr 4–12, 2007
Leader Jeff Foott
Fee $4,795 from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Deposit $400
Limit 6
Terms and Conditions

A small pod of distant orcas patrols the shoreline contemplating their next move as the rising tide brings the southern sea lion colony closer to the waterline. Newborn pups scamper obliviously along the beach, unaware of the impending danger lurking just offshore.

A male orca enters the "channel of attack," a trough of somewhat deeper water that allows the giant dolphin even closer access to its intended prey. In an amazing display of subterfuge, he rotates sideways keeping his six-foot dorsal fin hidden just below the surface. With several
awesome thrusts of its powerful tail, a four-foot wave of water erupts around its head, and his dorsal rises as he twists vertically. As its six-ton body is propelled upon the beach, sea lion pups fly in all directions.

Located on the coast of Patagonia midway between Buenos Aires and the Strait of Magellan, the Valdés Peninsula is home to one of the most exciting annual wildlife spectacles on earth. Each austral autumn, a small population of orcas arrives at Punta Norte. Their arrival coincides with the pupping season of the southern sea lions. Along certain sections of the coast, the orcas have learned to deliberately beach themselves in an attempt to catch unwary pups—although less than one in three of these dramatic intentional strandings is successful.

With special government permission, and using pre-positioned blinds just behind the sea lion colony, it is possible to observe and photograph this spectacular event only 45 feet from the beach. Photographers remain at the blind for the entire duration of the orca/sea lion action, typically lasting approximately five hours, at high tide.

Photo Safaris leader Jeff Foott was the principal filmmaker for the spectacular PBS film The Living Edens: Patagonia—Life at the End of the Earth. He says the orca stranding behavior which he shot for that film is the most exciting natural history event that he has ever seen—and he has seen many amazing natural moments in his lengthy career.

We have booked prime accommodations for four nights at Estancia La Ernestina, located within minutes of the sea lion colony and the "channel of attack." Our comfortable estancia is noted not just for its convenient location, but also for delicious Patagonian-style home-cooked meals. Our trip is limited to only six participants. The relaxed atmosphere at our estancia and the small-group camaraderie among photographers will provide an additional highlight of the trip.

The orca stranding behavior is not a guaranteed phenomenon and does not perform "like clockwork" as many other natural history events often do. Participants should consider themselves extremely lucky if they see and capture images of this incredible event with their cameras. This trip is a real "pay your dues" wildlife photography shoot—with possibilities of temperamental weather and temperamental wildlife playing a big role in the shoot’s final outcome. Our visit will undoubtedly sharpen our observational skills and teach us not to take any of the events in nature photography for granted!

Join us on this unique journey to a region aptly called a "Living Eden." This Photo Safari can be combined with our Patagonia’s Mountain Landscapes tour to create a spectacular photo journey and wide-ranging cross section of the amazing nature of Patagonia.



Day 1
Depart on overnight flights from the US to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Day 2 (Apr 5)
Arrive in Buenos Aires and transfer to our hotel. We visit Costanera Sur Wildlife Preserve and Palermo Lake this afternoon. (D)

Day 3
We fly to Trelew. Drive to our conveniently-located estancia at Punta Norte on the far northeastern tip of Valdés Peninsula. We will have time for afternoon photography from the lookout on the low cliff overlooking the beach. (BLD)

Days 4–7
Four full days of photography of orca/sea lion activity at the "channel of attack" from the blind on the beach at Punta Norte. We will also have an opportunity to photograph Magellanic penguins, southern elephant seals, lesser rheas, guanacos, Patagonian armadillo and other wildlife during the days. On the afternoon of Day 7, we drive to Puerto Madryn for an overnight. (BLD)

Day 8 (Apr 11)
We return to Trelew for our morning flight to Buenos Aires and transfer to the international airport for flights home. Participants continuing on the Patagonia’s Mountain Landscapes tour, fly directly to El Calafate today. (B)

Day 9
Arrive home.


Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc. P.O. Box 655, Vashon Island, Washington USA 98070
Phone: (206) 463-5383   Fax: (206) 463-5484    Email: info@photosafaris.com
Copyright © 2008, Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, Inc.