Luxury on the Coast: Regina Australe Cruise

It was a fascinating idea: a tour around the waters of the gulf known as Golfo Nuevo appreciating the City of Puerto Madryn from the sea. Getting to see the city from the water along with the sea fauna that dwells in its shores and surroundings were some of the benefits of this proposal that sounded perfect.

Moored at Piedrabuena Pier, a classic in the city, this eye-catching and giant watercraft sets sail depending on the season and the water conditions. In general, days on which the waters are calm are chosen to sail.

It was one of those perfect days when we resolved to go on this excursion.

The large boat was waiting for the 300 passengers that would get on board to enjoy this singular experience that combines luxury and adventure in equal doses.

The crew was ready and after listening to a short but very interesting talk about safety on board, it was time to set out.

“Raise anchors”, was the phrase that came to our minds to indicate what our heart felt at the time. It was incredible to see how such a big structure moved so softly over the water surface. Thus, our cruise began to drift away from the pier to start a three-hour outing.

The company named Australe S.A. is made up entirely by seamen who are committed to nature, the natural resources and the preservation of this beautiful and unique ecosystem. For over 30 years, this group of sailors have been offering this whale-watching tour and developing what is worldwide known as Patagonian Whale-watching Technique.

The large size of this watercraft as well as its design (two huge pontoons joined by a hydrodynamic stabilizer) make it possible to enjoy a comfortable and safe navigation minimizing the typical movements of any mono-hulled boat. The idea is that visitors and denizens of Puerto Madryn alike may enjoy this experience -which everyone refers to as "The Cruise of Pleasure"- at least once in their lifetime.

The Regina Australe has three decks (two of them indoors and one outdoors, perfect for sunbathing) which have been specially designed to enjoy the sea at some of its spacious halls. These are used for corporate and social happenings such as work breakfast, workshops, conventions, lectures, training courses, launch parties, cocktails, anniversary dinners and theme events.

The possibility of having lunch on board includes dishes made with fish and seafood and information about the different attractions observed during the voyage.

Punta Cuevas, the famous Ecocenter, Kaiser Beach, Punta del Este, the Folias shipwreck and vast Paraná Beach are some of the geographical milestones displayed by the tour before finally reaching Loma Point, where the ship starts its way back up to Storni or Piedrabuena Piers.

This show combines what happens outside -whales, sea lions and elephant seals, dolphins and killer whales- and what happens inside -shows, games and much fun for all passengers. The already famous and classic naval baptism stands out among all these activities. This is an "on board acknowledgment" for all those people who have never sailed the sea. The Sea God appears and names them children of Neptune, at the same time they are handed a diploma that will represent a priceless souvenir with plenty of value for those who have gone through that experience.

Due to its cost and benefits, this tour is a must for all visitors to the City of Puerto Madryn.