For the past few weeks, **Las Grutas** has been experiencing a new edition of its **southern right whale watching season**, an experience that is gaining prominence as a **winter tourist attraction** on the Atlantic coast of **Río Negro**.
Despite the adverse economic context, the activity continues with a **good presence of specimens** and a **steady flow of visitors**, reinforcing its potential as an **alternative for nature and biodiversity** outside the classic summer tourism.
## Sightings with good frequency and diverse fauna
Whales, dolphins, sea lions, and coastal birds enrich the experience.
Sandro Acosta, owner of the company **Atlántico Avistajes**, highlighted in an interview with **Radio Noticias (105.5 MHz)** that the start of the season was **positive**, with a growing number of animals in the area.
“We have a very good number of specimens for this time. It is a proposal that allows us to sustain the destination in winter,” he explained.
In addition to the whales, the excursions allow you to observe other species of **marine fauna** such as **dolphins, penguins, sea lions, albatrosses**, and coastal birds, thanks to the **natural richness of the San Matías Gulf**.
## Extended season and regional public
The **sighting season** will extend until **mid-October**, with a higher concentration of specimens between **August and September**. The main audience comes from nearby towns such as **Viedma, Patagones, Valle Medio, and Alto Valle**, although tourists from other regions of the country who stop on their way to other Patagonian destinations also join.
“We work within a 500-kilometer radius. People from the Valley are the ones who visit us the most,” detailed Acosta.
## Challenges of off-season tourism
Historically associated with summer tourism, **Las Grutas** faces the challenge of positioning itself as an **active winter destination**.
“It is difficult to remove Las Grutas from the summer image, but it can be visited all year round,” said the provider.
The success of the proposal also depends on the **support of other tourism sectors**:
– Open hotels and accommodations
– Available restaurants and gastronomic services
– Complementary activities to enhance the stay
## Rates, reservations, and weather conditions
The excursions last approximately **two hours**, although they can be affected by **southerly wind storms**, which may require rescheduling according to sea conditions.
The current rates are:
– $100,000 for adults
– $50,000 for children aged 3 to 11
– Children under 3 years old free of charge
**Reservations are made through social networks or by phone**, and the excursions take place **all year round**, with options to observe different marine species.
