The orca season in Península Valdés officially started this March 16 and the presence of Jaluel, an iconic male orca for researchers, approximately 30 years old, has already been seen.
The orca season in Península Valdés officially started this March 16 with the arrival of these magnificent marine predators.
This Tuesday, at Punta Norte, the arrival of Jaluel, an iconic male orca for researchers, approximately 26 to 27 years old, was seen, recognized on the coast of Chubut each season for its enormous dorsal fin and its sightings at Punta Norte and Península Valdés.
The arrival of orcas to the coasts of Chubut occurs twice a year, coinciding with the birth of sea lion and elephant seal pups.
The autumn season, in Punta Norte, runs from March to May. It is the most anticipated time, as orcas use the technique of “intentional stranding” to hunt sea lion pups on the coast.
On the other hand, the spring season, in Caleta Valdés, occurs during October and November. During this period, orcas approach to hunt elephant seal pups.
Provincial Orca Day in Chubut
With the traditional ceremony for the Provincial Orca Day, Chubut officially kicked off the Orca Season 2026 this Monday, at the Punta Norte Operational Unit of the Protected Natural Area Península Valdés.
Each year, in two distinct periods – the first between March and May and the second in October and November – orcas arrive at Península Valdés and offer a unique spectacle in the world, with the predatory behavior known as “intentional stranding,” which they only perform on the Argentine coast.
This technique, which young specimens learn from their elders in family groups led by females, is used by orcas to hunt sea lion or elephant seal pups.
For this, they take advantage of the rising tide that brings them closer to the beach and partially strand their bodies on the sand and out of the water. After successfully capturing their prey there, they let themselves be carried back by the current into the sea.
