2024-09-22 14:00:00
Agustín Sánchez on his semi-rigid boat. He had just returned from whale watching with tourists. from there Above he is going to talk about another trip, This is the most ideal activity to do in the coming months, a desire that requires immersing yourself in water and living one of the best moments of your life: Swim with sea lions.
Agustín sailed along the coast San Antonio Este, located on San Antonio Bay It has a characteristic: The tide rises and falls, Nine meters wide. When the tide goes out, some sand islands appear on the horizon, and with them: sea lions.
Some went out to recover their strength, some went out to rest, and some went out to enjoy the sunshine. When those banks sand covered with waterAugustine arrived slowly and respectfully with his ship.
“These wolves are very docile in the water,” he explains, “but not so docile on land, where they feel threatened. But on land Water is very sociable, very friendly and curious. So if you go into the water, they interact.
The characteristic of these sea animals is curiosity.
every afternoon, About 200 sea lions, They stayed on the sandbar, bit by bit as the tide rose. they stay in the water. “We were wearing neoprene suits and waiting for them in the water, and that’s when they started interacting and playing.”
Excursions can be made at any time of year, except in the fall when many wolves migrate. “Now, in Spring, summer, we are in the best time of the year Doing this,” Augustine said, “the advantage is that Suits give you a lot of comfort and security“There’s no need to know how to swim as they give you buoyancy and are ideal for anyone to experience.”
for each Short trips, up to ten peoples. Each departure (the only one per day) depends on the height of the tide.
You and the wolf swam together for 40 minutes to an hour and a quarter.
The experience is complete. Start with an informative presentation, continue in your wetsuit, and then 15 minutes navigation. Once there, take a dip in the sea and the adventure begins: Played with the wolf for 40 minutes and an hour and a quarter. “The duration depends on the wolf,” Augustine explains, “whether they want to stay, whether they’re entertained, whether they’re playing.”
Before embarking on such an experience, it is important to understand some very important things: You must avoid Make sudden movements and try to touch them. “They are always coming close to you and touching you,” he continued. “Especially the very naughty puppies who will come and grab your fins or want to kiss your mask. You have to be careful not to do anything violent. action. He gave a metaphor so that anyone could understand: “Like a dog, if you grab its tail, it will turn around and bite you.”which is why you must avoid this situation. There are no secrets, just calm down and relax, “They come to interact and play.”
Sea lions are very playful.
Augustine, a complete aquatic creature:
Augustine was not born in San Antonio, but he lived there for many years and appears to have been born and raised.
Agustin arrived from Mercedes, Province of Buenos Aires, Came to Las Grutas in 1999 at the age of 22. He studied to be a lifeguard and went to the beach to try it out. When the sunny season ended, he began another activity that would determine his future. Under the sea, he found a new career: shellfish diver. Namely, mussels, scallops and clams are caught by hand.
“Once you jump in the water to catch shellfish, you spend two, three, four hours diving, and then you’re exposed to With sea lions, dolphins, fish”, Augustine explained, “The truth is that you have no choice, you must learn Live with animals.
There he realized that the beaches were more beautiful in winter than in summer, that Las Grutas had its charm in spring, and in the end he liked to stay there all year round. Gradually, he stayed, planted a flag, and stayed for the rest of his life.
In 2009, he participated in what is now known as the Patagonian Rocks Experience, which included whale watching and swimming with wolves. Located within the San Antonio Bay Nature Preserve. Since then he has settled in Porto Este, living in front of the hotel and dedicating his time and that of his family to this activity. “We have no other income other than viewing marine animals.”
Swimming with Wolves is one of their latest excursions. They started two years ago and had to interrupt in 2023 due to an outbreak of bird flu.
Agustin Sanchez with one of his children, with the sea in the background.
“Now now Let’s start with the event, we already have several groups”, he said, “People come here just for this, and some, like last weekend, came from Australia to whale watch and swim with the wolves.
Los Tourists come from various destinations: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Neuquen, Rio Negro and even Moscow. “It’s very diverse. Today, for example, we left the port twice with the whole school,” he concluded. “It’s always a great experience.
Excursions, prices and guaranteed adventures:
Agustín Sánchez is the owner of the company Patagonia Caves Experience. “We,” the tour provider said, “We are the only licensed company in San Antonio Costa del Este, We sailed on San Antonio Bay.
The tour lasts approximately three hours. In water swimming with sea lions, usually on purpose Between 40 minutes and an hour and a quarter. Price is US$90,000 per person. If it is m, there is no differenceOlder or younger, but available if you go with a family group.
To contact us please email@rupestrepatagonia.ar
1727014029
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