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Home / Beaches / Playa Las Canteras

Playa Las Canteras

Пляж Лас-Кантерас
Argentina · Beach · Puerto Madryn
high
Best month: October

Best for

Ideal for wildlife lovers and whale watching. Not suitable for families with small children due to rocky shore and cold water.

Best month

October

Water
+14.0°C
Length
1 000 m
One of the most beautiful beaches in Patagonia, located in the El Doradillo protected natural area. It features clear water and golden sand, and in 2019 was recognised as one of the best beaches in South America.
Surface
pebble
Waves
moderate
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Patagonia, located in the El Doradillo protected natural area. It features clear water and golden sand, and in 2019 was recognised as one of the best beaches in South America.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Unique opportunity to observe whales from the shore
  • Crystal-clear water
  • Picturesque cliffs
  • Nature reserve
  • Free entry
  • Parking and toilets

Cons

  • Rocky shore
  • Cold water
  • Limited infrastructure
  • No lifeguards
  • No restaurants
  • Far from town (15 km)
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for wildlife lovers and whale watching. Not suitable for families with small children due to rocky shore and cold water.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Playa Las Canteras is the only beach in the Puerto Madryn area where you can observe whales from the shore thanks to its unique underwater slope. The beach is in the top 5 best beaches in South America.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
pebble
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Sand Texture
Grain size
gravel
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
10 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
pebble
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
required
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
blue
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
5.0 m
Average Water Temp
+14.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+18.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.8 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January
Season end
February March
Best month
October
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
none
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
15.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. Nature reserve, follow park rules.
Dangerous creatures
jellyfish (mildly venomous)
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
0 pcs
Best restaurants

Restaurants in Puerto Madryn

Argentinian

Many restaurants with Argentinian cuisine and seafood in Puerto Madryn 15 km from Las Canteras beach

Nearby cuisines

Argentinian

Argentinian cuisine with seafood and meat

Must try: Seafood, grilled meat, Patagonian lamb
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
sleepy
Crowd Level
uncrowded
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
Yes
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Water shoes Towel Cash Windbreaker Camera
Best Time to Swim
From June to December — whale watching season. Morning and evening — best time.
Local Rules
Keep the beach clean. Do not approach whales closer than 10 metres.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

El Doradillo

Nature reserve with whale and sea lion colony.

Puerto Madryn

Town with restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

Valdes Peninsula

UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich wildlife, 100 km from the beach.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Las Canteras: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity high, average temperature +14.0°C, warms up to +18.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Las Canteras: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Playa Las Canteras: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 10 metres from the shore. Bottom — pebble. Special water shoes (aqua shoes) are required — the bottom has rocks, corals or sea urchins.
Playa Las Canteras: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — pebble. Sand colour — grey. Texture — gravel. Beach length — 1 000 metres.
Playa Las Canteras: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in February, March. The best month for a holiday is October. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Las Canteras: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Las Canteras: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish (mildly venomous). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Las Canteras: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: toilets, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Las Canteras: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Las Canteras: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurants in Puerto Madryn. Cuisines available: Argentinian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Las Canteras: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Water shoes, Towel, Cash, Windbreaker, Camera.
Playa Las Canteras: when is the best time to swim?
From June to December — whale watching season. Morning and evening — best time.
Playa Las Canteras: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Keep the beach clean. Do not approach whales closer than 10 metres.
Playa Las Canteras: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Las Canteras: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for wildlife lovers and whale watching. Not suitable for families with small children due to rocky shore and cold water.
Playa Las Canteras: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Las Canteras is the only beach in the Puerto Madryn area where you can observe whales from the shore thanks to its unique underwater slope. The beach is in the top 5 best beaches in South America.
Playa Las Canteras: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Unique opportunity to observe whales from the shore, Crystal-clear water, Picturesque cliffs, Nature reserve, Free entry, Parking and toilets. Cons: Rocky shore, Cold water, Limited infrastructure, No lifeguards, No restaurants, Far from town (15 km).
Playa Las Canteras: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: El Doradillo, Puerto Madryn, Valdes Peninsula. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Las Canteras: how do I get to the city of Puerto Madryn?
The beach is located near the city of Puerto Madryn. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Puerto Madryn.

City

Puerto Madryn

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.