Just Cruising around the edge of the world - Puerto Madryn, Argentina.

This was the second port of call, and the weather at this stage was cool but sunny and impressively windy. Puerto Madryn is located in the northern part of Patagonia, Argentina. Sandy beaches and the restaurant-lined promenade face the Golfo Nuevo Bay. Southern right whales can be seen playing in this bay during the breeding season, from July to December.

The current population of the city is estimated at approximately 90,000. The city has grown rapidly in the last few years due to an expanding tourism industry, fishing and the aluminium refinery.

Just outside the city, the landscape becomes dry and arid. Small shrubs do grow, but the desert stretches as far as the eye can see.

Anyone that has ever been to the desert will understand when I say that even a desert has its own special beauty

Colonies of sea lions sunning themselves in the sheltered bay.

The penguins we saw were looking a little tattered! it was moutling season and most of the penguins had already started the migration to the south.

Stark landscapes all around:

I hope you enjoyed the photos and the brief write up about this fascinating hidden gem of Argentina. Please leave comments and ask questions below.
Next stop will be the Malvinas/Falkland Islands - Port Stanley.