Elephant Seal Trip Report 2025

Dos Posos, Argentina

 September 15, 2025 — Travel Day

Everyone headed home today, but I stayed the night in Trelew. I was really hoping to get a chance to see and photograph the Commerson’s dolphins, easily the most beautiful dolphin in the world (other than the orca, of course).

They’re small, and while diving with them might not be possible, photographing them porpoising alongside the boat is still within reach.

That’s a goal I’m determined to make real one day.

Sadly, the timing didn’t work out for me on this trip, so that dream will have to wait for another year.

Instead, I visited the dinosaur museum in Trelew, and wow, what an amazing place.

They’ve done a fantastic job with it. To stand among exhibits showcasing the wildlife that roamed here millions of years ago was pure magic. They really went all out in creating this space. Well worth a visit if you’re in town, especially if you love dinosaurs.

September 16, 2025. Elephant Seals

This morning I woke up early and joined Paula, our government representative who had been with us all week during the whale work, for a visit to a private ranch that hosts a thriving elephant seal colony.

What an extraordinary place. I was floored by what I saw.

Right now it’s breeding and pupping season. The massive males arrive first, staking their claims, and soon after the females appear and begin giving birth.

While we were there, one female gave birth just minutes before we reached her. I had been photographing a big male nearby when Paula called me over to see another one. I left my bag at the first spot, and when I returned, the female had delivered. The pup was still bloody and crying, and the mother was clearly unhappy with us being close. I snapped a few quick images and then left her alone to tend to her newborn.

Elsewhere in the colony, I photographed a male sleeping in the water, his head breaking the surface at eye level, exactly the kind of shot I was hoping for. I wanted to stay with him longer, but Paula called me to see another bull. 

So many alphas in one place, with enough time, I imagine you could witness some serious combat. 

Next season, I will be coming back for several days to have a chance at that.

Another big male hauled himself out of the water while we were there, slowly making his way onto shore. 

I wanted to stay and watch what might unfold, the tension between males was building, but our time was up.

Two hours here was not enough. 

It was enough, though, to know that I must return, and definitely bringing people with me. This place is too incredible not to share. 

Outside of Antarctica, there’s nowhere else on Earth where you can see elephant seals this close. Truly one of a kind.

Water time would be incredible, but it’s not allowed, especially with the males, who are notoriously aggressive in the water.

As we were leaving, I caught one last moment: a pup nursing. I grabbed a few quick shots, reluctant to leave.

And then, Patagonia gave me one final gift. I photographed a Chubut Steamer Duck, a species I didn’t even know existed until that moment. A flightless duck, native to Argentina, with thick, powerful legs built for swimming rather than flying. 

Beautiful and rare. Even more humbling to learn it’s a Vulnerable species, with only a few thousand adults left in the world.

To stumble on such a bird at the very end of my journey felt like a blessing, an added bonus I could never have planned for.

On the drive back, all I could think was how many more amazing moments I might have witnessed if we’d stayed longer.

What a place. I can’t wait to get back here.