A Spectacle That Returns Season After Season
Every year, between July and October, those who visit the Maldonado coast with a little patience may be in for a surprise. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, several southern right whales spent hours swimming off Mansa Beach, while dozens of people gathered along the shore to watch them. There is no need to head out to sea: simply look toward the horizon from the beach or the waterfront promenade.
These are some of the images captured during the whale-watching season.
This Is What Whale Watching Looks Like at Mansa Beach
Real images from the season, captured from the coast and from the air.
Mansa Beach once again takes center stage as one of the most anticipated ecotourism spectacles on the Uruguayan coast. Between July and October, the southern right whale approaches the waters of Maldonado to mate and raise its calves, with September usually seeing the highest concentration of sightings. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, between 7 and 8 whales were spotted very close to the coast, between stops 35 and 39 and around Piedras del Chileno, throughout the day and even after sunset.
When can you see whales at Mansa Beach?
Whale-watching season in Punta del Este runs from July to October, with peak activity in August and September. There is no guaranteed time of day: the key is to watch the horizon patiently, looking for the whales' distinctive blow and their slow movements at the surface.
Where to go whale watching in Maldonado
The stretch of Mansa Beach between stops 23 and 40 is one of the most recommended areas for whale watching from the shore, with no need to take a boat. Piedras del Chileno is also part of this coastal area. BDA Hotel & Spa is located on Rambla Williman, at Stop 27 of Mansa Beach, within this same stretch of coastline.
Responsible whale watching: Uruguay, a Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary
Uruguay's territorial waters are protected under Law No. 19,128, which declares them a Whale and Dolphin Sanctuary. A minimum distance of 300 meters is recommended, and whales should always be observed from the shore or with authorized operators.
The Marine Wildlife Route
In 2026, the Marine Wildlife Route was inaugurated, an interpretive route covering 293 kilometers between Solís (Maldonado) and La Coronilla (Rocha), with ten information panels about whales, orcas, dolphins, turtles, sea lions and coastal birds.
National Southern Right Whale Protection Day
Every first Friday in October, under Law No. 17,557, the Maldonado Departmental Government organizes a program of free activities to promote the conservation of the species. You can view the full schedule on the official website of the Maldonado Departmental Government.
The Maldonado Coat of Arms and the Southern Right Whale
The official coat of arms of the Maldonado Department has been in use for 223 years, making it the oldest coat of arms still in use in Uruguay. Its design features a crenellated fortress in the upper section, a reference to the military past of the city of San Fernando de Maldonado, founded in 1755 as a defensive stronghold on the Río de la Plata.
Below, over the sea, a southern right whale appears alongside an anchor, symbols that connect the department with its coastline and maritime history. The fact that the whale has been part of the coat of arms for more than two centuries is no coincidence: long before becoming a tourist attraction, it was already part of Maldonado's identity.
For more information about the whale-watching season, visit the official website of the Maldonado Departmental Government.
Experience Whale-Watching Season from Mansa Beach
BDA Hotel & Spa is located at Stop 27 of Mansa Beach, within the coastal stretch recommended for southern right whale watching. Book your stay between July and October and enjoy whale-watching season by the sea.
VIEW ROOMSFrequently Asked Questions
Whale-watching season runs mainly from July to October, with peak activity in August and September.
Yes. The stretch between stops 23 and 40 is one of the recognized areas for whale watching from the shore, with no need to take a boat.
Yes. The hotel is located at Stop 27 of Mansa Beach, within the coastal stretch known for whale watching.
No. Whales are wild animals in their natural habitat, so sightings cannot be guaranteed on any specific day or at any particular time.
No. Whales can be observed from the shore. For boat excursions, we recommend using only authorized operators.
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