Bottazzi Whales Watch

We are a family-owned company founded in the early 1980s by Tito Bottazzi and Teresa Kaminski.

Our Mission and Vision

We offer guided excursions, transporting passengers and interpreting the unique ecosystems of our region — with a strong focus on the responsible and sustainable observation of the Southern Right Whale.

Over the years, our experience has positioned us as one of the leading tourism providers in the Valdés Peninsula.

SWe strive to raise awareness among our visitors about the importance of protecting and preserving our ecosystems and natural resources, so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.

Our company owns and operates its own boats for whale watching tours from June to December, and also offers wildlife-watching and snorkeling boat trips during the summer months.

BOTTAZZI WHALES WATCH FOUNDERS

Tito Bottazzi

Born and raised in the Belgrano neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Tito Bottazzi was a certified professional diver recognized by the Argentine Naval Prefecture and, at the time, an authority within the Argentine Federation of Underwater Activities. A pioneer, visionary, and trailblazer who foresaw the potential of the Argentine Sea, he became involved with diving and nautical activities from a young age.

PChasing a dream, he arrived in Península Valdés — first as an instructor for students earning their diving certification in La Plata, and later as an entrepreneur in the fields of diving and whale watching.
He was part of the first group of students in the Bachelor of Ecology program offered at the La Plata Museum. A key contributor to the development of the Patagonian Technique and Best Practices Guidelines, Tito and his fellow pioneers helped shape the standards still in use today by current and future generations.

He traveled extensively throughout Argentina and abroad, giving lectures and sharing his deep knowledge of the extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and plant life of Península Valdés.
Throughout his life, he honored with great dedication his role as a licensed operator and steward of whale watching in the Province of Chubut.

Teresa María Kaminski

President of All Península Valdés Agency and Bottazzi Whale Watching, Teresa has led both organizations since the 1990s to the present day.

For over a decade, she was actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Madryn, where she founded the Tourism Commission — a legacy that laid the groundwork for the creation of the Ente Mixto and the current Association of Tourism Agents of Península Valdés, in which she continues to participate actively.
In the field of diving, she has been a strong advocate for the development of new underwater parks and for promoting year-round diving in the region.

She co-authored the first Provincial Regulations for Diving Operators, together with the company Aquatours and tourism expert Leo Gaffet. Teresa also played a key role in organizing the 1st and 2nd International Whale Watching Association (IWWA) global meetings in Península Valdés.

She was a founding member of Fundación Ecovaldés, dedicated to the strategic defense of the environment, nature, and their essential connection to improving the quality of life in local communities. Teresa also played an active role in the working group that developed the Patagonian Whale Watching Technique, a model that has since inspired practices in other countries.


OUR STAFF

Carlos Bottazzi
Captain · Guide · Logistics

The eldest son of the founders, Carlos grew up immersed in tourism thanks to his parents’ work. He has been involved in various tourism-related activities across the region, always contributing to the development and growth of the area.

Romina Bottazzi
Captain · Guide · Logistics

The second daughter of the founders, Romina has been working professionally on whale watching vessels since the age of 16. Today, alongside Stephanie Stefanski, she co-founded the NGO Protejamos Patagonia, focused on nature conservation and environmental education for children within Puerto Pirámides and the Península Valdés region.protejamospatagonia.org

Miguel Bottazzi
Captain · Guide · Logistics

The youngest son of the founders, Miguel has been at sea alongside his father since childhood. In recent years, he has been invited by various countries and NGOs to speak about whale conservation and protection.

Ricardo Mongelós
Head of maintenance

A young local who has chosen to invest in his hometown and put his extensive experience with engines, tractors, and heavy machinery to good use.

Stephanie Stefanski
Environmental Advisor

An environmental economist, Secretary of the Working Group on Responsible Whale Watching, and an active member of the Steering Committee for Whale Heritage Sites of the World Cetacean Alliance, where she represents Bottazzi Whale Watch. She is also a founding partner of the NGO Protejamos Patagonia
www.protejamospatagonia.org where she shares her knowledge and provides logistical support.

Ernesto Ricci
Whale Watching Guide, Professional Diver, and International Diving Instructor

Founder and board member of the Argentine Association of Whale Watching Guides. He has worked with National Geographic, BBC London, and IMAX, as well as on underwater documentaries for Spain, Italy, and Argentina—both as a professional diver and as a captain. He also took part in the impact study on swimming and diving with whales, contributing his expertise as a professional diver.

Sebastian Romero
Whale Watching Guide and Professional Diver since 1997

Founder and Vice President of the Argentine Association of Whale Watching Guides. He has contributed to documentaries by BBC, National Geographic, IMAX, NHK, TBS, and Bandeirantes. He played a key role in developing the Patagonian Whale Watching Technique and serves as a guide for the satellite tracking program Following Whales. He is also a captain and guide for some of the world’s leading underwater photographers.

CLAUDIA BELEN KAMINSKI
Customer Service

Claudia Belén returned to Patagonia after traveling the world as a flight attendant, becoming a seasoned professional in tourism and customer care. Passionate about serving others and living in daily connection with nature, she came back to settle with her family—and the whales.

MIRNA PAZOS
Customer Service

Mirna is a local from Puerto Pirámides and has been with us for several seasons at our Pre-Boarding Office. She truly enjoys working in tourism and connecting with people.

Quality Management Certification

Integrated Management Policy

TITO BOTTAZZI AVISTAJES (B.K.B S.A.)

Sustainable development

Reducing our impact in the planet