Rawson tide times

Mean tidal range at Rawson is approximately 5.5 m — Patagonian macrotidal, driven by the same South Atlantic system as Puerto Madryn 65 km to the north. The Chubut River estuary adds complexity: the flood tide pushes salt water up the river, and the ebb current in the channel can run at 2 to 3 knots in the mid-tide range on spring tides. The regime is semidiurnal, with two highs and two lows per day.

Yes — Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei, locally called Toninas) are regularly observed in the coastal zone around the Rawson harbour mouth and Playa Unión. A local dolphin-watching boat operation runs from the harbour throughout the summer season. The Franciscana is the most endangered small cetacean in the Southwest Atlantic; Rawson is one of the few locations in the world where reliable sightings are possible. Boat tours typically run in the morning for calmer sea conditions.

Punta Tombo is approximately 100 km south of Rawson along the coastal highway, or accessible via Trelew (40 km inland from Rawson) with a guided day trip. The colony is open to visitors from September through late March, when approximately one million Magellanic penguins are present for the breeding season. A provincial reserve entrance fee applies. Walking paths wind through the colony at close range to the birds. Book a guided tour from Rawson, Trelew, or Puerto Madryn for transport and interpretation — the road from Trelew is the standard approach.

Playa Unión sits immediately south of the Rawson harbour mouth where the Atlantic coast opens into a broad, sandy beach backed by low dunes. The beach is widest at low water — the 5.5 m tidal range exposes a substantial intertidal strip — and the surf is Atlantic in character: consistent swell, variable sea state depending on wind. In summer, the beach is the local resort destination for Rawson and Trelew residents. The harbour mouth to the north sets up rip currents in certain swell and wind conditions; swim in front of the main beach rather than near the river entrance.

No prediction is guaranteed. Data on this page comes from Open-Meteo Marine modelling (typical accuracy ±45 minutes on timing, ±0.2–0.3 m on height) and is intended as planning guidance only. The Servicio de Hidrografía Naval (SHN) is the authoritative source for Argentine tidal data, including Rawson. Given the 5.5 m mean range and the fast tidal currents in the Chubut River estuary, always verify with SHN before any boat operation or coastal activity where tidal state is safety-critical. This site does not accept responsibility for decisions made based on these predictions.