Valdés Peninsula is a Protected Natural Area The importance of the Valdés Peninsula is due to the fact that its coast is the habitat of different species of marine fauna such as Southern Right whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and elephant seals, penguins and many more species. The calm waters of the gulfs and the jagged coastline make this area a true sanctuary for marine life. The Valdés Peninsula was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1999. Every year it receives thousands of Argentine and foreign tourists who come to the place to enjoy wildlife watching and the beautiful coastal landscapes.