This coastal town on Argentina's Atlantic shore has the country's largest oceanarium and stretches of sandy beaches. Popular with local tourists during summer months.
San Clemente del Tuyú sits where the Río de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean in Buenos Aires Province. Watch sea lions play at Mundo Marino aquarium, soak in 40°C mineral-rich ocean water at the thermal baths, or spot migrating birds at Punta Rasa nature reserve. Walk along the 129-meter pier to see cargo ships pass by, join local fishing boats for corvina negra fishing, or learn about marine life at two natural sciences museums.
Getting Around San Clemente
National Roads 11 and 36 connect San Clemente del Tuyú to Buenos Aires, with the drive taking about 4 hours. Santa Teresita Airport lies 21 kilometers south. The town center spans 15 blocks along the waterfront, making it easy to walk between main sites. Local buses run every 30 minutes between the pier, Mundo Marino, and the thermal baths.
Beaches and Marine Life
The sandy beaches stretch 8 kilometers along the meeting point of river and ocean waters. From the 129-meter wooden pier, you'll spot cargo ships and might catch corvina negra or white croaker. Mundo Marino, located 3 kilometers north of town, houses South America's largest collection of marine life. Daily shows run at 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00, focusing on penguin feeding and dolphin behavior. Local fishing boats depart at sunrise for 4-hour trips, with equipment included.
Natural Areas and Annual Events
Walking trails wind through the dunes of Punta Rasa nature reserve, where you'll find information panels about local bird species. The February Enduro competition transforms the dunes into a 15-kilometer racing circuit. During the December Black Corvine Festival, fishing boats run extra tours, and you can taste traditional corvina preparations at waterfront restaurants.
Wellness and Religious Tourism
The thermal complex contains six indoor and two outdoor pools filled with heated seawater. Temperatures range from 37°C to 40°C, and treatment rooms provide salt scrubs and seaweed wraps. At the Benedictine monastery, 5 kilometers inland, monk Mamerto Menapace gives weekly sermons on Thursdays at 17:00. The monastery has 20 simple rooms with shared bathrooms for overnight stays.
Climate and When to Visit
Summer temperatures peak at 26°C (79°F) in January, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winter brings mild days around 13°C (55°F) from June to August, ideal for thermal bath visits. March sees the most rainfall, averaging 120mm. Strong southeastern winds are common year-round, making mornings the best time for fishing trips. The high humidity (85% average) makes the air feel warmer in summer and colder in winter.
