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There has been a considerable increase in shipping activities in Patagonia in the last decade. This work evaluates the potential effects of vessel traffic on the Commerson`s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) population of Bahia San Julián (49º 14´ S, 67º 36´ W). During January-February 2000 and 2001, land-based and boat-based observations were made. Group cohesion, group size and vessel-dolphin distance under different intensities and nautical traffic types were measured. The absence of vessels sailing in the bay was considered as the control situation. No significant differences were found in any of the variables analysed, neither in the number of vessels nor in the power of the engines or the type of activity performed by the vessels. The levels of nautical activity in this area do not seem to have affected the analysed behaviour variables of the Commerson`s dolphin population in the Bahia San Julián region of Argentina.