Whale Watching
Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places in the world to watch humpback whales in their natural habitat. For centuries, from November to March, humpback whales have migrated from their feeding grounds along the northern coast of California to the warm waters of Banderas Bay, transforming it into their nursery where they breed and instruct their young. As many as 300 have been sighted during one season, and the humpback is the species that breaches most frequently of all the whales in the world—up to once every 40 seconds for several minutes. Experts believe these leaps are for courtship, challenges or displays of strength. Oceanographers say there used to be around 15,000 humpback whales in the world—today there are only about 5,000, with perhaps 1,000 in the Pacific Ocean.
The first to leave the Bay are the recently impregnated females, followed by the young, and later, by the mature adults. Last to leave are mothers with newborn calves, conceived the year before. This extra time in warm waters allows their calves time to develop the thick layer of insulating fat needed in their northern home.
In spite of their enormous size, these magnificent creatures are sensitive to sudden changes in environment. The growing number of whale-watchers has created concern in recent years about the effect numerous boats may have on the behavior of these mammals. Local eco-tour operators and federal authorities have established new regulations for any tour operator providing whale-watching services. You can help in the conservation of these mammals by hiring the services of responsible tour operators that follow these guidelines. Authorized companies carry a flag bearing the stamp of the Mexican wildlife preservation authorities and a certificate issued by SEMARNAT. Posters listing these authorized companies are at most docking points. I can arrange your tours with these conscientious operators.
All whale-watching tours are required to follow these basic rules:
- Stay at least 100 feet from the whales.
- Never stay with a given group of whales for more than 30 minutes.
- Never have more than two vessels with a given group of whales.
- Approach the whales only from behind or from the sides—the boat should never cross in front of them.
- The speed of the boat should never be more than that of the whales.
- Never try to touch the whales.
- Avoid excessive noise.
Coming soon: more photos I took from Casa Azul Profundo on Mismaloyas shoreline of the whales last month. I have also watched the whales from Villa Delfin and Villa Los Arcos. Breathtaking!
