Whale Watching in Ecuador

Nov 8
12:24

2012

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

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Discover what the best destinations to go whale watching are at during your Ecuador travel.

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Whale watching in Ecuador is not only extremely popular amongst visitors and tourists,Whale Watching in Ecuador Articles locals also find this to be one of the top activities to do in Ecuador. Thousands of people flock to the beaches of Ecuador to witness the annual influx of these gracious giants of the deep. Many say that the whales have a passport to Ecuador and each year they entertain thousands with their displays of enormous power and romantic scenes of two partners courting and falling in love resulting in the amazing birth of the next generation of peaceful ocean creatures. Many travelers opt to take whale watching tours throughout Ecuador in order to get that up close and personal glimpse of the whales that they desire.

Humpback whales are seen along the shores of Ecuador from approximately June to October. It is the warmer waters that attract the whales as it is easier on the new born calves. Many whale watchers come during this time from far and wide to witness this miracle of nature. When considering all of the possible activities to do while in Ecuador, whale watching will not only be an unforgettable experience, but an educational one as well. These tours run daily during this high season in Salinas, Guayas; Machalilla National Park, Manabi; Puerto Lopez, Manabi; Isla de la Plata, Manabi; Puerto Cayo, Manabi; Bahia de Caraquez, Manabi and Mompiche, Esmeraldas.

Hunchback whales usually move in small groups of about ten individuals. Adults can weigh over forty tons and can grow to lengths of fifteen to sixteen meters. They rely on sound to communicate and their songs fill the ocean during courtship. Here in these waters while on a whale watching tour visitors will often be able to see these spectacular mammals rising gracefully out of the water, almost looking weightless during their mating dances. Capture the beauty of these rituals by taking oodles of pictures. Bring a plastic bag for your camera and keep it in the bag when you are not using it.

The most popular place in Ecuador to take a whale watching trip is Puerto Lopez.  Operators such as Exploramar Diving and Machalilla Tours are well-equipped for tourists and can guarantee a safe and pleasant trip out on the waters. Most tours take visitors out to Isla de la Plata, which is also known as a mini version of the Galapagos. Here you will not only see whales, but many other species of wildlife too.

All destinations in Manabi and Guayas can be easily reached by a one to four-hour bus ride from Manta, Portoviejo, Jipijapa or Guayaquil. For the best route from any given destination, you can consult your hotel, refer to a map or ask locals. These transfer buses usually cost about $1US per hour.

Consider these additional tips before embarking on a whale watching voyage in Ecuador. It is advisable to take seasickness medicine before the trip. Good tour operators will have life jackets on board the boat, so be sure to take advantage and utilize them to ensure your safety. This is because small waves sometimes splash into the seating areas. Bring a warm sweater for the boat because it can sometimes get chilly.  

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