The Humpback Whales Are Back in Banderas Bay Runway to Adventure | |
go to original October 21, 2014 |
Humpback whales wintering in Banderas Bay, Mexico. Scientist Oscar S. Frey leads the whale watching trip. (Elliot Stoller)
Humpback whale watching in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta. Seriously, one of the most breathtaking experiences. It was the highlight of our spring break trip to Puerto Vallarta in March 2014.
I chose to book a tour with Ocean Friendly. Oscar Frey, the owner and operator, is an oceanologist and nature photographer who has been researching whales and dolphins in Banderas Bay since the early 1990’s. Their small groups, personalized service, and respectful approach to marine life was what attracted me most to their tour.
Plus his use of Kite Ariel photography caught my attention. I think that had something to do with my brother since he uses the same technique in his photography as well. In the case of researching the whales it seems like a great non-intrusive way to get pictures. And, it is such a neat perspective!
We booked the Respectful Whale Watching & Research tour. This tours was from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. At the time the price was $119 USD per adult and $99 per child under 13 years old.
The Humpback whales are known to be the most active of all baleen whales which makes for some great whale watching in the right season. They can be seen in Banderas Bay November to April. The official Humpback whale season is December 8th to March 23rd.
The conditions of the bay makes it a suitable location for the Humpback whales’ breeding and calving. Mothers are teaching their calves the ropes, getting them ready for the long migration back to Alaska…whew, 5000 miles!
With March being the tail-end of the season I was doing my best to be optimistic (we have been whale watching before, in other locations, and not seen a one).
On the morning of our tour we took a taxi from our hotel Canto del Sol. It took about 15 minutes to get to the Los Peines Pier. When we arrived at the pier we had to pay a fee, which Ocean Friendly had advised us about before we booked our tour, so we weren’t surprised. This is a federal fee for the use of the port facilities, it is 20.00 pesos per adult. The fee can be paid in either US Dollars or Pesos.
They took two boats out and so there were only 8 people on our boat, including us. Plus there was a driver and Oscar (we lucked out and got the head honcho himself, however the guide on the other boat was very knowledgeable and friendly as well).
The weather was great and the water was calm. We drove out of the marina and within about 15 minutes we saw our first whale!
Do you ever have that moment where your breath is taken away from the sheer joy and amazement of something? That was us! The calf was jumping about 50 yards from the boat!
The squeaks of excitement coming from my 11 year old daughter made my heart full. I am so very grateful she is able to have these types of experiences, and something she will never forget.
The crew was very knowledgeable and kind. They answered everyone’s questions and were great at spotting more whales. Having two boats out helped as well because there were more eyes on the water. If a whale was spotted they would radio each other.
The boat had a hydrophone and speaker system so we could listen to the whales and dolphins vocalize underwater as well.
Lunch was provided, they served turkey/cheese sub sandwiches, salad, fresh fruit, soda and bottled water. The sandwich and fruit hit the spot. And boy that bottled coke with real sugar sure was yummy! We only get that when we are in Mexico. Our daughter had never seen soda in a glass bottle and wasn’t sure what we were raving about until she tried it herself.
As we were slowly making our way back we spotted a huge pod of dolphins playing. At one point our boat was surrounded. We were able to just sit there for about 15 minutes watching these dolphins. That was the most amazing end to a perfect day on the water!
If you are ever in Puerto Vallarta I highly recommend going whale watching. It truly is an amazing experience. Having such a close connection with nature is something you are not soon to forget.
From Keith May of Deep Blue Conservancy and Ocean Friendly: "We had our first “credible” report that a mother Humpback whale was seen in the bay yesterday around 1:00 pm in front of the Westin Regina Hotel with her newborn calf. The Gentle Giants are coming home and we can’t wait to share them with you all!!! Some of our tour dates for the 2014/2015 whale watching season have already sold out. Book early!"
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