Whale watching in Banderas Bay from Puerto Vallarta is an experience like no other. We have done it 3 or 4 times, but our recent trip with EcoTours was nothing short of extraordinary. This time our tour ended up spotting over 20 whales and we observed several of their captivating behaviors. If you prefer video, check out our Youtube Whale Watch Video . We took so much video, we will have to supplement with some still photos from previous trips.
The Guides
Our guides were experienced experts from EcoTours, but they seemed as excited over each sighting as we were. EcoTours office is in the Puerto Vallarta Marina. Our tour was in a small boat with maybe 15 tourists. Rafa, the captain, expertly navigated for the best views, while respecting the whales space. Cynthia, our whale expert, narrated the various behaviors and types of whales we were seeing. Her predictions of what would happen was uncanny.
Season
First things first, timing is everything when it comes to whale watching in Puerto Vallarta. Humpback whales come to give birth in these waters primarily from early December to mid-March, making it the ideal time for sightings. After spending most of the summer feeding in Alaska, they migrate to Mexico for mating and giving birth. Surprisingly, they don't eat during their time in Mexico, focusing solely on these crucial life events.
First Sighting
Anticipation is always at a peak as everyone in your group scans the horizon for a tail or a spout. Suddenly, a collective gasp from the group – our first sighting! With Captain Rafa at the helm, we navigated closer to the action, where Cynthia, our knowledgeable guide, shared fascinating insights into the life cycle and migration patterns of humpback whales. We were in awe of these iconic creatures known for their acrobatic displays during mating season, a spectacle we were fortunate to witness firsthand. We weren't always as close as we wished due to the admirable respect of our crew for the whales.
Singing
As we continued our journey, when whales were not in sight, we could hear them through a hydrophone. The haunting song of male humpback is a mysterious melody whose purpose is a bit uncertain. . Perhaps it's a form of communication or a means of attracting mates during mating season. Interestingly, the females don't sing.
Mothers Training Babies with an Escort
One of the most heartwarming sights was witnessing mother whales nurturing their calves, accompanied by a vigilant escort. These escorts play a crucial role in protecting the mother and calf while also providing guidance as the calf learns essential survival skills. It's a beautiful reminder of the bonds that exist within these whale families. I may be a bit cynical, but it is likely the escorts motive in addition to protection of the baby , is to be near the female when she becomes receptive for the next round of reproduction.
The Competitions That Males Have Chasing a Female
During breeding season, male humpback whales engage in intense competitions known as "heat runs." These breathtaking displays of strength and agility underscore the males' determination to mate with receptive females. Witnessing these competitions firsthand was a thrilling experience, showcasing the raw power of these magnificent creatures. This might have been the best part of our whale watching adventure in Banderas Bay. We were able to follow a group of six along for 10 minutes or more as they struggled for supremacy. Often there are injuries as these males swim along at high speed in a gargantuan battle.
Mating and Babies
After the successful male is chosen for mating by competition, singing or escorting, the mothers embark on a journey of gestation lasting nearly a year before giving birth back in warmer waters like Banderas Bay or Hawaii. From the moment they're born, humpback whale calves rely on their mothers for everything, embarking on a journey back north fraught with challenges and obstacles. Not least of which are the dreaded Orcas.
How to Tell If They Are Playing or Diving
Humpback whales are incredibly playful creatures, often engaging a good frolic. One playful and perhaps functional behavior includes breaching, where the whale propels its entire body out of the water and crashes back to the surface. This may help remove barnacles. Another behavior is slapping, where the whale repeatedly strikes the surface of the water with its tail or it's pectoral fin. This is also important for building strength in the baby.
Diving behaviors, on the other hand, are characterized by the whale's gradual descent beneath the surface, often accompanied by a distinctive arching of the back that shows the hump that gives these whales their name. It ends with the tale straight in the air. If you see this you won't see the whale for several minutes. By observing the whale's movements and body language, experienced guides can help discern whether the whales are engaging in playful antics or preparing for a deep dive.
Depth
In Banderas Bay, humpback whales prefer the shallower waters of the north side of the bay, typically diving to depths of around 60 feet. However, elsewhere, they can dive to depths of 500 to 700 feet or even deeper, highlighting their remarkable adaptability.
Summary
Whale watching is a must do experience in Puerto Vallarta. If you are looking for more ideas, check out our posts on things to to in the Puerto Vallarta Area. It is a great education in ecology combined with a fun exciting adventure. A breeching whale is nothing short of breathtaking. You are likely to also see dolphins playing in the wake of the boat. You might even spot a olive sea turtle We were fortunate to experience all three. From the breathtaking sightings to the invaluable insights provided by our guides, we had a memorable experience on our whale watching adventure in Banderas Bay.
