Whale watching in Ecuador has become very popular along the country’s Pacific coast, from late June to early October. Every year a large number of Humpback Whales make the more than 4,000-mile trip from Antarctica’s cold waters in order to mate and spawn in the warm waters of the equator.
The number of whales that are seen off the coast of Ecuador can change year-by-year, but they range between 400 and 2,000. The first to arrive are the young males, who travel in large pods and stay fairly close to the coastline. Females that got pregnant the previous year are the last to return to the tropical waters, due to their extra weight in order to give birth. The hot water is important for the survival of the newborns. They would never survive in the cold waters of Antarctica, due to the lack of a protective layer of fat.
Known to be an extremely active and social species of whale, the humpback whale can be observed both alone and in groups of up to 8 individuals. Always talkative, the humpback whale is also known for its love of communication and for the harmonious sounds it emits underwater while communicating with other whales.
In Ecuador, humpback whales are commonly seen along the northern and central parts of the coast. Some of the best places for whale watching in Ecuador are Puerto Lopez, Salinas, Bahia de Caraquez and Mompiche. Puerto Lopez is a particularly attractive destination for whale watching, as it offers tours to nearby Isla de la Plata and the Machalilla National Park.
This could be a great opportunity to observe these unique animals, doubling as a preview of a Galapagos Cruise Experience.
Contact our travel experts to organize this unique experience while you are visiting Ecuador.
