Whale watching

See how 40 tons emerge hastily from the bottom of the ocean and disappear again into the depths in seconds.

Beaches, cliffs and bays become the natural bleachers to see this unique spectacle of nature. The place is the perfect venue to watch the whales and their calves swim in a safe, and especially respectful way. It is important to explain that the activity of whale watching has to be respectful of the space these beautiful animals need, as they are vulnerable mammals and their survival depends highly on tourists’ conduct.

In Colombia, from Nariño all the way to Chocó, in the Pacific Ocean, one can see the arrival of the whales every year between July and November.

Humpback whales swim in every ocean in the world. However, the quality of the water, its depth and temperature, as well as the wind an environment features, have an influence on their presence in the Colombian Pacific every year.

Patience is one of the characteristics tourist have to have when they see whales; sometimes they can spend hours on end without ever seeing one of these cetaceans nearby.

Influence on the state of the ocean. There are more chances to see them when the waters are calm and the sun is not completely out in full force, in other words, during the early hours of the morning or late at night.

History

According to the investigations on the topic and the bibliography, between July and August 1920 the first humpback whales arrived to bear their offspring at Malaga Bay. Decades later, after whale watching was established in California as a tourist activity, the first sights occurred from ships in Malaga Bay in 1994, while Nuquí and Bahía Solano registered the first sights in 1997.

Mammals gradually make their arrival between July and November. Generally, males quickly make their way south to Chile or Antarctica after having fulfilled their breeding duties. Instead, females can stay up to four months waiting for their offspring to adapt and be ready to start the long journey to the south of the continent.

Observation spots

From the ground, it is important to have a good set of binoculars on hand, in addition to the already mentioned patience. This practice is seen as an advantage for tourists who do not want to go too far into the ocean, and even by the whales themselves, as it reduces the pressure tourists can put on them.

Whale watching from on board boats is tourists’ highest demand. While on the ocean, the whales can be followed from a minimum distance of 200 meters to be able to appreciate their swimming and movements.
Different groups of whales can be watched; mothers and calves, courtship and singing groups.