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The imposing mammals choose our bay for the most intimate act of their life: romance and childbirth.
Our bay is a paradise and during the months of November to March, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. During these months, the inevitable recommendation is to watch humpback whales in the temperate waters of the bay Of flags. Those who have come to the city during the winter and have taken a boat tour of the sea, or watched from its beaches and cliffs, have been amazed by the presence of these "marine giants".
With great pride, we can say that humpback whales are born in our bay and hardcore residents during the winter. In summer migrate to Northern California waters, Oregon and Washington to feed.
To get into the context a bit, it is important to say that the humpback whale was first described in 1756, with the name “Baleine de la Nouvelle Angleterre”. Scientists now know it as "Megaptera novaeangliae", which means "New England Bigfin". The name refers to its enormous pectoral fins that reach a third of its body length. The first humpback whales were described in his studies by the biologist Borowski in New England.
whales are huge marine mammals weighing about 40 tons and up to 17 meters in length. Unlike fish, they need air from the atmosphere to live. For this they have two holes in the upper part of the head known as nostrils or nostrils.
A winter that becomes warm and romantic
The humpback whale chooses the waters of our bay for the most important and intimate act of its life, mating and reproducing. Immersing yourself for moments in the incredible world of this mammal shows us the magnificence of nature.
During their stay in Banderas Bay, the whales court each other and then reproduce. The pups then develop for almost 12 months inside the mother, who migrates to the northern waters and then returns to the bay to give birth.
At birth, the young have a weight of almost 1 ton and measure approximately 4 meters in length. The calves are nursed with milk rich in fat and protein that will give them the necessary strength to begin the adventure of growing up.
Whale watching: an activity that you cannot miss
In Puerto Vallarta there are various tours or “sightings” by boat to appreciate the humpback whales. So you can observe them up close, doing different activities such as big jumps.
The males emit high-frequency sounds, which are quite a sound experience. With a bit of luck, you might get to see a whale with its calf by your side. This is a unique experience for regular whale watchers.
The humpback whale is a species protected by Mexican law.
Observation for ecotourism purposes is regulated by a specific standard. This indicates the way and the direction in which you must approach them and the distance at which the boat must remain. Efforts are made not to disturb them or violently break into their environment.
Therefore, if you are interested in observing them in this winter season, you can hire a specialized service at affordable prices. Ask at the reception of your hotel or tourist service providers to recommend a professional who has their respective permit for whale watching.
Observing them closely, appreciating their jumps and listening to their songs, is the most intimate gift that these "giants of the sea" can give us. And it is an event that means the life of the sea.
Whale watching is definitely an activity that you cannot stop doing in your life.
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