Also other animals visit us, such as the magnificent Orcas (Orcinus orca), erroneously called "killer whales". They´re the biggest species of dolphin in the world, and the orcas we watch at the Bay are casual visitors, which have a widespread territory, and during the whale season is common to see them, because they eat, among many other animals, calves (baby whales).

Orcas are sometimes observed during whale watching, and even being difficult to follow them by their speed, they swim proudly and with no fear, because they´re the kings of the sea. The male has a very long and pointed dorsal fin, while female´s dorsal fin is smaller and curved.  

Another species of whales can be observed but less frequent, as the Bryde´s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), which is different by the "hooked" dorsal fin, the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) which migrates mostly to the Sea of Cortez and the false orca (pseudorca crasidens), an occasional visitor.

Sometimes is watched any sea lion (Zalophus californianus); in occasions some arrive to the Marietas islands, and there are recent reports about a very friendly one, strolling along the coasts in front of Puerto Vallarta, and letting people to get close without any problem. Is important to say this animals have a northern distribution, at least 300 kilometers of distance (480 miles), and for unknown reasons they stray from their natural territory, bringing us the opportunity to see them and learn more about their lives.

About the Humpback whales, at least 350 animals visit every year the Bay of Banderas, between Hablando sobre las ballenas jorobadas, al menos 350 animales nos visitan cada año, between december to march, when the sea is colder.

Their behavior is admirable and worthy to watch, since they can be by moments very gentle and lonely, being able to show un measurable explosions of energy when they breach of fight each others, for such you will see some of the most common behaviors you can see:

The humpbacks show the tail when submerge, where can be perceived unique patterns that permit to identify them, as a fingerprint.

The whales form courtship groups, where generally is a single female and the rest are males, being able to group more than 20 individuals. After some hours of fight (wagging and lunges), the winner male will mate with the female, remaining together for several days.

The breaching (jumping) are the most amazing spectacle, with their 40 tons on the air (80,000 pounds). Is more frequent to see males breaching, since is the way to show off the power and vigor. When the fights are unchanging, can be several whales breaching simultaneously, jumping sometimes very close to the boats, adding emotion to the experience.

Another interesting behavior is the head lunge, a strong and aggressive movement toward the front, showing the head and blowing.

Other behavior is the "flippering", which consists of repeatedly hitting the surface with one or both wings, frequently for several minutes.

Siphoning, that consists to watch what´s going on the surface is not frequently observed because it´s a not common behavior, but some whales area very curious with the boats watching them. If they want to know what´s going on the surface, they just need to "take a look" around on the surface, showing several meters of their body, sometimes very close to the boats, letting us to appreciate their real size.

One of the greater satisfactions in whales watching is when mothers (cows) give birth their calves, dedicating their whole attention, time and caring. After sunrise, they can be found very close to the shore, in certain places without waves and strong currents, resting comfortably on surface, while the baby plays making circles around his mother for hours.

Besides this amazing animals, you can observe other many animals, like marine turtles and giant mantas.

Whales have international protection, and Mexico is not the exception. In Mexico whale watching is regulated. If you want to participate in a whale watching tour, be sure to book a company with all the permits.

If you want to be part of a whale-watching tour, we invite you to visit the web site of Open Air Expeditions, a mexican company dedicated to responsible & safe whale-watching tours into the Bay, departing from Puerto Vallarta.

Would you like to participate in an unforgettable whale-watching tour?

 Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta

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