Whale watching in their natural environment has become an increasingly popular worldwide activity. The presence of humpback whales off the Ecuadorian coast, especially in the Machalilla National Park, is a unique tourist attraction during this period of the year. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate from the Antarctic (South Pole) to tropical waters to mate and give birth to their calves during the austral winter (June-September). These whales look for Ecuadorian waters to breed because the calves need to be born in a warm environment since are born with a thin isolating layer.

The humpback whales are easy to recognize because of their extremely long pectoral fins, which measure almost a third part of their body’s length. In fact, their scientific name, Megaptera novaeangliae, means "of big wings". These whales can measure up to 16 m of length and weigh up to 40 tons. They are usually dark blue, gray or black colored on their back, but their flippers, sides and belly have several white spots and some scars. Their caudal fin (tail) has some unique spots like fingerprints at the ventral part, which are used by scientists as an identification pattern of individual whales.

Humpback whales are the most acrobatic of the bigger whales. They like to breach out the water or hit the surface repetitively with their flippers or flukes. It is believed that the sound produced in this form could be used for communications purposes. Humpback whales are also well known as the "singer" whales during the breeding season. The meaning of the songs is probably related to the reproduction process.

Exploramar Diving offers the opportunity to share the unique and magnificent experience of observing the humpback whales in their natural environment, following the International Regulations established in order to reduce the human impact over these individuals and in this way guarantee their presence in this area. With offices in Quito and in the town of Puerto López --where the central offices of Machalilla National Park (M.N.P.) are found-- Exploramar Diving has boats that operate in the M.N.P. marine area. Scuba diving lessons with certified PADI instructors are also offered.

By: Michel Guerrero / Marine Biologist

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