Whales: Give us space and don't follow us

Blogs Danos Espacio Y No Nos Sigan

Each winter, Mexico gets many visitors from the north escaping the cold, but not all walk on two legs! Every year, whales swim up to 5 thousand miles for childbirth and breeding in our tropical waters. The types of whales that can be seen include gray, humpback, blue, and orcas. Even Bryde’s and fin whales can sometimes be spotted enjoying their warm vacation.  

Humpback whales though, are the stars of the show in areas around Zihuatanejo and all along the Costa Grande, and they are known for their acrobatic breaches and melodious songs that can be heard for miles underwater. In fact, male humpbacks are the composers of the sea; each region's population has its own "song," and these evolve over time. Gregory Colbert, artist and filmmaker said: "The whales do not sing because they have an answer, they sing because they have a song." Mothers with calves, of course,  also frequent these waters, making for some heartwarming sightings. A little humpback calf trivia for you; a humpback whale calf gains about 100 pounds per day on its mother's milk!

Mexico has strict regulations to protect these magnificent creatures. Guides and tours follow rules to minimize disturbance, like keeping a safe distance, and limiting the number of boats near a whale pod. Here in Guerrero, we have Whales of Guerrero (WoG), which is a community-driven research and conservation initiative based in Barra de Potosí, Guerrero, Mexico. Founded in 2013 by Katherina Audley, this project is notable for its collaborative and grassroots approach, ensuring that conservation activities are shaped by local priorities. Its success has been recognized internationally, including by the United Nations, as a model for marine conservation efforts. Their work includes observing and recording not just whales, but all marine animals and they have identified 16 species of marine mammals in the area. They also provide marine conservation education to over 3,500 children annually across 25 schools, as well as training local fishermen and boat operators in safe whale-watching practices, helping them to become not just guides, but also protectors of marine life.

The whales normally start appearing along the coastline in November and stay until March/April. The official whale watching season here in Guerrero for 2024 starts on December 15 this year. Playa Larga is an excellent choice for watching whales from shore – the expansive view from there is often filled with breaching whales. Of course, the best way is by boat – when you book your tour, make sure they are an eco-friendly organization. They should have a certificate of training from Whales of Guerrero and follow the regulations that are set up, such as keeping a distance of at least 240 meters. As Sylvia Earle, oceanographer and explorer said: "We need to respect whales more than ever. For centuries, they’ve been a source of inspiration, wonder, and life-changing encounters. They’re ambassadors for the health of our planet."

Whale season in Guerrero, particularly around Zihuatanejo and Barra de Potosí, offers an awe-inspiring experience. Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures breaching, tail-slapping, and even spyhopping (lifting their heads above water to "peek" at their surrounding), as they interact with their environment. The season highlights the incredible connection between marine life and the local community, and it is an absolute must-see for any and all nature enthusiasts. "The sight of a whale in the wild is a powerful reminder of the strength and vulnerability of the oceans. It’s an encounter that stays with you, changing your understanding of the world." Jean-Michel Cousteau, ocean explorer.

Visit Whales of Guerrero for more information:

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