Without passports or migratory papers, but with a giant personality, humpback whales began to arrive in the country. An unforgettable event that changes the way you connect with nature. Every year they visit Panama between the months of July and October.
These giants of the ocean are bigger than a passenger bus, about 16 meters long, they are so agile that they jump out of the water, as if there was no gravity. They weigh the equivalent of 5 or 6 African elephants together.
Before Arriving to Panama
A humpback whale dedicates to eat from November to March in the polar areas of the planet, eating between 5% to 30% of their body weight, about two tons of “Krill”, their favorite food. Once they have eaten until bursting and their fat deposits are at their maximum level, they begin their maritime pilgrimage to the tropical waters of Panama.
Migration of the Giants
Once the temperatures of the arctic begin to drop, the journey of these giants begins along 8,000 kilometers, where they practically fast until they reach our country. They travel in groups of 2 to 15 whales, even sharing the trip with dolphins and other species that join the event.
Panama, a Romantic Resort
This is how the whales see our country, since the warm and shallow waters make Panama the perfect Jacuzzi to start the procreation courtship. An incredible event, which leads the males to sing the same melody with the greatest possible force in order to conquer the desired female to procreate. These songs can be heard almost 20 kilometers away underwater. A wonder of the marine world.
Panamanian Citizens
When the female gets pregnant, she returns to her feeding sites at the poles to restart her cycle of nutrition and fattening. The particular thing is that they will return to Panama the following year, this time, with a baby in the womb since the normal gestation cycle is 11 to 12 months. If all goes well, she will find in Panama the safe place to give birth to a beautiful light gray creature, just over 3 meters long and almost a ton.
Whale’s Favorite Spots in Panama
Whales actually visit the entire Panamanian Pacific coast, however, it is well known that they have their favorite spots in Panama.
Bahia de Panama:
Around the more than 90 islands of Las Perlas archipelago and even very close to the Panama City coastline, these enormous cetaceans can be seen. Because of this, the Panama Canal and the Smithsonian Institute of Panama proposed special laws for ships to follow specific routes to avoid colliding with humpbacks.
Pedasi and Iguana Island:
Located on the Azuero Peninsula, Pedasi is the cradle of one of the best-known folk traditions in Panama. Its coasts are one of the favorite places for humpback whales. From Playa El Arenal, just 3 kilometers from the town, you can see the whales jumping, it is also very common to find them just 10 minutes after going out to look for them by boat.
Mariato / Gulf of Montijo / Isla Cebaco:
Located on the other side of the Azuero Peninsula, the coasts of Mariato and Isla Cebaco at the entrance to the Gulf of Montijo, the third largest island in Panama, with more than 50 km. of beaches surrounded by nature. Here it is common to see the whales making a stop between Isla Gobernadora and Cebaco.
Coiba National Park:
Another favorite site of the giants of the sea is this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the crown jewel of Panama’s national parks, with more than 270 thousand hectares, a unique biodiversity, with 80% of its territory still remaining virgin and surrounded by the largest coral reef in Central America.
Gulf of Chiriqui:
Whales love this area, mainly between Isla Secas and Isla Paridas. They take advantage of the fact that the Gulf of Chiriqui is also another national marine park and guarantees them safety.
Observing live humpback whales is an unforgettable experience, doing it with experts like our friends from Pacific Adventure is the most recommended.
More informarion: Cel. +507 6673-0256 or E-Mail: info@pacificadvent.com
