Going whale watching in Panama is connecting with marine life in a unique and unforgettable way. Witnessing the behavior of these majestic creatures in their habitat is an extraordinary experience that Panama offers like nowhere else in the world.
Panama, Ideal Destination
This is because it is one of two areas in the world where humpback whales from the northern and southern hemispheres migrate to give birth. Whale migration from Antarctica is one of the longest in the world, traveling an annual distance of 4,000 miles from their homes.
Despite this incredible phenomenon, few people know of Panama as a premier destination for whale watching. Fortunately for visitors, this makes Panama an intimate whale watching experience. Guests may find themselves inside the only boat on the water, without needing to worry about crowds ruining the experience.
The Best Places to Watch the Giants of the Ocean
There are many incredible places to watch whales throughout Panama. Some of the most popular destinations include Pedasi, the Taboga Islands, Coiba and Las Perlas Archipelago. However, one of the best places is the Gulf of Chiriqui. This marine oasis is located in the protected marine area of Coiba Island. As a result, this giants view the area as a safe place to give birth and raise their young. Because of this, whales are relaxed and comfortable enough to come closer to the boats instead of going further away.
The Greatest Marine Show of All
Humpback whales are undoubtedly the main attraction, luckily they know how to put on a good show. They are the fourth largest whale in the world and are known for their stunts, which involve breaking or jumping completely out of the water. This is very common behavior and it is amazing to witness due to the large size of the whales which can reach 50 feet (15 meters) in length and weigh around 50 tons. Additional behaviors include blowing the water, slapping their huge pectoral fins and tails on the surface, and spy jumping – when whales curiously poke their heads out of the water to see what’s going on above the surface.
Watch Whales in a Responsible Way
When watching whales, the main priority should be to respect and protect marine life. It can be fun and exciting to get as close as possible to the whales, but this can threaten the safety of both passengers and marine life.
As a general rule, boats should not come within 100 meters (328 feet) of an adult whale. If a mother whale is with her calf, this distance is expanded to 984 feet (300 meters). Sometimes curious whales will approach the boat on their own. If this occurs, the captain should turn off the boat’s engine or put the engine in neutral to avoid accidentally injuring the whales. Whale watching is all about observing the creatures, not interacting with them or causing any disturbance to their natural habitat.
