Every year, two to three thousand Humpback whales make their epic migration from Antarctica to mate and spawn in a the warm waters of Ecuador and Colombia. They come very close, and can be seen just a few miles off shore. Tour prices for boat trips can be as low as $20 per passenger, some tour operators even offer a no see / no pay guarantee. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close is an unforgettable experience, well worth the modest tour price.
Depending on the beach, and where you are staying your can arrange Whale watching tours from local operators, who have offices near the port or along the Malecón. Alternatively the better hotels often have an arrangement with tour companies and will make a booking for you.
Ayangue and Puerto Lopez are two very popular beaches for launching Whale watching tours, and you can expect to pay $20-25 per head. The ride out to the whales is usually 20-30 mins, depending on where they happen to be, on any given day.
From Salinas beach, the typical tour lasts one and a half to two hours, and usually involves a 40 minute boat ride to an area near to La Choclatera or other spots where the whales like to hang out. With about 40 minutes viewing time, and then return, all for $20-25 per head depending on the size of the party.
Whale Watching SeasonJune to September Humpback whales can be seen in their mating grounds off the coast of Ecuador. You can take boat tours to see them up close, or watch from your hotel or apartment with binoculars. |
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Hello Mark,
I’m in Ecuador now (Guayaquil) and looking to see whales either in Salinas or Puerto Lopez in next couple of days 10th September). Salinas is much closer but not sure if my chances of seeing whales is better ftom puerto lopez? I did see them in Colombia last month and only saw the top of the whales and tails (flukes). I really want to see one breaching. What are the chances of seeing them in salinas now and of them breaching?
It’s not too late in the season, you still have a good chance of seeing whales. Salinas is as good a bet as any at this stage.
As for breaching… I’ve got my fingers crossed for you!
Good luck – send pictures if you get lucky!
Cheers
Mark
Hey is there still a good chance of seeing whales mid September(10-15ish), or is that a little late in the season. Thanks in advance for the help.
Chris
Hi Chris, Yes there’s a decent chance from Puerto Lopez.
Hello!
We are thinking about going to Puerto Lopez tomorrow to go whale-watching. Do you know if there are already whales around? And do the tours go out already?
Thanks in advance!
Kind regards,
Erik
Do the boat that take people out for whale watching have life jackets? Is there any issues as far the previous major earthquake goes in Puerto Lopez i.e. damage in Puerto Lopez itself, reasons we might not want or shouldn’t visit this August related to the earthquake damage, etc? Thanks so very much!!
Hi Sarsh, yes the tour operators have life jackets for all passengers. The earthquake damage in Puerto Lopez and anywhere south was minimal. The worst hit areas were Manta, Pedernales, Portoviejo, Bahia de Caracruz. However, in many towns there are a few exceptionally poorly constructed buildings that simply crumbled to dust. There’s no reason not to visit, and on the upside, you can expect hotel room rates to be pretty low. Tourism is expected to be low for the next few years, and some touristic activities may not be operating at their previous levels.
Hello!
Are there already whales in Puerto lopez?
We are thinking about going there tomorrow (from Quito) to go whale-watching… Just hoping we get to see them!
Thanks!
Erik
Hi Erik, Yes they are here, and at least in Salinas I know the tours are out. Hope it works out for you. Upload some pics to us!
Hello Mark I will be visiting Salinas around the 13 of June do you think I would be available to see the whales and where is the best spot to go
Hi Maria, It’s a bit early, but maybe you’ll get lucky! With the El Nino weather, everything is a bit confused. I’d just walk along the Malecon in Salinas looking for operators, or for other readers this applies anywhere e.g. Puerto Lopez. If anyone is doing tours, they’ll have a tent up, or signs in plain view from the Malecon. You can’t miss it – pictures of whales! They don’t usually go out, if they are likely to disappoint – its bad for business. Whether you see whales or not, I hope you enjoy your visit to Salinas.
Hey Mark,
I would like to go whale watching with a group in the weekend of 26th or the weekend after. Is this already to late? And we want to combine this with a visit to isla de plata, can you recommend any tour operators? We are staying in Montañita.
I went whale watching today and we saw a good 2-dozen whales. They said there are more in June and July, but it was still well worth the trip.
Cool, thanks for sharing. Where was that?
Hi Mark, I will be in Guayaquil this September around 24th-26th. Do you think it is still worth arranging a trip to go whale watching this late in the season?
Maybe, but I would wait till you arrive. If there’s no action, no one will be going out.
I am planning a trip to Santa Marianita in December what are my chances to see Whales and can we bring binoculars into to Ecuador with out a problem and or telescopes. Is Tuna fishing open all year long.
Hi Mark, I’m in Ecuador mid May next year. Will this be too early to see Humpback Whales? When is the earliest time they arrive?
I’m afraid so. They start appearing in July.
Hey Mark – saw one today swimming past Montanita!
Dennis, bringing binoculars should be no problem at all, but slim chance of seeing any whales. Kiteboarders galore, its a good time of year for wind, but no whales. Tuna fishing goes on all year, and peak season is Aug thru Dec. I’m told by friends in the business, that stocks are a little depleted this year, but it started to pick up around September.
I will be in Montanita next month, 10-13th June – do you think there will be a chance of seeing the whales? I hear that El Nino is happening in the Pacific now, will this affect the whales at all, if and when they arrive?
I’m no expert, but I don’t El Niño is going to make any difference to the Whales. Their migration north is driven by their reproductive cycle, and I can’t imagine that changes significantly from year to year. Sorry you’re coming at least a month too early. El Niño has resulted in a lot more rain than usual and more bugs (both nice ones and nasty ones)! I’ve noticed a lot more butterflies this year, but also more mosquitos.
Hi,
Is there still a chance to see the whales during the next week or is it to late?
Your chances are very slim. Sorry! I haven’t seen any whales for a few weeks now, where I live. When they are here I usually see something: a fin, a flipper, a big splash each week.
We will be in Guayaquil early august for two days before we leave for Galapagos. Are there any tours that leave from Guayaquil, or must we find our way to salinas on our own?
There are a lot of tour operators based out of Guayaquil but I doubt whales would go anywhere near the place. The river spews a lot of silt into the ocean, just look at the river estuary on Google maps. Plus its kinda tucked into a corner, which makes it a detour from continuing up the coast. If there are tours, I would expect it to be a pretty long boat ride to reach the whales. Whereas from Salinas its just 20-30 mins each way. Its really my best guess, hope this helps. Getting to Salinas is easy…just get a bus from the Terminal Terrestre its $4-5 per head to the Terminal Terrestre in Santa Elena, then another 20 mins south to Salinas or North to wherever you like e.g. Montanita.
We will be in Salinas from July 25 to August 1. It seems to be a good season for whales watching. Is it recommendable for young kids? My son is 8. Is Puerto Lopez far away from Royal Decameron resort? Thanks in advance.
It is absolutely recommended for kids, however young kids may be a bit scared by the noise of the motor and the bumping of the boat on the waves. But I think 8 years old is a very good age for it. Bear in mind these whales may be 2 or 3 times the size of the boat you are on. So kids may also need a bit of coaching to not freak out, thinking the whale will attack the boat or turn it over. It won’t happen, the whales are curious, not aggressive, and they heard you coming the minute you left port. I suggest showing some pictures and talking about their incredible journey from the south pole, before departure.
The Royal Decameron at Centinella point is 50-60 mins to Puerto Lopez by car, and 30-35 mins to Salinas. You can go on Whale Watching tours from either place.
Hi,
I was thinking of coming to Puerto Lopez in the first week of June, do you think it is likely we would get to see whales then? When does the season tend to start in June?
Thanks,
Becky
First week of June your chances are 50/50. But just keep asking the fishermen and tour operators. Once they are spotted, everyone will know about it.
You will be in the right place, Puerto Lopez, at the right time. Mid June to be sure
Enjoy beautiful Ecuador
I’m planning a trip mid march, is there any chance to see the whales? Any agency offering tours around that time?
Really not a chance! At this time of year the whales are in the Antarctic munching their way through a shoal of Krill! Trying to get fat for their long journey north.
When talking about seeing whales on a trip out of Puerto Lopez Ecuador some sites say can see whales June -September-we are planning to come to Ecuador 1st week of September-what are our chances of seeing the whales on a trip to poor man’s Galapagos-my Dad is 92 but in real good shape & wants to see this & stand in the middle of the world
Your chances of seeing whales are very good, at that time of year. The tour operators keep pretty good tabs on where the whales are, or at least were last seen. I suggest you do your tour first, then go to the equator line.
Thanks very much