Since
1990, the ecuadorian territorial
waters have been declared "Whale
Natural Shelter", therefore
these species are protected
under ecuadorian Law.
Besides,
any activity which put in danger
their lifes is strictly forbiden
because they are still an extinction
danger species.
In
the M.N.P. waters, it is not remarkable
to find these fabulous Marine Mammals
(whales and dolphins), who use to
increase their number during some
periods of the year.
The
Observation of these animals in
their own natural environment ,
became a very popular world-wide
activity. The touristical activity
at the M.N.P., started to increase
a few years ago, due to the presence
of these fabulous individuals. Each
year, from June to September the
whale watching, specialty of Humpback
Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae),
become the most popular activity
in this area.
The
Humpback Whale population (Yubartas) that we can
see at the M.N.P. and De La Plata Island, come from
the Antarctic (South Pole), they leave the austral
winter, in order to find hot waters. During this
period they mate and give birth to their calves.
The
Whales favorite hobby is to jump out of the water
and make great noise when they fall down. Besides,
they are also famous because of the sounds they
use to make under the water.
The
Humpback Whale is easy to recognize because of their
extremely long pectoral fins, in fact its scientific
name is Megaptera novaeangliae which means "Of
Big Wings". These Whales reach more than 16
mts. length and could weigh 40 tons. They are usually
dark blue, gray or black colored on their back,
but their fins, sides and belly had a big number
of white spots and some scars.
Their
caudal fin (tail) had some unique spots like fingerprints
at the ventral part, which are used by the scientists
as an identification pattern of these individuals.
The big quantity of contaminating and polluted
substances discharged over the ocean waters, the
excessive marine trade, fishing activities, are
all a threat for these individuals. Besides their
normal life and reproduction procedures, are drastically
disturbed.
From
our offices in Quito and Puerto Lopez (M.N.P), and in
our boats: Explora I and Popeye II, equiped for your security
and comfort, we show to you the opportunity to share with
us the unique and magnificent experience to see the Humpback
Whales in their natural environment, following the International
Regulations established in order to decrease the human
impact over this individuals and in this way guarantee
their stay in this area.
"HELP THE HUMPBACK WHALES TO GET BETTER AND
BE PROTECTED AGAINST THEIR OWN EXTINCTION".
In
the M.N.P. waters, it is not remarkable
to find these fabulous Marine Mammals
(whales and dolphins), who use to
increase their number during some
periods of the year.
"HELP THE HUMPBACK WHALES TO GET BETTER AND
BE PROTECTED AGAINST THEIR OWN EXTINCTION".
