Whale watching in Panama • Now is the season

When one thinks of whale watching, places like Hawaii, Mexico, Alaska, New England, even Dominican Republic, Australia and Tonga instantly come to mind. But, few ever think of Panama as a whale watching destination, but it is actually a mecca for Humpback whales.

Along with Costa Rica, Panama is the only place in the world where Humpback whales migrate from both the Southern and Northern hemispheres to breed and give birth. During the months of July to October there are several thousand Humpback whales that travel over 5,000 miles, (the longest migration known by a mammal) from Antarctica to the warm, shallow and safe calving grounds on the Pacific side of Panama. From December to March, Panama receives a few hundred Humpback whales from North America for the same reason, which gives the waters off Panama seven months of Humpback whale activity.

Beyond the well-known Panama Canal, there is a country with one of the largest biodiversities in the world, with 975 species of birds, making it a bird watcher’s paradise. National parks cover 30 per cent of the country. Exploration of this verdant country uncovers lush virgin rainforests, two oceans only 50 miles apart, cute mountain towns, coffee plantations, canopy zip line attractions, river rafting, big game sport fishing and three unique island archipelagos. It is home to seven unique indigenous populations, and several UNESCO world heritage sites.

Panama is also a haven for over 30 species of cetaceans, (whales and dolphins) that are found in its waters. The most common are the year round populations of Pantropical Spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, and the Humpback whales during their breeding seasons. Other species that are occasionally seen are Spinner dolphins, Long Beaked Common dolphins, Bryde’s whales, Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales and even Orca whales. The dolphins and Humpback whales are so prevalent they can even be seen among all the ships at anchor waiting to transit the world famous Panama Canal in front of Panama City.

It is very easy to find the whales and dolphins during the peak Humpback season, July-October. Whale Watching Panama, the only dedicated Whale Watching tour operator in the country, boasts a 99 per cent whale sighting record in the Pearl islands, 35 miles South of Panama City. The Pearl islands are easily accessible by a one-day tour from Panama City. Located just 12 miles from the canal entrance sits Isla Taboga, which offers a 75-80 per cent success rate of Humpback whale sightings.

One of the great advantages to whale watching in Panama is the enjoyment of often being the only boat on the water viewing the whales. The whale watching boats take no more than 10-15 people at a time, ensuring everyone a fantastic view of the animals at all times.

Another fun aspect about whale watching in Panama is the climate. Many whale watching destinations around the world are quite cold, but in Panama, you can whale watch in a T-shirt and shorts, and even stop if you get too hot for a refreshing dip in the 80◦ F waters.

Whale Watching Panama pioneered the business of Whale Watching in Panama, after it’s founder, Anne Gordon de Barrigón, went on weekend trip one February in 2008 to Contadora island in the Pearl islands. She hired a local fisherman to take her out to find some dolphins. In no time they found about 40 Spotted dolphins and four Humpback whales. Anne was already involved in tourism, running cultural tours to her husband’s Emberá Indian village in the rain forest of Panama. She quickly realised if the dolphins and whales were so easy to find, even out of the peak whale season, this would be a great tour option to offer.

Anne and the Whale Watching Panama expert naturalist guides are Ambassador members of Planet Whale, a global platform for responsible whale and dolphin tour operators around the world. If you are looking for a unique, beautiful and uncrowded destination for observing whales and dolphins, be sure to place Panama at the top of your list.
By Anne Gordon de Barrigón
www.WhaleWatchingPanama.com, Anne@WhaleWatchingPanama.com
To book a tour: Ellie@WhaleWatchingPanama.com
http://caymannetnews.com/2013/07/25/whale-watching-a-fascinating-pastime-in-panama/