First Humpback Whales of the Season Return to Puerto Vallarta

The bay is a winter sanctuary for a variety of marine life in the winter months, with the humpback whale being the most recognizable.

Typically the second half of November through April, Puerto Vallarta has the privilege of observing the whales as they travel in search of warmer waters and give birth to their offspring. The official season for whale watching begins on December 8.

According to marine biologists, the whales come from the coast of California and arrive at various times each year depending on water currents and temperatures.

The Navy reports that the sea temperature in the region is hovering at 28 degrees Celsius, compared to the Baja Peninsula 20 degrees lower.

Experts say that they are watching the migration of whales as the climate changes and the poles are showing signs of decreasing through melting.

This year’s weather is affected by “El Niño”, which among other things has led to the generation of more tropical cyclones than average.