Whale Watching in Puerto Lopez
Trip Start
Jun 27, 2008
1
15
73
Trip End
Ongoing
Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
Thursday, October 9, 2008
In the morning I asked around to find out which boat company was the most environmentally conscientious. I had heard that some tour companies don't care about the animals and they just try to give the guests the best possible show... often times chasing the whales. Some scientists are concerned that the tourist boats will end up having a negative impact on the whales and I didn't want to be a part of that so finding a good company was important to me. I would much rather be further from the whales than to think that I might be harming them in any way!
Everyone that I had asked pointed me to the same tourist company. Luckily I got to the office right before a boat was departing! The owner told me there was a 30% chance of seeing the whales. The last few trips were unsuccessful- after all it was the end of the season. I went with an optimistic heart... I would be really happy to see just a back of a whale as he surfaced for air.
And guess what??? Within 45 minutes I saw my first whale. It was from a fair distance but I could clearly see the whale surface. This was so exciting and I couldn't help but let out a little shriek. J I was thrilled. But that wasn't all I would get to see... because right after the first sighting there was another, and then another... and another!
Blow holes were so close to our boat that I could hear the "phhhhew" of the air coming through as they exhaled! That is a sound that I will not soon forget.
I was so thrilled to see whale's tails come up out of the ocean... and then I got the biggest gift of all- a magnificent HUGE whale breached in full only 20-30 feet away! My heart leapt to my throat and I felt tears well up in the corners of my eyes because I was so moved by his profound beauty. This was truly one of the most pristine moments in my life.
I opted not to take photos during this trip because I didn't want to be distracted with my camera... sorry there are no pictures!!!
However, I did take photos of the town. I hope you enjoy them!
Comments
Friday December 5th
Hi Akemi!
Here are our questions for the week:
Did you try any foods on the way?
Did you get splashed by the whales that you saw?
Where are you now?
How were the juices at the juice bar?
Did you go swimming?
Did you eat bugs?
What is your favorite food?
Thanks!
Stanton Stars
This week's answers!
Sorry that this reply took a bit longer- I was in an area without internet connection!
Did you try any foods on the way?
I have tried so many new foods so far and I look forward to all of the new tastes I will continue to try! The majority of the new foods are excellent but there are a few that I don't think I will try again!
Some of my friends were very brave this afternoon and drank FROG JUICE!!! I wasn't with them at the time or I would have tasted it for sure!
Did you get splashed by the whales that you saw?
The tour company that I went with was environmentally friendly and very cautious when approaching the whales... so we were not close enough to get splashed. When the whales came up for air they certainly did make HUGE splashes in the surrounding water!
Where are you now?
I am currently in Arequipa, Peru but will be heading to Bolivia tomorrow morning with some friends.
How were the juices at the juice bar?
The juices were amazing. They usually add sugar to the fruit mixtures so they are extra scrumptious! :)
Did you go swimming?
I did get in the water but the tides were really strong and quite high so we were advised not to swim.
Did you eat bugs?
I have eaten a number of bugs so far- and surprisingly some are quite tasty!!! I ate ants in Colombia a few times and then in Ecuador I ate a couple of HUGE grubs! One was alive and I felt like I should be on Fear Factor and the other grub was deep fried... that one was actually quite tasty.
What is your favorite food?
CHOCOLATE!!! :)