Whale Watching in Puerto Rico
Humpback Whales are migratory giants of the ocean. Puerto Rico falls within their migratory route to the North Atlantic, where they are more comfortable during the summer months. With the adults being known to grow to more than fifty feet in length and weigh in at an incredible fifty tons, these gentle beasts feed only on small fish, crustaceans and plankton. Their magnificent ability to dive down to approximately seven hundred meters to feed is a unique ability, and it is their gentle natures and large bodies that have made Humpback Whales attractive to the whaling and poaching industries.
With a mere fifteen thousand Humpback Whales remaining in the ocean, it is a rare and breathtaking opportunity to be able to view these wonderful mammals. And Puerto Rico is the perfect whale watching destination, as visitors are able to view this endangered species during their mating and birthing season. Between the months of January to the end of March, is the best time for whale watching in Puerto Rico, and as the whales move past during their return migration, many baby whales can be seen. Three of the most popular whale watching locations include the Rincon Lighthouse, El Faro and the Mona Passage.
The Rincon Lighthouse is the best vantage point during the month of February, when the elegant ocean giants glide past so close to the shore that they can be seen from the beach. Visitors will also be able to take boat trips out to the whales, for a closer look. The whales are so undisturbed by the boats, that they get within touching range of the passengers.
Scuba diving agencies in the Mona Passage, offer visitors the opportunity not only to watch from the shore or boat, but to swim with the whales. It is guaranteed to be a scuba diving experience like no other. Pilot whales can also be seen passing Puerto Rico on their way to the Mona Islands or Desecheo. They are extremely beautiful mammals who feed mostly on fish and squid. Pilot Whales do not grow as big as the Humpbacks and average between twelve to fifteen feet in length, but are very social and make magnificent scuba diving companions.
Whale watching in Puerto Rico is a very rewarding and peaceful activity. No matter which of the locations visitors decide to chose, any sighting of whales is a cherished memory and an awe inspiring moment. It is also a relief to know that they are still there to be viewed, and that human greed was stopped in time, before it could rob the world of one more breathtaking mammal.