It is humpback whale season in Panama

The humpback whales are back on the Pacific Coast of Panama and there have been lots of humpback whale sightings right here in the Bay of Chame!

Humpbacks visit Panama’s Pacific coast every year between July and October, during their annual southern migration. There is also a small Northern migration of humpback whales in Panama, that migration takes place from Dec - April. 



Long-term data from a group of scientists and environmentalists, Panacetacea, has shown that Panama is an important nursery area with 50% of groups containing a calf.



With the Panama Canal, and a lot of activity in the water around the small isthmus, a protection plan is vital for humpbacks in Panama to thrive. 




Leadership in Marine Conservation Efforts in Panama 

In 2014, Hector Guzmán of the Smithsonian Institute worked with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create regulations for ships navigating in and out of the Panama Canal. This work has successfully helped reduce collisions between vessels and humpback whales on their migration route. 


Under his guidance, a multidisciplinary team successfully expanded the Coiba Cordillera marine-protected area in the Panama Pacific, which was recently signed off by the president. 

While these are significant strides toward conservation, there is still much work to be done in implementing and enhancing efforts to protect marine life in Panama. 

In the meantime, incredible marine life, such as whales, manatees, and dolphins, rely on human support.

How to see Humpback Whales in Panama

You do not need a whale-watching tour in Panama to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales in Panama. Seeing humpback whales in Panama is almost a guarantee if you are visiting from July to October (if you are planning on taking a boat from Panama City to Contadora Island, or anywhere on the Azuero Peninsula). 

If you are in Coronado Whale Watching tours are available from Vista Mar Marina, where you are likely to see whales near Isla El Otque. 

Humpback whales are known for their impressive acrobatics, such as breaching, tail slapping, and spy hopping, which makes them a thrilling sight to behold. However, it’s important to remember that these are huge wild animals, they need space. 

One of the major benefits of whale-watching tours in Panama is that they are conducted under strict regulations to protect both the whales and the humans. The tour also provides interesting information about the whales’ behavior and ecology and sometimes has a sonogram on board to listen to the whales’ sing. 

Humpback whales are a fascinating species, and whale-watching tours can offer a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, in a responsible way.

That being said not all tours are created equal. When participating in a whale-watching in Panama you can help by encouraging others to follow guidelines created for Humpback whale and dolphin watching in Panama

Whale Watching Etiquette 

There are rules in place in Panama and in many countries to protect whales and dolphins from human activity. That being said what is often lacking is a system to ensure these rules are being enforced. Resolución Nº DM-0144-2022 states that the following rules are to be observed when whale watching in Panama: 

• Maximum 2 boats observing one pod at a time 
• 100 m from a dolphin pod, or 250 from whales 
• Always stay parallel or a bit behind to keep a speed less than the slowest animal 
• Do not change the course of the animals in the water
• It is prohibited to snorkel or dive with whales 
• The time spent with one pod must not be more than 30 mins 
• The speed of the boat should be under 4 knots (7km/h)
  
  

A cautionary Tale 

The findings published were from information gathered by observing tours that were following closely and getting in the water with whales.

The report shows that in these cases whales were encouraged to change course and dive for a long period. Among other Irregular behaviors. 

Guzmán who coauthored the report writes about the findings saying: 

“The mother forces the calf to follow her, but the calf doesn’t have the strength yet to keep up,” 

 “One time, after being chased for a long time by tourist boats, the mother stopped and her calf climbed on top of her, and they just stayed there, exhausted, in front of us. It was heartbreaking. I wanted to shout at the tourists and guides that this was not a cute show for their videos and pictures, it was not a natural thing. They had caused it.”

How you can help Humpback Whales in Panama 

Protecting our oceans is probably the best way we can protect endangered humpback whales. Secondly learning and educating others about the legal guidelines for whale watching is key in helping spread awareness on the best practices when overserving marine life. 

A survey revealed that tourists, who were well-informed and aware of the guidelines, were more likely to call out tour operators’ bad behavior, and even report them to authorities. 

Another way you can help science and have fun is by providing scientific data on whales you see! Help scientists study the humpbacks that use Panama as a breeding ground. This information is vital to creating legislation that will in turn help protect the whales and their habitats. Happy Whales is the website used for tracking whales’ global routes. 

How Panama is Helping the Humpback Whales 

The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) will soon approve and publish in the official gazette the updated 2021 whale- and dolphin-watching regulations. However, Researchers remain concerned as to how the legal guidelines will be enforced.

Pérez-Ortega agrees that supervision is key; if no one is keeping an eye out for offenders, and if there are no legal consequences, the rules will continue to be broken.

The threats that Humpback Whales are facing in Panama 

There are numerous threats that pose a danger to humpback whales. From entanglement in fishing great to collisions with boats and ships, there is no shortage of ways the whales are being impacted. While some of these threats are natural, the main dangers are created by human activity. Here are some examples of human threats that humpback whales face:

1. Entanglement in fishing gear, such as nets and lines, can cause serious injury or even death to humpback whales. This is a particular problem in areas where fishing gear is used extensively, such as commercial fishing grounds.
2. Collisions with boats and ships can also be a significant threat to humpback whales. These collisions can cause serious injuries and death.
3. Pollution is another major threat to humpback whales. Chemical pollutants and plastics can harm whales directly, while oil spills can devastate entire populations of whales and other marine life.

It is important that we take steps to protect humpback whales from these threats to ensure that this magnificent species can continue to thrive in the wild.



Humpback Tours in Panama 

Tour guides are often knowledgeable about the whales’ migration patterns, feeding habits, and social behaviors, providing a wealth of information to those interested in learning more.

If you’re looking for a unique and educational experience, a whale-watching tour in Panama is definitely worth considering. With the opportunity to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat and learn about their fascinating behavior and ecology, it’s an adventure that’s sure to be unforgettable.

In conclusion, if you are planning a visit to Panama between July and October, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of humpback whales in their natural habitat. It’s an experience that you will remember for a lifetime inquire about Whale Watching tours in Panama here.