Whale Watching at the Machalilla National Park

Ecuador

Whale Watching at the Machalilla National Park

Previous

Contents

Next

Going out of my way and making it to the fringes of Ecuador, where it is teeming with marine wildlife, is always an enjoyable activity. Ecuador is lucky to have so many natural resources to draw inspiration from. Add tourists to the equation as they are also starting to get more of this nature vibe present in Ecuador's coast.

Of particular importance in Ecuadorian ecosystem and Ecuadorian tourism is Manabi province located in the eastern part of the country. Manabi is a favorite destination among travelers because of the Machalilla National Park, a natural preserve where the ocean sections are places of mating by humpback whales. Seeing these humpback whales in full splendor in the course of their mating rituals is a unique sight to enjoy for many tourists.

Humpback whales are notable for their large pectoral fins, which could grow to as long as a third of their body length. They can run up to a length of 16 m and weight up to 40 tons. Despite this, its large size and heavy weight is not a hindrance for it to become one of the most acrobatic whales out there--they are seen to jump out of the water and make unique mid-air moves more often than your regular whale. No wonder the humpback whale is this famous. They like reaching the mid-air and hitting the waters with its large pectoral fins, splashing water all around the place. Who would've thought a whale can be this playful?

Apart from the humpback whale, there are hundreds of other animal species that live around the land and ocean sections of the national park. The waved albatross, for example, makes the Machalilla National Park its only home outside of the Galapagos Islands. You can hear more unique stories like this once you're already there.

A few decades ago, the National Park was threatened due to the disruptions of tourism, deforestation, and illegal poaching. The government, in coordination with international organizations like the UN, have stepped up ways in order to inform the public about the conservation issues and to work with the locals on environmentally sustainable agricultural activities.

You can talk about... Whale Watching at the Machalilla National Park

Tags: • national park • whale watching •

• Explore the Wild at Cajas National Park (national parks)
• Next Stop: Ecuador! (vacation)
• Vacation in Ecuador (vacation)
• Podocarpus National Park: Possibly the Country's Best National Park (national parks)
• More related articles for Podocarpus National Park: Possibly the Country's Best National Park

Previous

Contents

Next

• <a href="http://article-library.totalecuador.com">Ecuador Expat and Travel</a>
• <a href="http://article-library.totalecuador.com/national_parks">Whale Watching at the Machalilla National Park (national parks); Ecuador </a>

Copyright (c) 2005-2011 GLR Sales LLC.

Privacy & DMCA Policy -- Sitemap
national parks Ecuador Whale Watching at the Machalilla National Park