Even though the longevity of the humpbacks is around 95 years, they are now an endangered species, mainly due to toxic contamination, intensive oil and gas development in feeding grounds, habitat degradation, ship collisions and the still existing whaling industry.

Female humpbacks give birth every two or more years. Pregnancies last for 12 months. The calves nurse for eight to eleven months. Every year between June and September the coast of Ecuador witnesses a magical show, the mating of the Humpback whales. These giant mammals start in the Antartica their long journey to the mild waters of the Ecuadorian ocean. When they reach their destination, these 50 feet long mammals jump in and out of the water trying to call their mates attention. This ritual may last for several weeks, and one year later their offsprings are born in Ecuadorian waters.

Whale watching has become an interesting activity along the entire coast of Ecuador, especially in Puerto Lopez, a small fishing village which has still kept its charm. After an hours´s boat ride, whales are seen exhaling large streams of water and graciously showing their fins. Whale watchers can even name the whale by taking a picture of its tail and sending it to the Ecuadorian Government (if it hasn’t been registered previously). Tourists complete their whale experience when they visit the information center in Puerto Lopez, where interesting data about these humpback whales is available. This visit and many others programs in the Andean Region are now organized for 100% vegetarian tourists, who enjoy the pristine nature and its exquisite vegetarian cuisine.