Amazing Whale Watching in Peru on the Tropical Northern Coast

Each year the warm Pacific waters along Peru’s northern coastline are transformed into a wondrous natural spectacle of majestic humpback whales performing spectacular leaps.  

Peru is one of the best places in the world for whale watching from mid-July through through October, off of the tranquil white sand beaches of Tumbes and Piura.

Most visitors to Peru this time of year are focused on Peru’s better known destinations, like Cusco and Machu Picchu in the southern highlands. But the idyllic tropical setting, and activities like whale watching, make Peru’s northern beaches an excellent choice for relaxing and winding down after the high-altitude rigors of an Inca Trail trek.

This is where the cold, south-to-north Humboldt current and the warm, north-to-south El Niño current collide, creating a unique ecosystem that is perfect for marine life, including humpback whales.

The cetaceans arrive from the Antarctic waters to Peru’s coastal waters to breed and raise their calves, which in adulthood can grow to 56 feet long and weight up to 36 tons. (More than 30 species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in Peruvian waters, representing 37 percent of all known cetacean species.)

What is the best place in Peru for whale watching?

Visitors who stroll the beaches in Piura, often need only a pair of binoculars to spot the humpback whales’ tremendous aerial leaps with their young.

Tour Boats offer closer observation of these gentle giants, some of the world’s largest and most  beautiful marine mammals, to see them breaching the water high into the air, flipper slapping and tail lobbing.

During this time, you’ll have the opportunity to see female whales swimming alongside their newborn calves, as well as males displaying their mating techniques with jumps and fin, tail, and head exposure.

You can also encounter giant sea turtles, dolphins and a host of birds, such as the blue-footed booby and frigates.

The warm waters of the equatorial system draw in majestic humpback whales as they migrate to reproduce and give birth. During this season you have an 80% chance of sighting these gentle giants.

So why not make your next vacation one that takes you from the jungle and mountains to the coast? It is a relaxing finish, witnessing the grace and grandeur of these magnificent mammals.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in whale watching in Peru, look no further than Piura.

While you can catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures from shore, we think the best way to experience whale watching in Peru is by taking a boat tour with a guide from Los Organos beach, which is located about 20 minutes from Mancora.

Reserved tours begin early, around 7:00 a.m. and last approximately four hours, during which you will not only have the opportunity to spot whales, but also see other ocean wildlife up close.

The tour starts by visiting an oil platform where hundreds of sea lions gather to bask in the sun and play in the waves. This is the ultimate way to enjoy the natural beauty of the sea in Peru.

Mancora is a three-hour drive from the larger city of Piura which is the most common departure point. Known for its beautiful beaches, Mancora is also a popular tourist hub that offers a lively local nightlife scene.

If you’re looking for a vacation that includes party drinks on the beach, late-night music, and dancing, Mancora is a great choice. But if you’re looking for a more quiet and family-friendly experience, consider staying in one of the smaller surrounding villages.

Los Organos, for example, has just as stunning a beachfront as Mancora but with less of the party atmosphere. In terms of tranquility, it’s the perfect destination to enjoy the beauty of the area and still have the opportunity to go on a whale watching tour.

Many of these tours include marine biologists on board who will share their knowledge of these fascinating creatures and conduct their own research.

Vessels are outfitted with all the amenities you could want, including a bathroom, kitchen, and cabins, as well as state-of-the-art technology such as a hydrophone to amplify the impressive courtship sounds of the males swimming below the surface.

So pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable whale watching adventure in Peru.

Ask us about a Peru Whale Watching Tour Package

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