PPRES
This info is to alert tourists and locals alike to not overlook one of life's definite "bucket list" activities.
In the last few days hubby and I have been fortunate to have had long chats with a couple charter operators doing multiple whale watching tours every day, including week days. One is a gringo operation and the other local Mexicans, both operating stout vessels. They charge 35.00 per trip, drinks and snacks included, and don't hesitate to recommend the other when they are full up. Private boats loaded to the gunnl's are common.
Whales at present are prolific, and within 3 miles from the Old Port. We took a mini 1 hr cruise and saw these magnificent creatures up close numerous times. As I understand, most ballenas here now are fins and humpbacks. Many fins stay in these waters year round. This is their most northerly and concentrated point.
According to both operators, each employing a good number of deck hands, the "industry" is taking off like crazy over the last couple years. They say this is an extraordinary year and what they consider the biggest tourist attraction for Penasco in years. They both see the upcoming Cruise Ship Port and Whale Watching as mutually beneficial businesses. They say the Federal folks, who worry about the 16 % IVA and whales, in that order, are developing whale watching etiquette rules. Fortunately, there seems to be a dearth of Icelanders, Japanese and harpoons in these parts ! I understand the rules, possibly including licensing of commercial operators, will restrict proximity, speed, pursuing, noise, etc.
This will become huge. There is nowhere else in the world where a casual 20 minute boat ride will bring you into a world only the most fortunate ever see.
This info is to alert tourists and locals alike to not overlook one of life's definite "bucket list" activities.
In the last few days hubby and I have been fortunate to have had long chats with a couple charter operators doing multiple whale watching tours every day, including week days. One is a gringo operation and the other local Mexicans, both operating stout vessels. They charge 35.00 per trip, drinks and snacks included, and don't hesitate to recommend the other when they are full up. Private boats loaded to the gunnl's are common.
Whales at present are prolific, and within 3 miles from the Old Port. We took a mini 1 hr cruise and saw these magnificent creatures up close numerous times. As I understand, most ballenas here now are fins and humpbacks. Many fins stay in these waters year round. This is their most northerly and concentrated point.
According to both operators, each employing a good number of deck hands, the "industry" is taking off like crazy over the last couple years. They say this is an extraordinary year and what they consider the biggest tourist attraction for Penasco in years. They both see the upcoming Cruise Ship Port and Whale Watching as mutually beneficial businesses. They say the Federal folks, who worry about the 16 % IVA and whales, in that order, are developing whale watching etiquette rules. Fortunately, there seems to be a dearth of Icelanders, Japanese and harpoons in these parts ! I understand the rules, possibly including licensing of commercial operators, will restrict proximity, speed, pursuing, noise, etc.
This will become huge. There is nowhere else in the world where a casual 20 minute boat ride will bring you into a world only the most fortunate ever see.
