Ballet of the Ballenas (Whales)

Puerto Lopez is a small fishing village on the coast of Ecuador which really doesn´t have all that much going for it most of the year... however during the months of June, July & August the calm waters just off the coast become home to migratory Humpback Whales (Ballenas) who use this region as a mating ground.

The solitary males put on amazing performances regularly, seemingly as much for the benefit of tourists as for potential mates! The enormous animals throw virtually their entire body out of the water and do elaborate fin slapping on the surface of the water in an attempt to attract a female. It is a little scary considering that the whales are about three times the size of the fishing boats that take you out to observe the action... and that don´t really keep a safe distance away when they are throwing themselves around!!

The experience was well worth the 12 hour bus ride to get there!




Fin slapping on the surface of the water









Absolutely Incredible









Tim is getting lots of practice taking nature photos with his new, large, heavy, impractical camera... but the results are good!



Literally 1000´s of birds like this on the power lines - so cute!!




Don´t be deceived by the pictures... the town is dodgy





We only dared take photos at night... it doesn´t look so bad then!!