From May to September, humpback whales come up from Antarctic waters to court and give birth off Ecuador. A full day from Guayaquil takes you out of the calm bay of Ayangue to watch them, with seafood and sand to follow.
The story
Every southern winter the humpbacks leave the cold seas around Antarctica and travel north to the warm Pacific off Ecuador, to sing, court and teach their calves to breathe. Ayangue is a small fishing bay on the Santa Elena coast, curved and calm, and the whale boats leave right from its beach.
Your private van leaves Guayaquil at seven, and in about two and a half hours the city gives way to dry hills, then the first glint of the Pacific. Your guide fills the drive with the whales’ story: a journey of thousands of kilometres, songs that change from one season to the next, and why this stretch of coast matters to them.
In Ayangue the bay is a calm horseshoe of green-blue water with fishing boats bobbing at anchor. At the operator’s base you get your life jacket and a short briefing: how close boats may go, how to spot a blow on the horizon. Then the wet landing: shoes in hand, wade out to the boat and climb aboard, laughing at the cold first step.
Past the point the swell lifts and everyone scans the water. A blow, a dark back rolling, a tail raised high before the dive. The local guide on board explains what you are seeing: a mother resting with her calf, a male slapping the surface, maybe a breach that makes the whole boat shout. The boat keeps its distance; the whales decide how close.
Back on land, lunch at a local restaurant by the bay: ceviche, fried fish, patacones, whatever the boats brought in. Then a barefoot walk along the beach or a browse through the artisans’ stalls before the drive home, salt drying on your skin and the best photos already traded around the van.
Your day
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Every experience is shaped around your group, so we talk first and then send you a proposal made for you. No fixed packages.
Real reviews
3 reviews mention this experience; all are quoted as written, from the platform where they were left.
Gracias a las recomendaciones de Ally, tuvimos un fin de semana espectacular en Montañita y Pto. López!! Desde el hospedaje, lugares a visitar y actividades ya que viajamos con un niño y el enfoque era para que él disfrute. En nuestro siguiente viaje acudiremos directamente a ella para una nueva experiencia!! :)
Soledad Arrobo Asanza
We had such a great experience with Allison from Local Friend Tours. She took care of everything and provided us with such care in the planning. The excursions were wonderful! We started with our grandson’s wedding- a love story in itself and then on to our tour of 5 days Guayaquil, Salinas, Banos and so much more! Plan your tour with Allison and know you will be well taken care of and given the best tour from a local who now feels like family to us! Thanks for a great experience in. Ecuador ❤️ 🦜
Renae R
Allyson drove me from Guayaquil to Montañita and arranged a taxi back for me. She is really friendly and knowledgeable about Ecuador and had great recommendations. She made sure I was safe at my destination. Highly recommend!
Meg Knister
On time pick up from our hotel. Tour around the highlights of the city. Guide was very knowledgeable and personable but the city itself is just not that scenic.
Trevor R. · United States
Wir hatten einen sehr schönen Tag mit Allyson. Bereits im Vorfeld war Allyson sehr kommunikativ und der Ausflug selbst war bestens organisiert. Vielen Dank Allyson gerne wieder.
Klaus W. · Germany
This was a great day! I was the only one on the tour and my guide Alison, and her friend Mikela, did a superb job. For the dry forest we visited the Cerro Blanco private reserve where Alison had engaged a wonderful local guide who's knowledge of all things was exceptional. Later a visit to various parts of Guayaquil gave me a good incite into this city's "vibe". A truly enjoyable day with two charming and knowledgeable young ladies. Highly recommended!
Roger · Australia
Alyson is an excellent guide. Her English is top notch & knowledge of the city & the country’s history is masterful. In addition she is a very nice person that we enjoyed interacting with.
Stephen E. · United States
We really enjoyed the food and city walk tour presented by Allyson. Her passion for the local product is first class. The market experience was genuine as this is the market where she normally shops. We would highly recommend this tour.
David S. · United States
Mix and match
A combination
Her home coast in four days: hat weavers and potters, a sulphur-mud bath, then the ‘mini Galápagos’ and, in season, humpback whales.
A combination
Dolphins in the mangroves, humpbacks off Ayangue in season, and the 'mini Galápagos' of Isla de la Plata, with nights by the sea.
Tell Allyson your dates and who’s coming. She replies personally, usually the same day, with ideas and questions; the proposal comes after.