If whales and dolphins are your main objective for an ocean trip, this one is the best for you.  We will leave Pucusana port and briefly pass by “Isla Galapagos” for some bird and sea lion observation. Then, we will head south looking for Bottlenose Dolphins between the areas of Pucusana and Leon Dormido. Once finished with our dolphin encounter we will go up to 15 miles off-shore to concentrate exclusively on spotting whales and other dolphin species.

There is no “best time” of the year. Most dolphin and many whale species (Sperm whales, Bryde whales, etc) are present all year round. Other species (Blue whales, Humpback whales,..) pass through during various months. Other species like Orcas are transient populations that may show up at any time and location. Therefore we always have something to see.

This trip comes with a unique money back guarantee – If you do not see a single dolphin or whale during this trip we are offering you a second trip absolutely free or we will refund 100 % of your payment. Additionally, you will have a great opportunity to observe some highly endangered marine species like the Humboldt Penguin, the Peruvian Diving Petrel and the Peruvian Tern, as well as endemic species like the Peruvian Seaside Cinclodes. But you don’t have to be a bird-pro to enjoy this tour: Huge bird colonies in vertical cliff walls and likely encounters with hundreds or even thousands of birds dive-bombing out of the sky in order to fish on anchovies will probably mark your first day in the birders-club !

Best of all, when whale and dolphin watching with Nature Expeditions you will be guided by scientists from our partner NGO Mundo Azul who use our boat and your trip as an opportunity for ongoing cetacean research and monitoring. While collecting their scientific data they will provide you with the highest quality guiding, sharing their knowledge of dolphin ecology, habits and man made threats. This exceptional level of expertise by our guides makes your dolphin watching in Peru a joyful event and unforgettable learning experience.

 

Price valid till 31.12. 2012 (does not include tax)

• 545 Nuevos Soles per person 
• 475 Soles per person if you book for 6 of more people

Minimum number of participants required to confirm trip: 5

 

Includes:

• Tour briefing at Pucusana port
• English/Spanish/German speaking guide
• Four hours boat ride
• Whale and Dolphin watching
• Sea lion observation
• Bird watching in and near Pucusana port
• Comfortable life jacket
• Waterproof over clothes (trousers and jacket) are available for hire if needed.

 

Book your birding tour or get more information

You can also phone us at: (0051) (1) 994 10 42 06

 

For information on our boats, please CLICK HERE.  Please read our Safety Information.

We will ask you to sign a “no-liability” form for this trip.

 

Whales and Dolphins likely to be seen during our trips

 

Bottlenose dolphin                                Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Dusky dolphin                                       Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Shortbeaked common dolphin               Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Longbeaked common dolphin                Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Orca, killer whale                                   Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Burmeisters porpoise                            Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Blue whale                                            Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Fin whale                                              Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Sei whale                                              Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Bryde whale                                          Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Minke whale                                          Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Humpback whale                                   Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

Sperm whale                                         Species fact sheet        Picture              Slideshow         Video

 

Other species registered in Peru

 Southern right whale, Pygmy sperm whale, Dwarf sperm whale, Spotted dolphin, Spinner dolphin, Striped dolphin, Southern right whale dolphin, Short-finned pilot whale, Long-finned pilot whale, Risso’s dolphin, Melon-headed whale, Rough-toothed dolphin, Pygmy killer whale, False killer whale, Tucuxi, Amazon River Dolphin, Cuvier’s beaked whale, Gray’s beaked whale, Small beaked whale

 

 

Book your birding tour or get more information

You can also phone us at: (0051) (1) 994 10 42 06

 

 

 How to get to Pucusana:

Book your transport with us: 60 Soles per person (not incl. tax) Lima-Pucusana-Lima (including hotel pick-up): add an extra 3 hours to your trip time.

Public transport: Take a taxi to a bus station for overland busses. Catch a bus that goes south (direction to Paracas). Ask the bus driver to let you off the bus at the Panamerican Highway exit to Pucusana. At the exit you grab a taxi, a moto-taxi or a mini-bus to Pucusana. On your way back you will have to wait at the roadside of the Panamerican highway and stop a bus. You may be able to make your way to Lima and back for as less as 30-40 soles per person if you negotiate well, but there are risks involved (especially when travelling back at night): calculate 3-5 additional hours to your trip time

Rent a car: calculate 150-210 Soles per day + motorway fees and gasoline: add an extra 3 hours to your trip time

Hire a car with driver: calculate minimum 240 Soles + additional rates if you are
staying more than the agreed number of hours: add an extra 3 hours to your trip time.

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Related links:

 

Nature Adventures: Whale and dolphin watching - Birding – Scuba diving - Diving and swimming with sea lions - Sea kayaking - Sailing

Stay in touch: Follow Nature Expeditions on Twitter - Nature Expeditions Facebook Page - Be a Facebook-friend of Stefan Austermühle, Manager of Nature Expeditions

Help protect nature in Peru: Be a dolphin conservation volunteer - Kayak based marine research - NGO Mundo Azul on Facebook - Facebook Page: Volunteering in Peru

Take part in nature exploration: Become an expedition member of Mundo Azul in Peru

Join, share, protect on Facebook: Pelagic birding - Birding Peru - Kayaking Peru - Whale and dolphin watching. 

 

 

Things to consider:
Sunburn and sea sickness are the most common problems our clients encounter. Please read and follow the advice below in order to fully enjoy your trip:

Sunburn
During summer months from December to March skies are mostly permanently blue and without clouds. Therefore sun-exposure at sea is very high. We recommend for the entire year (even in winter) bringing a hat and sunglasses, as well as using sun-block with the highest level of sun protection possible (45 and higher).

During the winter months from June to August temperatures are still around 16 degrees Celsius. The Peruvian coast will often be covered in fog in the morning that later on clears up and gives way to a grey and sometimes blue sky at around noon time. All marine travel programs are equally possible under these weather conditions but we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothing.

Sea sickness
Sea sickness results when the eyes are seeing one thing – e.g., the stationary inside of the boat – while the balance organ (the semicircular canals) detects another – your movement up and down. The brain gets confused, trying to figure out why your eyes tell you are stationary, but your inner ear tells your brain you are moving. Other factors can compound the problem: they include alcohol ingestion, anxiety, fatigue, odors (e.g., diesel fumes), being overheated and inner ear injury or infections.

The smaller the boat, the larger your potential for sickness, as smaller boats tend to rock more quickly. Signs and symptoms include sweating, nausea, headache, drowsiness, increased salivation and a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Vomiting may make you feel better, but the symptoms will not resolve until the inner ear acclimates to the motion or you use another form of treatment.

Once you are sea sick no medicine will help – To be honest about it: you will probably throw up the pills before they can start having an effect – However symptoms will disappear almost immediately when stepping back on the pier upon your return. 

How to avoid sea sickness and involuntary fish feeding

• Don’t make the mistake to NOT eat before your boat ride. An empty stomach is as bad as one being too full. Be adequately hydrated, nourished and rested. However, if you start to feel apprehensive about the boat ride, don’t eat a large meal before departure. Munch on crackers and sip water or a sport drink.
• Positioning – If the boat is rocking bow to stern, seek out a spot in the middle of the boat for the least movement.
• Fix on an object – Look beyond the boat: use the horizon as a reference point. This helps your brain to adjust more easily to the instable environment. Avoid focusing tasks like reading, setting up diving equipment and writing.
• Fresh air – If you are feeling ill, nothing worsens it like diesel fumes. Find a spot, where fresh air blows.
• Keep something in your stomach – Stay well hydrated before and during your trip. Sip water, juice or sport drinks, but avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol and caffeine. If you are nauseated, don’t drink lots of water since it will create an unpleasant sensation of sloshing in your stomach. Eat saltines or bred to absorb stomach fluids.
• Remedies for prevention – There is no cure for sea sickness, but plenty of remedies thought to alleviate its symptoms. However – any medicine has to be taken before you step on board. Once you are seasick it is simply too late. If you have discovered a safe system that works for you, stick with it. “Anti-nausea” medications are called antiemetics and are manifactured by many companies, i.e. Bonine (meclizine), Dramamine(dimenhydrinate), Marezine (cyclizine), and Benadril (diphenhydramine). Side effects of these medicines may impair your ability to dive safely, which is why we do not recommend taking them before diving. Some cause drowsiness. Because of this they carry warnings about operating heavy equipment or performing hazardous tasks. Before using antinausea medications always read the accompanying information.