Eco Whale Watching – the Dive Ninja Difference
True eco tourism is the heart of Dive Ninja Expeditions. We aspire to create unique experiences for our guests, that are thrilling and memorable, and at the same time educates, and helps to protect the incredible marine ecosystem we love. Here, we discuss how we apply this to our eco whale watching trips.
Humpback Whale Watching Safari
Humpback whales congregate in the waters around Cabo San Lucas every winter. These waters serve as their calving and breeding grounds, and during the whale watching season, you won’t have to spend very much time on the water at all before spotting whale blows! Join Dive Ninjas on one of our eco friendly humpback whale watching safaris! Not only will you get an opportunity to get up close and marvel at these gentle giants – you’ll also get a chance to learn more about these awesome animals from our expert naturalist guides. And, even more importantly, you can participate in gathering data and contribute to real, active humpback whale research and conservation!
This is true eco tourism, and what we do best in Dive Ninjas! So much so that Dive Ninjas was recently recognised by PRIMMA (a leading marine mammal research centre in Mexico) for our pioneering work in eco tourism and supporting whale research. In fact, we were acknowledged for setting standards which the industry should adhere to. Go Ninjas!
True Eco Tourism
Our tours have been designed with considerable input from marine biologists, conservationists, marine animal rescuers as well as environmental impact consultants. We’ve genuinely done as much as we can to ensure it is eco friendly and sustainable. We focus on keeping our environmental footprint as low as we can, by not using any disposable plastics. We source local handmade snacks, and employ local staff and captains, helping to develop a sustainable income for local communities.
And of course, our awesome ninja guides are true eco warriors, with a real love for whales, and a passion for protecting them and their natural environment. We genuinely look forward to sharing our knowledge with you, inspiring you to become whale protectors too!
Citizen Science
Here at Dive Ninjas, we believe in taking every opportunity to help and support the awesome scientists and researchers who are striving to study and protect the awe inspiring animals that we love. As part of our whale watching safaris, guests will have the opportunity to get involved in the data collection and observations that will directly contribute to active fields of research. Be a field marine biologist for a few hours!
Of course, this is entirely optional, and if you prefer to just sit back, relax and enjoy the whale spectacle, that is totally cool too!
So, for the intrepid citizen scientists, what will they get to do? Dive Ninjas have partnered with several humpback whale research projects, and we’ll outline just a few here. The MMAPE is a research project at a local university (UABCS – Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur), focusing on humpback whales in Los Cabos and the Revillagigedos. We’ll be assisting them by collecting and submitting data on humpback sightings, including GPS locations, directional headings, group size, distinguishing features, and behaviours of note. Keep your eyes peeled and pencils at the ready!
We also work with MMAPE and HappyWhale, to photograph and submit whale identification images, contributing to their database and research on whale population and migration. Our guides will be doing this on every trip, and all keen photographers are encouraged to join in, and learn how to ID whales uniquely! HappyWhale have identified over 29,000 individual whales to date – let’s see if we can find some more!
Our partners and opportunities will evolve with time and research needs, so be sure to check in with your guides as to what’s the latest news!
Whale Rescue
Sadly, a major issue faced by whales around the world is entanglement – usually with fishing gear. It is heartbreaking to see such a magnificent creature in distress, and all because of human activities to exploit natural resources. At Dive Ninjas, we believe in taking responsibility to do what we can to right the wrongs inflicted by man on nature. We work with RABEN, a local disentanglement network, to come to the rescue of these animals. All Dive Ninjas staff are trained to at least NOAA Level 1 Large Whale Entanglement Response standards, and will be able to actively manage the situation, until the experts arrive.
We Believe in Giving Back
Here at Dive Ninjas, we actively support ongoing research and conservation projects. We do this by providing the infrastructure and support for collecting research data on our trips, and also by donating part of our profits to these organizations. By choosing a Dive Ninjas trip, you are making a meaningful contribution to the people working hard to make a difference.
We also work actively with local and international organizations to influence regulations and enforcement practises in the ocean as well as in the local community. Among other things, Dive Ninjas is an approved Sea Shepherd dive centre. Sea Shepherd is one of the biggest names in whale protection, and we are super proud to work with them! Dive Ninjas is also an active force in local organizations and forums in Baja, helping shape the direction of local conservation.
Our guides and staff are also involved in local and international conservation and projects, and are actively encouraged to dedicate time to this. Our awesome ninjas work on anything from organizing beach clean ups, to developing management plans to protect the incredible marine life in Baja.
At Dive Ninjas, we are constantly looking for new ways to develop amazing, truly eco friendly experiences. We believe in striving to be the best in the industry. The oceans inspire us to work to be greater and better . Come aboard as we make our vision a reality!
Ready to join the Dive Ninjas family? Sign up for one our eco friendly whale watching trips! Send us a message today!
Ninja Family Guest Writer:
Sze Wei
Lover of all marine animals big and small – and ok, yes, I like diving a lot! When not underwater, I can be found in London with my goldfish.
Follow Sze Wei on Instagram
Humpback Whale Photo Gallery
