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Our destination recos for wildlife spotting in Mexico
Do you love Mexico? What about exploratory adventures deep in nature? Well then, you’re in luck because you can enjoy the best of both worlds with an all inclusive vacation from Sunwing Vacations to this top-selling paradise down south! With the likes of whale-spotting season beginning in December and going until March, and plenty of other creatures big and small to discover, we’re highlighting the top three locales to admire Mexico’s exotic wildlife during your winter escape – and where to stay through it all.
Get close to aquatic animals in Los Cabos
With stunning beaches lined with luxurious all inclusive resorts, Los Cabos has long been a favourite destination for many Canadian travellers but did you know it’s famous for more than just The Arch, or El Arco? Once called the world’s aquarium by Jacques Cousteau (he knows a thing or two about sea life), the waters off this Pacific coast are teeming with schools of tropical fish but they’re not the only ones to call this place home! From November to April, you can head out to The Arch and see colonies of seals and sea lions sunning themselves on this iconic landmark, not to mention grey, blue and humpback whales grazing the surface of the Sea of Cortez from December to March!
Where to stay: Stay close to the excitement at Riu Santa Fe! This stylish family-friendly resort is packed with awesome amenities to keep the fun going day and night including a water park, RiuLand kid’s club, a 24-hour sports bar with billiard tables and a nightclub. Plus, you can take in views of The Arch from the beachfront pools!
Deer, birds and whales in Mazatlán – oh my!
Mazatlán has had a resurgence of popularity since it’s heyday in the 1950s when stars from Hollywood’s Golden Era would make this oasis their playground. Now, this seaside town is a haven for those wanting both eco-escapes and culture getaways with the likes of the aptly named Deer Island and Bird Island, a nature reserve where you can observe hundreds of local and migratory bird species and deer. Can’t forget the historic streets of Old Town, brimming with stories from Mexico’s colonial past. Speaking of playgrounds, the waters around the island are a popular spot for humpback whales, especially in February where they can be seen swimming alongside spinner dolphins which can be found here year-round!
Where to stay: Across from Bird Island you’ll find the beachfront El Cid Moro Beach, a fantastic basecamp for your Mazatlán adventures! This chic resort really gives you the vacation bang for your buck with complete access to two neighbouring El Cid resorts, a nearby golf course, non-motorized water sports and a great pool for splashin’ around, complete with a grotto waterfall and water slide!
Prowl for pumas and more in Puerto Vallarta
Overlooking the sparkling Banderas Bay and surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains’ lush foothills, it’s no wonder this destination is full of natural wonders! The bay’s crystal-clear waters are a popular stop for humpback whales, with their numbers reaching a peak in February (the best time to spot them FYI) but year-round it’s home to playful bottlenose dolphins jumping across the waves. You might even be able to spot these majestic creatures as you walk the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s mile-long seaside esplanade, lined with sculptures crafted by native artisans. Explore the mountain terrain on an excursion from NexusTours.com and catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife from iguanas to armadillos, blue footed boobys and maybe even a puma!
Where to stay: You can’t get much closer to the bay than Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, where sweeping ocean views can be enjoyed from the infinity pool or while getting a massage. This resort is perfect if whale watching is on your agenda with complimentary tours offered by the hotel, and if that’s not enough for you, they also have a seasonal sea turtle release program – now that’s a nature lover’s delight.