Discover the best of northern Peru right from our doorstep
Swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea
Just a few kilometers from La Posada de los Tumpis, a one-of-a-kind experience awaits: swimming alongside green sea turtles in their natural habitat.
From the Cancas pier, you'll board a boat that takes you to crystal-clear waters where these fascinating animals swim freely in their own environment.
Guided by specialists and equipped with snorkel gear, you'll watch them glide serenely among colorful fish — an experience that blends excitement, nature, and respect for marine life.
The green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) that inhabit the waters of Cancas and Los Órganos are not occasional visitors: they are part of the marine ecosystem year-round. This stretch of northern Peru is one of the few places in the Eastern Pacific where you can find them in shallow, calm waters, ideal for observing them without disturbing their natural behavior.
What no video can ever convey
These individuals can grow up to 1.20 meters long and weigh more than 130 kilograms. Their name comes from the greenish color of their body fat, not their shell, which is usually a blend of olive and brown tones. They feed mainly on sea grasses and algae, making them docile and largely unafraid of humans who observe them respectfully.
Unlike other parts of the world where sightings are seasonal, here the temperate water temperature and abundance of food allow for responsible encounters throughout much of the year. Swimming alongside them is not just an adventure: you're also supporting the local conservation economy, where every responsible visit helps fund the protection of their feeding and nesting routes.
Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine the sound of your own breathing through a snorkel tube. You open your eyes underwater and there it is: a green turtle more than half a meter long, moving its flippers with a slowness that seems purposely designed for you to savor.
It glances at you sideways, decides you pose no threat, and continues swimming calmly on its way.
The spectacle of the ocean giants
The northern coast of Peru is a privileged destination for humpback whale watching. Every year, between July and October, thousands of these cetaceans arrive from Antarctica for their breeding and mating season.
On excursions aboard local vessels, it is possible to observe their movements, breaches, and songs in their natural habitat, offering a spectacle unlike any other in the world.
Their breathtaking acrobatics at sea are part of behaviors associated with their mating rituals, making this experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural attractions in the region.
This natural phenomenon is not only a crucial biological cycle for the species, but also offers locals and visitors the chance to witness a true spectacle of nature. During excursions aboard local vessels, guided by trained fishermen and tour operators, it is possible to observe the typical behavior of humpback whales in their natural habitat. Sightings often include their slow surface movements, accompanied by the characteristic tail fluke rising above the water before a deep dive.
But what truly captivates witnesses are their acrobatics: full leaps out of the water (breaching), pectoral fin slaps (pec slapping) and tail slaps (tail slapping), as well as the blowholes that shoot jets of water and steam as they breathe. These behaviors, far from being mere displays, are a fundamental part of their complex mating, communication, and play rituals between mothers and calves, making each trip to sea a unique and unrepeatable experience.
One of the most fascinating elements of this experience is the possibility of listening, through specialized hydrophones, to the song of humpback whales. These are complex, low-frequency sound sequences that males emit during the breeding season, which can last up to 20 minutes before repeating for hours. These songs, which vary each year and are passed culturally between populations, are considered one of the most sublime acoustic spectacles of the ocean.
For those who dare to live this adventure, the Tumbes and Piura regions offer strategic departure points such as Los Órganos, Máncora, Zorritos, and Banco de Máncora, from which small vessels with small groups set out daily, ensuring ethical whale watching that does not disturb the animals' behavior.
In short, humpback whale watching on the northern coast of Peru is far more than a tourist activity: it is a transformative experience that connects human beings with the vastness of the ocean and the fragility of life. It is a sonic and visual reminder that there are still corners of the world where wild nature unfolds in all its splendor.
A green labyrinth born from the sea
Just minutes from La Posada de los Tumpis lies one of Peru's most fascinating ecosystems: the Mangroves of Puerto Pizarro in Tumbes.
Glide by canoe through its channels lined with roots rising from the water and observe a wide variety of migratory birds including herons, frigatebirds, and white ibis. This place is known as the "nursery of the sea" for its remarkable biodiversity.
Along the way you'll also learn about the lives of artisanal fishermen and, time permitting, enjoy a freshly made ceviche right in front of the mangrove.
A unique experience where nature, local culture, and the sea meet in perfect harmony.
Our team will help you plan the perfect excursion from the hotel.
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