Whale Watching Worldwide

Nicaragua
Year Number of
whale
watchers
AAGR Number of
operators
Direct
expenditure
Indirect
expenditure
Total
expenditure
1991 None N/A None None None None
1994 None N/A None None None None
1998 None N/A None None None None
2006 8,832 56.1% 30 $719,808 $1,324,800 $2,044,608
Capital City: Managua
Whale Watch Locations:
01: San Juan del Sur
Whale and dolphin watching is new to Nicaragua, but several diving
and nature cruise companies are now offering trips that include
cetacean viewing. Many local fishermen are also taking advantage
of increased tourism on the Pacific coast by running informal trips.
These activities are based at San Juan del Sur, one of the main
tourism towns on the Pacific coast. Humpback whales are targeted
during the winter season, while dolphins are sighted year round.
Main species: Large cetaceans:
humpback whale
Small cetaceans:
pantropical spotted dolphin
Tourists:
International Mainly international
Domestic
Types of tours: Boat‐based
Average adult ticket price: $81
Estimated employment
30
numbers:
Main whale watch season: September to March for whales, year‐round
for dolphins
References:
Hoyt, E & Iñíguez, M 2008, ‘The State of Whale Watching in Latin America’, WDCS, Chippenham, UK; IFAW, Yarmouth
Port, USA; and Global Ocean, London, 60 pp..
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