Swimming for a Cause: Nado por las Ballenas Aims to Protect Marine Life in Bahía de Banderas

Each year, over 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises fall victim to entanglements and collisions with boats. Determined to make a difference, open-water swimmer and environmental advocate Stephanie Moreno Bending has launched the “Nado por las Ballenas” or “swim for the whales” initiative, which has raised over 750,000 pesos toward its 1-million-peso goal for 2024, aimed at protecting marine life in Bahía de Banderas and across the Mexican Pacific.

In a recent press conference, Moreno shared that last winter, the initiative contributed to the rescue of 10 entangled whales. This year, “Nado por las Ballenas” (swim for the whales)  hopes to fund at least six more rescues as these majestic creatures return to the region.

In a feat to support the cause, Moreno swam an impressive 127-kilometer course over six days off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, an event that gathered 1,300 participants from 11 countries and over 80 organizations. Last year, she completed a 37.5-kilometer swim from the Marietas Islands National Park to Playa Las Gemelas, in just over 14 hours.

Funds raised will go toward implementing comprehensive strategies for the conservation of humpback whales and marine ecosystems. These efforts include monitoring and removing ghost nets, reducing vessel-whale collisions, supporting safe whale-watching practices, and planting 1,000 coral fragments in the Marietas Islands National Park. The initiative also involves educational programs for local children, empowering them to champion environmental conservation.

Supported by the Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas Business Association, “Nado por las Ballenas” invites everyone to help conserve marine life in this biodiversity-rich region. To donate or show support on social media, visit fonnor.org or (nado por las ballenas . org)  nadoxlasballenas.org. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our oceans!