Overview
- Officials formally inaugurated the whale‑watching season in Los Órganos, Piura, on Sunday with ministers and agencies taking the first authorized sighting tour.
- Mincetur says it trained more than 600 tourism actors for 2026 and launched beach access upgrades and an information campaign to promote responsible viewing.
- The start of the season followed a separate incident off Talara on Sunday when a humpback reportedly struck and overturned a fishing boat; three fishermen were rescued without serious injury.
- Media and specialists warn Peru lacks a specific whale‑watching law, and they say informal operators and closer boat approaches can endanger people and disturb whales.
- Authorities hope the season will repeat 2025 economic gains—more than 48,000 overnight stays in Los Órganos—but officials and operators face pressure to strengthen safety protocols and regulation to protect livelihoods and wildlife.