Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – On Saturday, December 7, the Vuelta a la Bahía de Banderas en Equipos captivated onlookers as 36 swimmers took on an extraordinary open-water challenge across Banderas Bay. This unique event, organized by Stephanie Montero Bending’s Nado por las Ballenas initiative, aimed to raise funds and awareness for the conservation of humpback whales and the marine ecosystems of the Mexican Pacific.
The competition featured eight elite Mexican swimmers with international accolades, each leading one of six strategic routes to cover the entire bay in a single day. From Puerto Vallarta to Cruz de Huanacaxtle and onward to Punta de Mita, Chimo, Yelapa, and Boca de Tomatlán, the swimmers showcased remarkable teamwork and endurance. Each team represented one of the initiative’s environmental projects, such as coral preservation, whale rescue, and ghost net recovery.
A highlight of the event was Stephanie Montero Bending’s personal achievement – earning international recognition from the Marathon Swimmers Federation for completing the 37.5 km swim from the Marietas Islands to Playa Las Gemelas, the first ever to achieve this certification.
With support from organizations like Fondo Noroeste (FONNOR AC) and prominent figures such as Juan Ramón Celis of Velas Resorts, Georgina Rodríguez of AEBBA, and Ulises Rodríguez of Fidetur, the event underscored the region’s dedication to marine conservation.
Looking ahead, the initiative aims to raise one million pesos next year to further protect marine life in Banderas Bay. Events like this not only highlight Puerto Vallarta’s commitment to sustainability but also inspire collective action to safeguard its precious natural treasures.
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