Stephanie Montero Prepares for a New Challenge: Swimming 43 KM of Open Sea in Riviera Nayarit

On May 2nd, 2025, renowned Mexican open water swimmer Stephanie Montero Bending will take on one of the most ambitious challenges of her career: completing a 43-kilometer nighttime open sea crossing between Isla Isabel National Park and the Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve, along the coast of Riviera Nayarit.

This feat is part of Nado por las Ballenas (Swim for the Whales), an initiative that merges sport, conservation, and community engagement. Now in its third edition, the project aims to raise awareness about the protection of humpback whales and the marine ecosystems of the Mexican Pacific, while also highlighting the ecological value of these two protected natural areas.

Since late 2023, Stephanie has followed a rigorous physical and mental training regimen, swimming in a variety of aquatic environments including pools, rivers, reservoirs, and open sea. Her unwavering determination is supported by a multidisciplinary team working under the Estrategia Nado Seguro 2025 (Safe Swim Strategy), in coordination with the Décima Zona Naval San Blas, Protección Civil de Santiago Ixcuintla, Capitanía de Puerto, ASIPONA Marina San Blas, and technical advisors from CONANP, among other institutions.

This effort not only seeks to set personal records but also to raise 1.5 million pesos to launch eight priority marine conservation actions. These include the rescue of entangled whales, coral restoration efforts at the Marietas Islands and Isla Isabel, and environmental education programs for coastal communities in Nayarit and Jalisco.

The swim will conclude with a community beach cleanup at Playa El Sesteo on Saturday, May 3rd. Organized by WWF Mexico and its partners, this event will serve as a celebration of collective effort and environmental awareness.

With every stroke, Stephanie Montero pushes beyond her personal limits while delivering a powerful message of unity, respect for nature, and responsible tourism.