Stephanie Montero Prepares to Take on a New Challenge for Humpback Whale Conservation

Stephanie Montero, the renowned Mexican open-water swimmer, has set her sights on a new challenge that not only pushes her own limits but also delivers a powerful message about marine conservation.

In April 2025, Stephanie plans to swim more than 40 kilometers from Isla Isabel to the Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve (Nayarit), a journey that connect two important Protected Natural Areas (PNAs) in the Mexican Pacific.

This challenge is part of the Swim for the Whales initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at raising awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and the creation of new PNAs. Through her efforts, Stephanie reinforces the call for the restoration and protection of marine life, including the majestic humpback whales that migrate to these Pacific waters every year.

As part of her preparation, on February 22nd, 2025, Stephanie completed a nighttime training session in which she swam 25 kilometers. Over the course of eight uninterrupted hours, the swimmer advanced from Isla Isabel National Park to a coastal point in northern Nayarit, located between Santiago Ixcuintla and San Blas.

This training session was supported by a security team composed of representatives from the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), Protección Civil Santiago Ixcuintla, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and members of the Swim for the Whales team. Additionally, institutions such as the Décima Zona Naval San Blas, Capitanía de Puerto San Blas, Cocodrilario Kiekari, Protección Ciudadana y Bomberos del Estado de Nayarit, Protección Civil de San Blas and Cruz Roja Santiago Ixcuintla joined the collaborative safety strategy led by the Asociación de Empresarios de Puerto Vallarta y Bahía de Banderas, Centro Universitario de la Costa, and Nado por las Ballenas, AC.

A COLLECTIVE EFFORT FOR CONSERVATION
Beyond the physical and mental challenge of this journey, the event stands out for its environmental purpose. Swim for the Whales has brought together more than 100 organizations, universities, business leaders, and media outlets with the goal of driving concrete actions for the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems. Stephanie Montero’s mission is to swim for a cause, promoting sustainable tourism and the appreciation of these natural spaces.

Visit the Swim for the Whales website to learn more about this initiative and/or support the cause.