Involved in whale and dolphin field research programs in Bahia de Banderas since 1994, Oceanologist and Nature Photographer Oscar Frey founded Ocean Friendly Tours as a new concept of responsible tour operation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Ocean Friendly Puerto Vallarta Tours offers a unique visual and acoustic approach to the marine world of Bahia de Banderas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Oscar also serves as Vice-President & Chief Researcher for Deep Blue Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of marine life and ecosystems impacted by human activities.
Ocean Friendly Puerto Vallarta Tours is formed by a group of bilingual professionals including Oceanologists, Marine Biologists, Naturalists, Photographers and specialized crew to provide a unique boating and responsible Whale Watching services.
At Ocean Friendly Tours we provide a specialized and personalized service that blends professional knowledge of the marine environment and safety with our passion, love and care for nature.
We focus on using education and technology to protect and preserve our oceanic heritage for future generations.
You will be guided by a specialized bilingual crew that is highly qualified in responsible whale watching techniques, diving, marine biology, oceanography and safe nautical operations. Ocean Friendly Tours have become a respectful and sophisticated way to approach the marine life and landscapes of Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay) off Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Oscar Frey, Oceanologist Puerto Vallarta Tours
Born in Mexico City, his parents encouraged him in developing his interests and abilities, therefore he has experienced interaction with the marine environment since childhood. Oscar started whale watching at the age of 7 when he saw his first whales during a summer camp outing in the San Juan Islands. Later, he discovered the love of photography when he was gifted with a simple reflex camera at age 10.
Oscar completed his educational training and degree in the field of Oceanology at the Faculty of Marine Sciences of the University of Baja California in Ensenada in 1994. After graduation, Frey began his research studies related to Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in that same year.
As an Oceanologist and nature photographer, Frey founded Ocean Friendly Tours as a new concept in responsible tour operation in Puerto Vallarta. His ongoing research and tourism development has culminated into a unique visual and acoustical approach to the marine world of Banderas Bay and the breeding and birthing grounds of the Humpback whale. Frey continues to conduct fluke identification studies and capture acoustical recordings of the Humpback whales' songs that grace the water of the bay annually analyzing their musical structure and studying its variations over time.