“Sea and Mountain”: An Athletic Feat Driving Conservation in Jalisco and Nayarit

In a destination where the ocean and the mountains coexist as extraordinary natural settings, the “Sea and Mountain” (Mar y Montaña) challenge once again proved that sport can become a powerful tool for raising environmental awareness.

From November 29th to December 7th, 2025, this initiative, spearheaded by Mexican open-water swimmer Stephanie Montero, successfully mobilized athletes, authorities, environmental organizations, and an entire community committed to protecting the biodiversity of Jalisco and Nayarit.

Driven by the non-profit organization Nado por las Ballenas A.C. (Swim for the Whales), this challenge was born with a clear purpose: to protect the humpback whale, sea turtles, corals, jaguars, and other species that inhabit the region’s nine Natural Protected Areas (ANP). Over nine intense days, participants covered more than 440 kilometers in segments combining swimming, paddleboarding, trail running, and mountain biking, traversing key ecosystems from Banderas Bay down to Costalegre.

A JOURNEY THAT UNITES ECOSYSTEMS AND WILLS
The challenge began on the night of November 29th with an impressive 22-kilometer night swim, performed by Angélica Enríquez Rocha, who completed the Punta de Mita–Islas Marietas–Punta de Mita circuit despite demanding conditions that included strong swell and wind. Her arrival at El Anclote Beach marked the beginning of a journey that, from the outset, demonstrated the power of collective commitment.

That same day, athlete Diego Tron Maza began his own feat: paddling around Banderas Bay on a paddleboard, divided into two stages covering a total of 120 kilometers. His route connected two of the region’s most emblematic sites: Los Arcos de Mismaloya and the Marietas Islands National Park, thus reinforcing the importance of these ecosystems as priority conservation areas.

STEPHANIE MONTERO: LEADERSHIP, ENDURANCE, AND CAUSE
From December 3rd to 6th, 2025, it was the turn of Stephanie Montero, director of Nado por las Ballenas and the movement’s public face. The athlete completed three open-water night swims in Costalegre totaling 63.5 kilometers, traversing sanctuaries like Mismaloya, Chamela, Teopa, Cuitzmala, and El Tecuán.

Adverse weather conditions forced her to extend her swim well into the early morning of December 6th, a feat that reaffirmed not only her discipline but also her conviction in the mission she leads: giving a voice to the oceans and the species that depend on them.

THE MOUNTAINS JOIN THE CHALLENGE
For the first time, the challenge incorporated a mountain component led by Marcela de Niz, who coordinated a 242-kilometer route between Nayarit and Jalisco. This segment involved seven athletes who, through trail running and mountain biking, traced a path that crossed the Sierra de Vallejo–Río Ameca, the Sierra Occidental Biocultural Landscape, and the Sierra El Cuale.

The days and nights of ascents, technical trails, and remote landscapes concluded successfully in Puerto Vallarta, reinforcing the idea that environmental protection must encompass both the coast and the mountain range.

AN EMOTIONAL CLOSING FOR A CHALLENGE WITH PURPOSE
The closing ceremony, held on December 7th, 2025, was led by Stephanie, who delivered a message filled with gratitude and hope. She also mentioned that the third edition of the International Team Swim for the Whales was held concurrently with this in-person challenge, with the participation of 130 teams in different parts of the world, reinforcing the global reach of the cause.

Tourism authorities from the State of Jalisco, as well as Costalegre, Puerto Vallarta, and Banderas Bay, along with representatives from CONANP and WWF Mexico, accompanied the moment, highlighting the inter-institutional collaboration that made the journey possible.

During the event, the AEBBA (Asociación de Empresarios de Bahía de Banderas) presented a special recognition to Stephanie Montero for her leadership and sustained commitment to the region. Athletes, volunteers, and attendees shared testimonials and experiences that reflected the deep connection between sport, community, and nature.

AN ONGOING EFFORT
The “Sea and Mountain” challenge marks only the beginning of a new phase. Nado por las Ballenas will continue working to raise 1.5 million pesos earmarked for eight priority projects: from the rescue of entangled whales and the removal of ghost nets to environmental education programs, responsible whale tourism monitoring, coral monitoring, and the reduction of single-use plastics.

The call to action is clear: everyone can join in through active participation, sharing information, or donations—every action contributes to protecting Mexico’s natural heritage.