With most whale watching tours, it is considered lucky if one or two go by the boat. From our tented camp,we went out twice a day to the whale watching zone of san ignacio lagoon most of the lagoon is protected for the whales and therefore offlimits to boats. The east coast of baja is bordered by the sea of cortez, supporting the largest and most varied population of whales in the world, as well as one of the last sanctuaries for the endangered finback and blue whales, the largest of the cetaceans twice the size of gray whale. November through around january, the migratory birds on. Gray whale watching tour in baja california sur, mexico.
Baja accommodation whale watching mexico ecotourism. In the weeks in the whales will venture as far south as cabo pulmo and cabo san lucas to winter, before turning around and heading north again to summer in arctic waters some of the pacific bays and lagoons of baja california sur are. Gray whales, blue whales, humpback whales, whale sharks and sea lions are our main objective, nevertheless many other species of animals will be seen either hiding in the sand dunes of magdalena bay or jumping around some volcanic rocks in loreto or eventually flying. This great whales of baja expedition is the ultimate land and sea whale watching experience. Ever since then the popularity and thrill of being close to whales has been one of the highlights of many peoples lives. Feb 21, 2016 gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. Ok, i have europe on my big trip planning list celebrating the high schoolers graduating, but now it looks like whale watching in baja needs to be high on my list. Visit our baja mexico kayak map page to view or print a larger version of this baja whalewatching tour map. Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a behavior exhibited by cetacean s some sharks. We always hope for and expect to have a close encounter that includes touching or petting a whale. For thousands of years the gray whale has been a faithful visitor of the baja california peninsula, looking for warmer waters to pass the winter season. Grey whale watching in baja is one of the worlds most intimate wildlife encounters. Jan 22, 2010 this is some video of my amazing whale watching trip we went with the green tortoise, camping in mexico on fantastic beaches where its warm and sunny in the winter now thats travel. Combination gray whale trips plus whale watching on the sea of cortez for the very largest whales, blue whales and gray whales.
Gray whales on the move teacher handout 1 answers to gray whale migration questions 1. For most people, being close to a massive friendly whale with a gentle disposition is one of the greatest thrills in the animal world. Study area around the baja california peninsula where blue whales. This is some video of my amazing whale watching trip we went with the green tortoise, camping in mexico on fantastic beaches where its warm and sunny in the winter now thats travel. Small mexico cruise ships may provide access to whalewatching in these sites as well. Sergios whale watching the trip ensenada baja california. Up to nine species of whales visit baja on a regular basis. Thank you to baja bound mexico insurance services for your longterm support of the forums site. Baja whale watching gray whales in baja california. Usually, well over whales are here during each season and, on some exceptional seasons, baja whale watching experts counted over. Its flanked on the west by the mighty pacific ocean and on the east by the nutrientrich waters of the sea of cortez, so its no surprise that the mexican state of baja california sur bcs is one of the best destinations in the world for whale watching. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and baja california.
It separates the states of baja california norte and baja california sur. February is peak month for both grey whales and visitors, and whale watching trips take place in magdalena bay and san ignacio lagoon. Sea kayaking and whale watching in the sea of cortez. San ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico our accommodations on baja s san ignacio lagoon greatly enhance the atmosphere and excitement of our whale watching adventure. Aug 25, 2017 a gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet up. In the weeks in the whales will venture as far south as cabo pulmo and cabo san lucas to winter, before turning around and heading north again to summer in arctic waters. Limited to 18 travelers a very important feature of our whale watching tours is the limited group size, as whale encounters are best experienced with fewer travelers for a more intimate nature experience. During friendly encounters, a gray whale approaches a whale watching skiff, eyes the passengers, and may come alongside and surface so that the tourists can touch or sometimes even kiss the. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time. Download scientific diagram study area around the baja california peninsula where blue whales were photographed. Gray whale watching season begins in early december and moves along the pacific coast of the baja peninsula and ends in early april as the whale return north. The largest attractions here are the popular whalewatching tours, and the local indian art. Watching the gray whale during its migration from the cold waters of alaska, all the way to the coasts of the baja california peninsula is without a doubt.
Baja health tourism whale shark swim along one of the largest fish species in what is known as the worlds aquarium, experiment firsthand a close encounter with the whale shark, measuring over 12 meters long and some over 15 tons. Though whale watching in baja is a yearround activity, the winter months are the height of whale season. We do our utmost to provide the best possible whale watching experience. This site uses cookies to enhance performance, analyze traffic, and for ads measurement purposes.
Gray whale watching tour at adolfo lopez mateos in the pacific coast of bahia magdalena, baja california sur. Only a limited number of boats are allowed in the whale watching areas and they must have a maximum of 68 passengers, a guide and a boat handler. The trip satellite map of todos santos bay which shows the whales migration route and the probable path that the boat will take. Baja whale watching and kayak classic islands skiff supported. Make a stop at one of baja californias premiere islands for giant cardon and barrel cactus, and incredible scenery. This behavior was first reported in 1976 from san ignacio lagoon and has grown each year. Whales, balaenoptera musculus, of the baja california peninsula phd thesis, 2002.
This is whale watching of the more traditional style and takes place on the sea of cortez in small 25 foot power boats. Mexico the best tips for whale watching in mexico whaletrips. Gray whales baja california whales lindblad expeditions. North pacific right whale eubalaena glacialis aquatic mammal. Interestingly enough, here on the oregon coast, we also see the whales as the head north during their annual migration, then as. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja.
Gray whale watching tours in baja california on the sea of. Our staff is highly experienced in baja whale watching. Witness and interact with the friendly california gray whale on this incredible adventure set right in the heart of baja s gray whale territory. More than 20 species of whales are encountered around baja most yearround, making this area an important center for whale observation. The whale watching season takes place during the winter months therefore, it is possible to encounter bad weather on the day of the event. Us tourists travelled from san diego on selfcontained 7 to 10day cruises down to the lagoons of the baja california coast. The sea of cortez is exceptionally nutrientrich, especially around islands. Download scientific diagram gray whale breeding and calving grounds in the west coast of the baja california peninsula, mexico. Theres time to whale watch offshore for bajas blue whales, fin whales, and other whales. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. Fly in to our camp, get up close with the friendly gray whales. Gray whale breeding and calving grounds in the west coast of the. If youre here just for the sea kayaking, the best time to visit baja is the end of octearly dec, as well as marapr, as the wind drops and the sea of cortez is clear and calm. Go on a whale watching cruise right here in san diego with birch aquarium and flagship cruises and events.
The sea of cortez was aptly coined the worlds aquarium by jacques cousteau. Every year, the california gray whales set off on the longest migration made by any mammal. The best season is from early february to midmarch. Their presence gives baja californians a sense of pride because the gray whale is internationally known as a mexican whale.
The first months of the year gray whales and humpback whales come close to shore on their annual migration from the cold alaska waters to the warm lagoons at the center of the baja california peninsula, where they will mate and give birth to their young. You will be aware of the size, and notice it is a majestic creature, a lot larger than your boat, who is curious about you and wants to know who you are and what you are doing. Whales, the largest known mammal, can grow up to 50 feet in. A worldclass whalewatching destination, baja california is home to over a dozen different whales, including curious gray whales of laguna san ignacio and earths largest inhabitants, blue whales. Interestingly enough, here on the oregon coast, we also see the whales as the head north during their annual migration, then as they head back south. Starting from 2018 cabo trek offers this 8 days 7 nights excursion to explore in depth the baja california sur peninsula. Since 1989 the best of baja whale watching tours and whale watching trips with baja air ventures. Gray whale watching tours in baja california on the sea of cortez. Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a. Scammons is also the largest of the three whale watching lagoon. After our whale shark and sea lion swims, yann and manolo escorted us to a semiprivate white sand beach and served up a fresh, authentic and delicious lunch as we overlooked the turquoise sea of cortez waters.
Six days into our journey we crossed from baja norte into baja sur the peninsulas two states. The gray whale has a very original life cycle, half of the year keeps traveling, and the other half, the gray whale spends three months feeding itself in the waters of the artic ocean and bering sea and the other three months they spend time for their breeding activities within the lagoons and bays of the peninsula of baja california. Drive across the baja peninsula to puerto lopez mateos and hop in a panga a local motorboat in bahia magdalena. A gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico. Whale watching and kayak classic islands skiff supported. Whales and dolphins you may see on our 12day searcher natural history tour. Between december and april one of the most spectacular natural shows takes place. Well go ashore for a botanical walk in an immense arroyo and then dive in for some great snorkeling. Mothers nudge their daysold babies up to the boats, they rub against the hulls, and in some cases even come close enough to be patted on the nose. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico. To have an excellent chance of seeing whales, visit baja between the. But the highlight of your journey to loreto is undoubtedly your grey whale watching tour in magdalena bay, followed by a journey through las dunas to see the variety of bird species that inhabit the area. The baja california is one of the most important regions for whale watching in the whole world, as various kinds of whales use the subtropical waters of the. The alaskan arctic has large amounts of food amphipods for gray whales.
Named after a 19thcentury american whaler, scammons remains the. How to go whale watching in baja california sur, mexico. The trip program is 1 hour to the sighting area, 2 hours at whales sightseeing area and 1 hour trip back. Sergios whale watching things to know ensenada baja. Watching the california gray whales in baja was first widely reported to the outside world by that prolific writer of mysteries and passionate baja aficionado, erle stanley gardner, in his 1960 book hunting the desert whale, an account of his early adventures at scammons lagoon. For thousands of years the gray whale has been a faithful visitor of the baja california. Baja california has protected lagoons calm waters, protected from killer whales, so it is a relatively safe place for the females to raise their calves. Based on decades of respectful wildlife ecotourism. The sea of cortez the worlds aquarium, as it was referred to by the famous french explorer jacques cousteau and the pacific coast of the peninsula have 80% of all marine mammals found in mexican waters. In addition, whale watching is becoming more common in the sea of cortez. The first months of the year gray whales and humpback whales come close to shore on their annual migration from the cold alaska waters to the warm lagoons at the center of.
At that time you will live a marvelous moment as the whale approaches the boat. Your hotel is situated in the heart of the city, beside one of baja californias most picturesque squares. The large concentration of gray whales that reside here each winter are extremely friendly, and regularly approach our small whale watching. Magdalena bay, a chain of lagoons protected by barrier islands, provides a favored sanctuary and winter nursery for the gray whales that travel over 5,000 miles from the bering strait to. Close encounters with bajas gray whales oceanic society. This was the best whale watching tour ive ever been on. On 20 february 1996, during an aerial survey along the baja california peninsula, we observed a single right whale eubalaena glacialis at 2302n. Lodging for the popular best of bajas whales, dolphins and sea lions includes a bed and breakfast stay on the pacific ocean, as well as time spent at our famous las animas ecolodge, where you can experience sea lions, dolphins, and more whales. This is a diverse and brilliant wilderness area full of contrasts. Baja california whale watching, mexico ultimate travel co. Witness and interact with the friendly california gray whale on this incredible adventure set right in the heart of bajas gray whale territory. Although we can organise half and fullday experiences from cabo, this signature eightday expedition delves deeper into the islandlike peninsula of baja sur for incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking desert scenery, crumbling spanish missions, culinary exploration and a unique interaction with. The trip set out from san diego and travelling down the baja california peninsular and into the sea of cortez.
The southern half is where the marine life really ramps upfrom the gray whale calving lagoons on the pacific side to the unesco biosphere islands of the sea of cortez. Baja california is fast becoming the premier location to watch whales in the world. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay. Magdalena bay whale watching baja adventure travel baja tours. San ignacio lagoon and sea of cortez oceanic society. Limited to 18 travelers a very important feature of our whalewatching tours is the limited group size, as whale encounters are best experienced with fewer travelers for a more intimate nature experience. Imagine the five to six days that you will be able to experience and learn about the outstanding baja peninsula. Day boats are for hire in san ignacio lagoon, at two villages by magdalena bay, and at other lagoons in baja california. Baja whale watching tours may get you close enough to touch. The gray whale lagoons of baja california offer the best possibility for this opportunity of anywhere in the world. Gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. The midriff island region of the sea of cortez in baja california, mexico is one of those 4 spots and closest to the us. A 14day whalewatching and wildlife holiday, including an 11night cruise down the western coast of mexicos baja peninsula and round into the sea of cortez. Mar 28, 2016 ok, i have europe on my big trip planning list celebrating the high schoolers graduating, but now it looks like whale watching in baja needs to be high on my list.
Sometimes we have two separate groups that are in the same location at the same time. This is our focus and our reason for being in business. Baja california, on the wild pacific coast of mexico, is the best place in the world to see whales in all their glory. Whale watching skiffs in the baja lagoons are highly regulated by the local people. If you do not change your web settings, cookies will continue to be used on this website. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet. Our ecocamp features 10 small and simple raised cabanas with thatched roofs set directly on the lagoon, providing a secluded experience where guests are enveloped by the desert wilderness. She provides a really positive experience, along with everything you need eco sunscreen. The gray whale migration the first months of the year gray whales and humpback whales come close to shore on their annual migration from the cold alaska waters to the warm lagoons at the center of the. Called friendlies by whale watching tourists, many whales now seek human contact in the baja lagoons.
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