Rare baja porpoise likely extinct by 2018, yet illegal. 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. 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. Apr 07, 2018 dreamlike pictures of gray whales from the baja california, mexico. More than 20 species of whales are encountered around baja most yearround, making this area an important center for whale observation. We were staying right on the shore in an ecocamp but would be going out into the designated whale. 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. There are so many whales here at this time, that you can just drop anchor and wait for them to swim up. Whale watching season begins in baja california travel.
Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a behavior exhibited by cetacean s some sharks. Gray whales migrate every year from the cold waters around alaska where they spend the summer to the warmer waters of baja california in winter once in the mexican peninsula, around the last week of december, the gray whales begin to be in sight between todos santos islands and the ensenada bay on their way south. Your hotel is situated in the heart of the city, beside one of baja californias most picturesque squares. For most people, being close to a massive friendly whale with a gentle disposition is one of the greatest thrills in the animal world. Dreamlike pictures of gray whales from the baja california, mexico. The blue whales of the loreto marine reserve, baja california sur. How to go whale watching in baja california sur, mexico.
Guests witness gray whales playing, resting, and investigating their curious visitors before heading north to their arctic feeding grounds. 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 baja california peninsula, where they will mate and give birth to their young. Up to nine species of whales visit baja on a regular basis. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time. 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. Sea of cortez baja california whale watching baja adventure. 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. Three major lagoons in baja california are the primary destination of the southbound gray whales. Whales, the largest known mammal, can grow up to 50 feet in. Whales and other marine mammals of california and baja paperback. Mark is addicted to baja californias whales, visiting every year. Magdalena bay whale watching baja adventure travel baja tours.
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. Gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. Witness and interact with the friendly california gray whale on this incredible adventure set right in the heart of bajas gray whale territory. By lisa gilfillan, education specialist our annual baja california whale adventure, a collaboration between birch aquarium at scripps and andiamo tours mexico, is a naturalistguided adventure to the lagoons of baja california.
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. The gray whale lagoons of baja california offer the best possibility for this opportunity of anywhere in the world. Their presence gives baja californians a sense of pride because the gray whale is internationally known as a mexican whale. Whales and other marine mammals of california and baja. Between december and april one of the most spectacular natural shows takes place. Whale watching, cave paintings, wine tasting and more. Baja whale watching tours may get you close enough to touch. The sea of cortez was aptly coined the worlds aquarium by jacques cousteau. The impressive blue whale is the biggest whale in the world, reaching 30 meters in length and weighing 120 tons. 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. In this baja, the gray whales come to you photography.
This is a diverse and brilliant wilderness area full of contrasts. Based on decades of respectful wildlife ecotourism. Every winter they swim along baja california, and its possible to see them from january to april near the south, in loreto bay. Baja whale watching, san ignacio lagoon baja discovery. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet up. Whale watching tours, scamoons lagoon guerrero negro baja. In addition, whale watching is becoming more common in the sea of cortez. On our first evening mark filled us in on what to expect. The mexican government strictly regulates access to these lagoons to ensure that any human activities do not affect the whales while they are in the quiet, protected lagoons of baja california. This article originally appeared in the autumn of 2006. Whale watching with baja discovery we hope to welcome you to the very best camp for watching gray whales in baja california, mexico.
He is intensely dedicated to the people and wildlife conservation of baja california and receives. To see the whales blowing, sounding, mating, and calving in their. They came right up to the rowing boat, once even a mother whale with his baby. This great whales of baja expedition is the ultimate land and sea whale watching experience. 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. Feb 21, 2016 gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. She provides a really positive experience, along with everything you need eco sunscreen.
Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay. Discover the beauty of the baja california peninsula in mexico. Gray whales have come for centuries to mate, calve, and relax before heading north to their arctic feeding grounds. The 115room hotel is the most luxurious in baja california surs capital and part of a larger resort community that includes a marina, an 18hole gary player golf course, and a. Baja california is fast becoming the premier location to watch whales in the world. He is intensely dedicated to the people and wildlife conservation of baja california and receives immense enjoyment sharing that with his passengers. Feb 17, 2017 baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. Baja california whale watching, mexico ultimate travel co.
Baja california, on the wild pacific coast of mexico, is the best place in the world to see whales in all their glory. Whalewatching in baja california orange county register. The name whale shark comes from its size, being as large as some species of whales. The trip set out from san diego and travelling down the baja california peninsular and into the sea of cortez. Art taylor has owned searcher since 1982 and has been guiding vessels in bajas waters for over 30 years. A gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico. Grey whale watching in baja is one of the worlds most intimate wildlife encounters. Whale shark facts the whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, reaching lengths of arround 18 to 40 feet 5. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and baja california. Apr 26, 2017 the 115room hotel is the most luxurious in baja california surs capital and part of a larger resort community that includes a marina, an 18hole gary player golf course, and a beach club. November 3 11, 2019 baja california sur is a natural and cultural paradise from land to. Thats why the zoologist mark carwardine heads there at this time every year. The best whale watching ever baja california, mexico youtube.
The best time to visit baja is undoubtedly between mid january and mid march, when the grey whales migrate to the lagoons to give birth. We were staying right on the shore in an ecocamp but would be going out into the designated whale watching area of the lagoon twice daily in small boats. Witness and interact with the friendly california gray whale on this incredible adventure set right in the heart of baja s gray whale territory. Mark is addicted to baja california s whales, visiting every year. 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. Imagine the five to six days that you will be able to experience and learn about the outstanding baja peninsula. Since 89, the best of baja whale sharks in the sea of cortez. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. Best time to visit baja california responsible travel. 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. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico. Mar 09, 2015 by lisa gilfillan, education specialist our annual baja california whale adventure, a collaboration between birch aquarium at scripps and andiamo tours mexico, is a naturalistguided adventure to the lagoons of baja california. Don a mask and snorkel for a swim around the rocks and inlets of the islands and you will see why.
The large concentration of gray whales that reside here each winter are extremely friendly, and regularly approach our small whale watching. 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. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja. Visit our baja mexico kayak map page to view or print a larger version of this baja whalewatching tour map.
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