Its still waters are a stark contrast to the burnt shades of the surrounding desert, and at its edges the land is a barren division between the lagoon and the vast, curved expanse of the mexican sky. Gray whale breeding and calving grounds in the west coast of the. Sunset at puerto adolfo lopez mateos, baja california sur baby grey whale mouth, mum in the background. Mexico the best tips for whale watching in mexico whaletrips. 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. For thousands of years, the gray whales have migrated to baja in the winter to bear their young in the warm and placid waters surrounding the baja peninsula. 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. Gray whales baja california whales lindblad expeditions. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet. Gray whales saved off baja california national geographic. View the great gray whales of baja the pacific gray whale migration from alaskas bering sea to the warm waters of bajas lagoons is the longest mammal migration on earth. As over 97% of the gray whale population migrates to a small coastline and small bays in the baja every winter this makes an excellent opportunity for gray whale watching tours, research and conservation. A gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico.
This is a city that is very famous among people around the world because of its night life and water based sports and activities. Close encounters with bajas gray whales by kathi koontz. Gray whales on the move teacher handout 1 answers to gray whale migration questions 1. The great gray whales of baja natural habitat adventures. They also hire local residents to work at the camp, giving. Following the whale trail by ann hazard imagine this. Humpbacks and gray whales are the most commonly sighted. See our baja whale adventure in action with this footage from our trips. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay. How to go whale watching in baja california sur, mexico. Download scientific diagram gray whale breeding and calving grounds in the west coast of the baja california peninsula, mexico. For a short time in the months of february and march we offer the opportunity for a short migration from cabo san lucas up north all the way till loreto for an incredible encounter with the biggest living mammal on the planet as well as to explore the baja peninsula a bit more in depth.
There are many places to whale watch, and even a variety of whales to be looking for, but scammons bay and laguna san ignacio are particularly famous for their friendly whale encounters. People, politics, and conservation in baja california. We will stop and do some gray whale watching off the coast. Whale watching mexico mexico ecotourism natural habitat. In addition, whale watching is becoming more common in the sea of cortez. 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. One of my early major marine conservation campaigns was to help with the protection of laguna san ignacio in baja california sur, a primary gray whale breeding and nursery estuaryand still, i. May 20, 2015 see our baja whale adventure in action with this footage from our trips. We also visit the beautiful sea of cortez for whale watching on this weeklong.
Gray whale watching in bahia magdalena, bcs, mexico. San ignacio lagoon pachicos eco tours baja gray whale. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time. Blue whale in baja, mexico grey whale in baja, mexico. Grey whale watching in baja is one of the worlds most intimate wildlife encounters. Gray whale is another species that appear in these. One of the most incredible natural wonders on the baja peninsula is visiting with the gray whales that come to the warm lagoons of baja california sur to breed and give birth every winter. Baja california has protected lagoons calm waters, protected from killer whales, so it is a relatively. They have a gray blotchy pattern from pigment spots and barnacles and their scars. Imagine the five to six days that you will be able to experience and learn about the outstanding baja peninsula.
Grey whale watching and camping, baja, mexico whale tours with dive discovery. Laguna san ignacio in baja california sur, mexico is one of 3 lagoons on the southwest coast of baja that are the winter home of the gray whale. Whale watching in baja california contrasts markedly on the different sides of the peninsula. 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. The best season is from early february to midmarch.
The camp location is the best you can watch whales from inside your tent. November through around january, the migratory birds on. See the great gray whales of mexicos baja peninsula baja. Pachicos eco tours is internationally known for being the whale watching pioneers of san ignacio lagoon and baja. Shoot pacific gray whales at extreme close range, plus blue whales, dolphins and colonial mexican architecture.
Gray whales of baja california sur cabo whale trek. Mar 24, 2016 friendly gray whales approach our whale watching boat in san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico during our march 2016 expedition. The absolute best whale watching areas in baja are the lagoons where the whales come to mate and give birth to their calves. When tourists come to see gray whales that migrate to baja lagoons at calving season, it often seems the curiosity might be mutual. Usually, mating occurs in groups of three whales, a female and two males. Experience magical, close encounters with the friendly gray whale mothers and calves of san ignacio lagoon, a unesco world heritage site. When we set out on this trip, sue arnold, our ceo, and i knew that we were heading to unknown territory. Baja whale watching gray whales in baja california. Get your kindle here, or download a free kindle reading app. My first time with baja discovery to visit the birthing place of the california gray whales. Watch friendly gray whale mothers and calves, whale movements underwater and more.
Of the whale watching tours we offer in baja mexico, this one is best for seeing whales at very close range, and plenty of them. Two big whale locations and all three major gray whale nursery lagoons. Well organized, great to be in a remote peaceful area detached from everything, friendly, enthusiastic and dedicated staff was a joy to be around, food and kitchen staff served fantastic meals and snacks. November through around january, the migratory birds on the mudflats and the mangroves are also amazing.
Whale watching trip mexico ecotourism natural habitat. Gray whales in magdalena bay, lopez mateos cabo whale trek. 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. They feed mainly on benthic invertebrates found in the muddy ocean floor, preparing for their long migration south. Magdalena bay whale watching baja adventure travel baja tours. Every winter, hundreds of pacific gray whales return to their traditional breeding and birthing grounds in sheltered san ignacio lagoon on mexicos baja peninsula. During our waiting we were suddenly surprised by a great snort. Every year gray whales migrate more than 10,000 miles between their summer feeding grounds in the arctic and the coastal lagoons of the southern baja peninsula. Each year hundreds of whales congregate in the lagoon to reproduce and. Friendly gray whales in baja california, mexico hd youtube. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet up. Nearly hunted to extinction in the past, these gentle leviathans have made a dramatic comeback and today show little fear of humans. If you love the baja peninsula andor gray whales or cared about the recently finished. Conducting whale watching tours in san ignacio lagoon for over 45 years.
Oct 19, 2017 the blue whale goes out to breathe between eight and fifteen times and then submerges for periods of three to twenty minutes. The san ignacio lagoon gray whales scuba diver life. February 10 february 21 12 day the worlds greatest trip visits 5 very different baja whale watching locales to give the very best opportunity to compare all the locations. Whales and dolphins you may see on our 12day searcher natural history tour. 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. For most people, being close to a massive friendly whale with a gentle disposition is one of the greatest thrills in the animal world. Every year, the california gray whales set off on the longest migration made by any mammal. You can download general gray whale information on this page kindly prepared. Colonial loreto was founded by the spanish in 1697 and is the oldest permanent settlement on the baja california peninsula, as well as the site of the regions first jesuit mission. Through protection in mexico s lagoons the gray whale population has recovered and they have been removed from the endangered species list.
Most mating activity of the gray whale occurs on the way to, or near, the lagoons of baja california. 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. Since 1991, we have arranged trips to exotic locations utilizing the best dive and land adventure specialists. Every october, the gray whales of the pacific begin a twotothreemonth migration from the cold alaskan seas to the warm waters of baja california. These calm warm waters about halfway down the baja peninsula near guerrero negro are the destination spot for the majority of the baja gray whales. Finback whale, gray whale, whale watching cruise, whale watching tours, costa, san diego, voyage canada, carbon cycle, nature marvel at rare encounters with gray whales with these images from mexico whale migration, black hair model, baleen whales, whale facts, baja california sur, gray whale, wale, black ponytail hairstyles, best black. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja. Each year, gray whales travel thousands of miles from arctic seas to the warm waters of baja californias lagoons to court, mate, give birth, and. Pachicos eco tours at pachicos eco tours it is our goal to help you experience the spectacular whale watching san ignacio lagoon has to offer, complimented with information about the behavior of gray whales and their natural environment that comes from decades of experience. Read about camping on a gray whale lagoon, an incredible adventure. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico.
Gray whales are migrating to baja, california sport diver. Gray whales, along with other whale species, have been granted protection from commercial hunting by the international whaling commission iwc since 1946. The gray whale lagoons of baja california offer the best possibility for this opportunity of anywhere in the world. The gray whale is also known as the grey whale, gray. Home page of jones adventure travel and the gray whale advocate. The baja peninsula beautifully merges desert and seainvigorating seasalt air with sunsetcolored canyons, friendly gray whales among sparkling water and. There are several annual whale festivals on the baja peninsula, e. Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a behavior exhibited by cetacean s some sharks. The western shore of baja is dominated by the pacific ocean and this surf pounded coast is normally restricted to only the most skilled sea kayakers. Youve spent nearly two months swimming from the frigid waters of the bering sea toward your calving grounds in san ignacio lagoon, halfway down the coast of baja california on the pacific side of the peninsula. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay gray whale watching guaranteed. Review of guerrero negro cgwc camp california gray whale. The following table contains our sea kayaking expeditions in the sea of cortez and, whale watching tours on the pacific lagoons, off the baja peninsula.
Loreto trips have an hotel upgrade option available. Pachico mayoral was the first person to have an encounter with a friendly gray whale. Situated about 5 hours north of cabo san lucas, this stretch of land is populated by a small community of fisherman. Combination gray whale and blue whale 2020 trips, mexico dive. The whales use these protected, shallow, warm waters as calving nurseries. Join a gray whale watching tour in bajas magdalena bay and pet friendly gray whales. Baja california is fast becoming the premier location to watch whales in the world. The recordingholding individual gray whale was given the name varvara by her researchers. This great whales of baja expedition is the ultimate land and sea whale watching experience.
Whales, dolphins and deserts of mexicos baja peninsula. During september each year, the pacific gray whale, eschrichtius robustus, begins its 6,000 mile or so journey from the icy waters of the bearing sea to one of several of bajas warm pacific lagoons. Our 3 and 4day magdalena bay whale watching tours include camping at our exclusive safaristyle basecamp set on a secluded beach. A first hand story from one of our insider readers about his first closeup encounter with a gray whale.
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. The best place to see grey whales in baja california, mexico. More than 20 species of whales are encountered around baja most yearround, making this area an important center for whale observation. Friendly gray whales approach our whale watching boat in san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico during our march 2016 expedition. A tale of extraordinary interaction with gray whale in baja while reading something, i came across an article which stated that traveling to places and exploring new and unknown territories of interest can increase the longevity of life. 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. The best source of information on gray whales, the best gray whale and blue whale watching trips in baja mexico. They grow up to about 45 feet and weigh a ton per foot. Towards the end of december, they begin to arrive in magdalena bay. Aug 25, 2017 a gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico. See the great gray whales of mexicos baja peninsula. The gray whale migration takes them south past the west coast of the united states and the pacific coast of baja. Some 12,000 gray whales migrate from the arctic to the baja area every winter. Youre a 49 foot, 73,000 pound, very pregnant gray whale.
The alaskan arctic has large amounts of food amphipods for gray whales. Especially gray whales, humpbacks, finbacks and blue whales are regularly seen here. We also visit the beautiful sea of cortez for whale watching on this weeklong adventure on mexicos baja california peninsula. If you are based in cabo san lucas but want to see grey whales, whale watch cabo offers a twoday excursion from cabo to the bay of magdalena. Today, travellers to the warm waters of mexicos baja peninsula can go boating in a quiet sheltered. With the highest concentration of baja gray whales right offshore, theres no better place to witness the gray whales as they play. Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a. Their migration from alaskas bering sea to the warm waters of bajas pacific lagoons is the longest mammal migration on earth.
This is a diverse and brilliant wilderness area full of contrasts. Their presence gives baja californians a sense of pride because the gray whale is internationally known as a mexican whale. Gray whales in cabo san lucas whale watch cabo tours. This region is substantially windier and colder than our sea of cortez kayaking locations on the other side of the baja peninsula. San ignacio is the only lagoon that remains undeveloped and pristine. Starting from 2016 cabo trek offers now 2 days excursions to for gray whale watching in lopez mateos, also known as magdalena bay. Close encounters with bajas gray whales oceanic society. The protected bays and lagoons of the baja provide a safe haven to the gray whales to breed and calve. They have their calves here, find mates, play and eat in the. One such unexplored destination that i always wanted to travel to was baja.
Baja whale watching tours may get you close enough to touch. Ground transportation, private plane and overnight options available. The eastern north pacific gray whale population, those which winter in grounds along the baja peninsula, spend their summers in feeding grounds throughout the chukchi, beaufort, and bering seas. We will stop and do some grey whale watching off the coast of carbo san lucas city on the baja peninsula. Drive across the baja peninsula to puerto lopez mateos and hop in a panga a local motorboat in bahia magdalena.
If you are taking a trip to mexico, or living in mexico you cannot miss gray whale watching. In this baja, the gray whales come to you photography. One of my early major marine conservation campaigns was to help with the protection of laguna san ignacio in baja california sur, a primary gray whale breeding and nursery estuaryand still, i believe, one of the most beautiful places on earth. 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. Gray whale watching in baja discover baja travel club. There cannot be many places in the world where on the same 2 and 12 hour whale watching tour you can encounter both humpback and gray whales. Up to nine species of whales visit baja on a regular basis. Witness the gray whale migration, one of natures most phenomenal events, and see these gentle giants upclose in the heart of their breeding grounds. Fill out the form below to receive additional information about our the great gray whales of baja or give us a call at 8005438917. 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. Make giant friendships at sea off mexicos baja peninsula.
Populations of adult gray whales can also be spotted off of cabo san lucas at the tip of the peninsula, but are less common in that area than humpback whales. An affectionate moment between mother and calf gray whale in baja ritchuie. San ignacio lagoon and sea of cortez oceanic society. Baja gray whales are in a family all of their own, eshrichtiidae, named after a danish zoology professor in the 19th century. Every winter, hundreds of pacific gray whales return to their traditional. Located in baja california sur, san ignacio lagoon reflects mirrored shades of jade green and cobalt blue. Occasional sightings of mating gray whales on their way south have been reported from southern california.
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