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. Since 1991, we have arranged trips to exotic locations utilizing the best dive and land adventure specialists. Small mexico cruise ships may provide access to whalewatching in these sites as well. Every year, the california gray whales set off on the longest migration made by any mammal. Scammons is also the largest of the three whale watching lagoon. Both are great catamarans that do whale watching twice a day in feb. One such unexplored destination that i always wanted to travel to was baja. Top places for whale watching in california visit california.
It was around 3pm on friday 28 february 2014, in san ignacio lagoon, baja california. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja. The new whale shark watching season in baja california sur kicked off on the first of july. Usually, well over whales are here during each season and, on some exceptional seasons, baja whale watching experts counted over. Whalewatching in baja california orange county register. 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. But i dont know where to start, which town city is the best place to stay for ease and location of whale encounters. We had a fantastic time full of blows, flukes and even one breach. Omaha lancers hockey season canceled ralston arena. Cabo san lucas and its sister city san jose del cabo enjoy a privileged location at the southernmost tip of the baja peninsula, where the pacific ocean meets the aquamarine waters of the sea of cortez. 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.
Whale shark season in the sea of cortez is early winter until late spring so you wont see them in july. Not only does hotel villas mar y arena offer exclusive whalewatching tours, but it also invites you to stay in a rustic beach cabaa. 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. This historic town is a popular stop on the north coast with its many things to do and see. The opportunities for whale encounters here are truly exceptional. There are some good snorkel tours where youll likely have young sea lions swim around you. Grey whale watching baja california message board tripadvisor.
Whale watching season begins in baja california travel agent. Mar 28, 2016 whale watching in baja california in january, we took a whale watching excursion around the southern end of the santa monica bay. We also have grays, humpback, fin, minke and pilots, bryan jauregui tells travel agent. Foodies and firsttime visitors wont want to miss this comprehensive food walking tour of downtown cabo san lucas led by a local guide. Stay in a cabana by the beach and live a unique encounter with gray whales in one of our private tours. Below is a list of the nearest beaches to sign of the whale bar. Best time to visit baja california responsible travel. This fusion of warm ocean currents, rich in biodiversity, supports an amazing variety of whale. 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. These whales travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico.
Whale shark facts the whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, reaching lengths of arround 18 to 40 feet 5. Head out into the bay with the expert knowledge of magdalena bay whales team to guide you to the best spots to see the famous grey whales of baja california. The humpback gets its name from its distinctive body shape. There are so many whales here at this time, that you can just drop anchor and wait for them to swim up. Ever since then the popularity and thrill of being close to whales has been one of the highlights of many peoples lives. Blue whales, balaenoptera and photoidentification researchgate, the professional. Three major lagoons in baja california are the primary destination of the southbound gray whales. Best time for viewing is during very early morning hours, when the water surface is glassy. 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. Called friendlies by whale watching tourists, many whales now seek human contact in the baja lagoons. This behavior was first reported in 1976 from san ignacio lagoon and has grown each year. North pacific right whale eubalaena glacialis aquatic mammal. Again this spring at monterey bay whale watch, were featuring allday trips with marine biologist and captain nancy black and her dogs as cocaptains.
On searcher trips, we can see the classic transient form which are known to migrate from southern california. 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. Study area around the baja california peninsula where blue whales. The trip set out from san diego and travelling down the baja california peninsular and into the sea of cortez. We are often asked about how often we see whales on our tours last year, from december 15 to april 15th, on 100% of our tours. Gualala is a larger community featuring shops, dining, art galleries and ocean access. Loreto is next going north, a small town high on mexicos development list, but still a small town feeling. Bahia magdalena is one of the most highly populated whale calving areas, as these magnificent beasts migrate south to north every year. Based on decades of respectful wildlife ecotourism. We went to bahia magdalena to watch gray whales, and it was beautiful. The northern right whale eubalaena glacialis is the. 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.
The second site, are the islands and protected areas of the gulf of california, including the bay of cabo san lucas, where whales congregate in amazing numbers during the winter months. Gray whales baja california whales lindblad expeditions. Often called the the gentle giants of the sea, whale sharks have been swimming the sea of cortes for thousands of years. San ignacio lagoon and sea of cortez oceanic society. Wed watched jealously as a mother and baby grey whale approached a boat 100m away. Baja whale watching tours may get you close enough to touch. Gray whales have come for centuries to mate, calve, and relax before heading north to their arctic feeding grounds. 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. Day boats are for hire in san ignacio lagoon, at two villages by magdalena bay, and at other lagoons in baja california. On february 2016 we travelled around baja california with our dodge van. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet up. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet. Gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine.
Dive discovery presents snorkeling and photography expedition with blue whales, coast of california by big animals expeditions with amos nachoum. It has a bulky head with bumpy knots tubercles and long pectoral fins. However, this young gray whale decided to approach the shore and hang out with beachgoers at this. Like the gray whale, the humpback is a baleen filter feeder whale that grows to about 12 to 16 meters 39 to 52 feet. Whale watching in baja california in january, we took a whale watching excursion around the southern end of the santa monica bay. I would want to spend at least a week whale watching, then maybe cabo as you said for the 2nd week, i mentioned cancun as i know its a tourist spot but having never been to mexico or us i have no idea where is best to visit. Take the private tour and enjoy this adventure to the fullest or share the boat and save a big buck. This beautiful little town is filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries, beaches, and more. And with the doubling of whales seen migrating south as reported.
Hi, i have been swimming with the whale sharks around isla mujeres, where we regularly vacation. Ushl has announced that they are canceling the remaining 20192020 hockey season. Feb 21, 2016 gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. The large concentration of gray whales that reside here each winter are extremely friendly, and regularly approach our small whale watching. But in reality there are not related to whales, they belong to the shark. February is peak month for both grey whales and visitors, and whale watching trips take place in magdalena bay and san ignacio lagoon. 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. Todos santos whale watching baja california, mexico. Its one of the most amazing wildlife migrations on the planet, and also relatively easy for humans to witness, especially if you join a guided. If you want to do a local tour try one like tropicat or pez gato. Villas mar y arena magdalena bay whale watching tours. Not much there, except in whale season where it is meca for that activity. In fact, during this season, the gulf and surroundings are used as an.
Lodging for the popular best of baja s 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. Whalesharks frequent the back bay of rincon, but can be found in other areas as well. Whale watching at laguna san ignacio, with baja discovery. Whales, the largest known mammal, can grow up to 50 feet in. The average weight is arround 15 tons the name whale shark comes from its size, being as large as some species of whales. The type of whales that arrive every year in baja california sur are the. This is a diverse and brilliant wilderness area full of contrasts. Enjoy the wonderful magdalena bay whale watching season camp.
From december to april they use the tropical waters off the baja california as their winter quarters. For reservations, directions, or questions you can call them at 707 8822259. Whale watch cabo cabo whale watching cabo san lucas. Sign of the whale bar in point arena, ca is in the california beaches restaurants, bars, and cafes category. The second site, are the islands and protected areas of the gulf of california, including the bay of cabo san lucas, where whales congregate in.
This is about our most comprehensive and extensive whale watching experience possible in the baja california sur region. Whale watching season in the pacific ocean off the baja peninsula and in the sea of cortez begins in december and carries through the winter months until the end of march. Download scientific diagram study area around the baja california peninsula. We have the blue whale, the largest mammal on earth.
These are scammons lagoon, san ignacio lagoon, and magdalena bay. Whale watching cabo san lucas is not the same as you may encounter elsewhere. Watch this whale swim with beachgoers in california. In isla it is juneseptember so we try to be there in september. Take the private tour and enjoy this adventure to the fullest or share the boat and. The name whale shark comes from its size, being as large as some species of whales. Wow thank you, grey whale petting would be a dream come true, now you have given me a location to aim for i will do some research. Stop by several culinary hotspots and hidden gems that you probably wouldnt find alone and sample a selection of local specialties, like tacos, tostadas, and more, for an authentic experience. Seven of us, plus our guide, were in a small panga motorboat, bobbing around on a sunny afternoon.
The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. Large cetaceans, such as gray whales and humpback whales, migrate thousands of miles every year from the frigid northern pacific waters. 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. To see the whales blowing, sounding, mating, and calving in their. Town of gualala located 20 minutes south of point arena. But despite their immense size, they have docile natures. Every year in november, more than 10 thousand gray whales trade the freezing waters of alaskas bering sea for the warmth of mexicos baja california peninsula. Imagine the five to six days that you will be able to experience and learn about the outstanding baja peninsula. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. To locate the sign of the whale bar just select the map tab above. As the worlds largest fish they can reach lengths of up to 12 metres.
Traveling along the pacific coastline at top speeds of five mph and with pregnant females in the lead, the whales take about four months to make the 10 thousand miles roundtrip. Gray whales are 52 feet long and weigh 36 tons, yet are gentle enough to touch and baja californias pacific coast is the perfect place to experience the thrill. Whale season is getting underway in the mexican pacific, and baja california sur bcs is the place to be. Whale season starts in january and lasts until april. Hi, my husband and i want to visit mexico next year, its my dream to see grey whales up close but with a view to whale and dolphin spotting in general and if at all possible whale shark encounters. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time. Video illustrates typical 5day whale watching tour with baja discovery at san ignacio lagoon. A young gray whale is not something you see every day, and probably one of the last things you expect to see when you go to the beach. For more information on whales and whale watching in baja, please contact. Each year, about 20,000 grey whales make an epic 6,000mile9,656km journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. Villas mar y arena magdalena bay whale watching tours, hotel. Whale watching tours, scamoons lagoon guerrero negro baja.
Up to nine species of whales visit baja on a regular basis. Sign of the whale bar, point arena, ca california beaches. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico. Bottlenose, rissos or pacific whitesided dolphins were good guesses, but thats the dorsal fin of an orca or killer whale likely a female or young animal.
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