Our 3 and 4day magdalena bay whale watching tours include camping at our exclusive safaristyle basecamp set on a secluded beach. National geographic expedition baja california whales. Whales, the largest known mammal, can grow up to 50 feet in. We had a fantastic time full of blows, flukes and even one breach. This is why it is critical to do a bit of research on the whale watching tour companies available. 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. Baja california whale watching day trips to book or not to. When i arrived at the group hotel for my 7day kayak camping and whale watching trip in baja, the last thing on my mind was that i might actually relax and enjoy the week ahead. Many species of these gentle giants make the long journey down to the baja peninsula to find new mates and give birth away from cold arctic waters up north. Baja whale watching expeditions gentle giants expedition. North stradbroke island if the idea of spending your entire whale watching tour of brisbane on a cruise makes you discomfit you should opt for the ones that offer landbased whale watching experiences.
National geographic expedition baja california whales sea of cortez and whales magdalena bay. According to oral tradition, for as long as local residents could remember, whales of all sizes would show up and spend the winter in the protected waters of the three. Whale watching in baja california sur san diego uptown news. Prime season for gray whale watching is late january through early april. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time. The official whale watching season for baja california sur has begun.
Your hotel is situated in the heart of the city, beside one of baja californias most picturesque squares. Download scientific diagram study area around the baja california. The name whale shark comes from its size, being as large as some species of whales. 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. Join our 12day tour to whalewatch for up to a dozen different species. The season started on december 15, 2018 and ends on may 30, 2019. 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.
Thats why the zoologist mark carwardine heads there at this time every year. If you are flying you should fly into the town of loreto, from there vans travel to the calving grounds. Experience one of the most incredible closeup wildlife encounters on the planet with the friendly gray whales of magdalena bay and in san ignacio lagoon whale watching tours nonkayaking tours available. For most travelers, the only opportunity to observe the mothers and calves is to take a bus across the baja peninsula for a day trip. Take a stroll up and down the piers during whale season and youll come across plenty of groups advertising whale tours. 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. The gray whale lagoons of baja california offer the best possibility for this opportunity of anywhere in the world. Every winter they swim along baja california, and its possible to see them from january to april near the.
We were staying right on the shore in an ecocamp but would be going out into the designated whalewatching area of the lagoon twice daily in small boats. Magdalena bay whale watching baja adventure travel baja tours. Feb 21, 2016 gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. 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 mexican peninsula as winter quarters. Usually, well over whales are here during each season and, on some exceptional seasons, baja whale watching experts counted over.
I had just moved out of my apartment right there in loreto, baja california sur, where the trip was starting. On our first evening mark filled us in on what to expect. Whaletrips mexico the best tips for whale watching in. Each season from december 15 to april 15, enjoy the sightings of the magnificent gray whale migration on a journey from the cold northern seas of alaska to the warm lagoons located at the center of the peninsula of baja california. In fact the california gray whale is an amazing mammal that has had a miraculous recovery. 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. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. Traveling more than 10,000 miles, gray whales swim day and night for about four months. These whale watching redcliffe tours donate a portion of every ticket price to ongoing whale research as well. Heres how to see humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales and whale sharks in the region. Their presence gives baja californians a sense of pride because the gray whale is internationally known as a mexican whale.
Baja whale watching gray whales in baja california. Two unique baja whale watching trips on the pacific ocean and sea of cortez and one baja whale shark ecotour on the sea of cortez that world travelers rave about. There are 8 adults in the group, and well be travelling in an rv from san diego with the main purpose of whale watching at scammons lagoon, san ignacio, and the sea of cortez hopefully on a trip leaving from loreto. Perhaps the most extraordinary wildlife encounter on the planet is a visit to san ignacio lagoon to meet up close 40 ton grey whales and their newborn calves. Baby word scramble printable download blue gray bowtie. January through march are the best months to catch a glimpse of this epic journey when the whales arrive in the sea of cortez, also known as the gulf of california while whale watching is possible and quite plentiful from shore. Located 600 miles from san diego approximately14 hours by car, this region of baja california sur is one of the few places in the world that provides close interaction with gray whales in their nursing grounds. Discover the best whale watching spots in mexico and be captivated by the majestic gray, blue, and humpback whales. Gray whale watching at san ignacio lagoon, baja california, mexico 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. Please scroll down for available trips and to book your trip. Baja california is a whale watchers dream, almost always sunny and clear with plenty of coastline and varied topography. Hi there, i am travelling with my family to baja california from 29th march 15th april 2015.
Whale shark facts the whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, reaching lengths of arround 18 to 40 feet 5. Up to nine species of whales visit baja on a regular basis. More than 20 species of whales are encountered around baja most yearround, making this area an important center for whale observation. Most mating activity of the gray whale occurs on the way to, or near, the lagoons of baja california.
Whales and dolphins you may see on our 12day searcher natural history tour. Over two decades of adventure in baja california, mexico. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay. 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. Gray whale watching at san ignacio lagoon, baja california.
North pacific right whale eubalaena glacialis aquatic mammal. We also visit the beautiful sea of cortez for whale watching on this weeklong. Study area around the baja california peninsula where blue whales. Besides the annual visitation of gray whales, baja is also called on by blue whales, sperm whales, humpback whales, fin whales, orcas, and minke whale. Mexicos baja california sur is a whale watching paradise. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico. A few minutes of reading can lead to a whale encounter that is educational, personal, safe, and above all, noninvasive and respectful for the whales. Baja discovery san ignacio 2020 all you need to know. Diving, exploring and filming throughout the baja peninsula eventually led johnny friday to san ignacio lagoon in 1989. Every winter the mexican peninsula of baja california plays host to an aweinspiring migration of thousands of whales. Gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. The waters surrounding the peninsula are rich in life and support amazing marine biodiversity. Usually, mating occurs in groups of three whales, a female and two males. Baja discovery is a leading ecotourism company providing natural history trips and tours in baja california mexico, including gray whale watching at san ignacio lagoon, sea kayaking, pack trips to visit cave paintings, and custom tours and treks for birding and botany.
Frequently asked questions baja whale watching whale. Naturalist guide shari bondy and her crew invite you to experience the magic with them in the gray whale calving lagoon near guerrero negro, baja california sur, mexico. The northern right whale eubalaena glacialis is the. Of the three locations in baja california where the gray whales make an appearance each year, laguna san ignacio is regarded as the best. Baja california is fast becoming the premier location to watch whales in the world. Gray whales have come for centuries to mate, calve, and relax before heading north to their arctic feeding grounds. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay gray whale watching guaranteed.
Whale watching, baja, mexico whale tours dive discovery toothed whale have you ever been whale watching. Magdalena bay will surprise you with a unique event in life, the first steps from a baby whale calves. 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. Every winter they swim along baja california, and its possible to see them from january to april near the south, in loreto bay. Grey whale watching in baja is one of the worlds most intimate wildlife encounters. There he met local fisherman and whale watching guide, maldo fischer. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and baja california. Whale watching season begins in baja california travel. Baja whales the wonderful whales of baja california.
The impressive blue whale is the biggest whale in the world, reaching 30 meters in length and weighing 120 tons. When i was there last year mother grey whales would push their calf to you and the boat, some times for up to 15 min. A migrating california gray whale lifts its tail out of the water as it lazily swims in san ignacio lagoon. Located on bajas pacific coast, magdalena bay and san ignacio lagoon are the worldrenowned winter nursery grounds of the california gray whale. Modern humanwhale encounters in the lagoons of baja california began in the mid1800s when american whaler charles melville scammon discovered the three bays almost by accident. Each year california gray whales pause during their migrations to birth and nurse their calves in the bahia magdalena lagoons. 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. Wildlife baja offers the opportunity to have some of the best wildlife encounters in baja california sur, mexico. For most people, being close to a massive friendly whale with a gentle disposition is one of the greatest thrills in the animal world. We also visit the beautiful sea of cortez for whale watching on this weeklong adventure on mexicos baja california peninsula. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet. While you are on the whale trail download the free mobile application, whale. The eye of a gray whale swimming in san ignacio lagoon.
With the highest concentration of baja gray whales right offshore, theres no better place to witness the gray whales as they play. Mexiko vamos baja california oceano meerzeit reisen. Occasional sightings of mating gray whales on their way south have been reported from southern california. Check out these cool new baja whale watching videos.
Aug 25, 2017 the eye of a gray whale swimming in san ignacio lagoon. These locations are prime for whale watching during their peak seasons. The blue whale goes out to breathe between eight and fifteen times and then submerges for periods of three to twenty minutes. Whalewatching in baja california orange county register. In this baja, the gray whales come to you photography. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet up. Although many people think gray whales when they think baja due to the gray whales friendly natures and summer birthing schedules in shallow lagoons, many whales actually frequent the waters of baja california. The best whale watching spot in baja is at puerto lopez mateos in magdeliena bay. Especially gray whales, humpbacks, finbacks and blue whales are regularly seen here from december to march. Whale watching and preservation of the environment in. Baja california, on the wild pacific coast of mexico, is the best place in the world to see whales in all their glory.
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. Baja california whale watching, mexico ultimate travel co. Whale magic tours educational, intimate, naturalist. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja. The trip set out from san diego and travelling down the baja california peninsular and into the sea of cortez. In mexico we find it on the western coast of the baja california peninsula and the sea of cortez. Bajas whale season though whale watching in baja is a yearround activity, the winter months are the height of whale season. Each year more than 25,000 gray whales migrate over 5,000 miles from the frigid waters of alaskas bering sea to the balmy peninsula of baja california in mexico. Baja airventures has three oneofkind soft, ecoadventure baja whale watching tours youll love. Combination gray whale and blue whale trips each combination trip is unique with specific start and end points that vary with the itinerary date. In this baja lagoon, whales seek attention from humans, turning the rules of wildlife photography on their head.
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. There are so many whales here at this time, that you can just drop anchor and wait for them to swim up. When tourists come to see gray whales that migrate to baja lagoons at calving season, it often seems the curiosity might be mutual. Every year, the california gray whales set off on the longest migration made by any mammal. Magdalena bay whale watching gray whales, the only place in the world they give birth. Although its very late in the season for whale watching our marine biologist katia and the captain were able to find a momma and baby humpback whale pair to. Whale watching season comes to a close april 30 dont miss out. There are currently 41 species of marine mammals known to live in or visit the area. How to go whale watching in baja california sur, mexico. Experience magical, close encounters with the friendly gray whale mothers and calves of san ignacio lagoon, a unesco world heritage site. Every year it seems the number of whales adults and cute 15 babies increases. To have an excellent chance of seeing whales, visit baja between the. Grey whales mothers often seek out human interaction as they approach our boats to present their newborn calves to us while encouraging visitors to scratch their head, back and baleen as. In addition, whale watching is becoming more common in the sea of cortez.
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. Baja whale watching expeditions 2021 season dates now available. 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. Know season and schedule for baja whale watching tours and. San ignacio lagoon and sea of cortez oceanic society. Scammons is also the largest of the three whale watching lagoon. The magic begins when an intimate group of whale enthusiasts step into the panga and set out. Sergios whale watching ensenada baja california norte. 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.
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