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. Sign of the whale bar in point arena, ca is in the california beaches restaurants, bars, and cafes category. Todos santos whale watching baja california, mexico. February is peak month for both grey whales and visitors, and whale watching trips take place in magdalena bay and san ignacio lagoon. Bahia magdalena is one of the most highly populated whale calving areas, as these magnificent beasts migrate south to north every year.
This article originally appeared in the autumn of 2006. Whales, the largest known mammal, can grow up to 50 feet in. Whale watching at laguna san ignacio, with baja discovery. We went to bahia magdalena to watch gray whales, and it was beautiful. Villas mar y arena magdalena bay whale watching tours. Seven of us, plus our guide, were in a small panga motorboat, bobbing around on a sunny afternoon. Grey whale watching baja california message board tripadvisor. In isla it is juneseptember so we try to be there in september. 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.
Sign of the whale bar, point arena, ca california beaches. To see the whales blowing, sounding, mating, and calving in their. Whale watch cabo cabo whale watching cabo san lucas. If you want to do a local tour try one like tropicat or pez gato. 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. 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. Whale watching season begins in baja california travel agent. Whale season starts in january and lasts until april. Small mexico cruise ships may provide access to whalewatching in these sites as well. Blue whales, balaenoptera and photoidentification researchgate, the professional. 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. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet. 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.
Scammons is also the largest of the three whale watching lagoon. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico. Download scientific diagram study area around the baja california peninsula. These whales travel from feeding grounds in the bering sea to mating and breeding lagoons along baja california in mexico. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. For reservations, directions, or questions you can call them at 707 8822259. Best time to visit baja california responsible travel. Not much there, except in whale season where it is meca for that activity.
We have the blue whale, the largest mammal on earth. Whale watching cabo san lucas whale watch cabo tours. Watch this whale swim with beachgoers in california. On february 2016 we travelled around baja california with our dodge van. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet up. 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. Whale shark season in the sea of cortez is early winter until late spring so you wont see them in july. Up to nine species of whales visit baja on a regular basis. 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.
Whalewatching in baja california orange county register. 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. Whale season is getting underway in the mexican pacific, and baja california sur bcs is the place to be. Called friendlies by whale watching tourists, many whales now seek human contact in the baja lagoons. Feb 21, 2016 gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. And with the doubling of whales seen migrating south as reported. Whale shark facts the whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, reaching lengths of arround 18 to 40 feet 5. 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.
The opportunities for whale encounters here are truly exceptional. 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. This is a diverse and brilliant wilderness area full of contrasts. 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. Top places for whale watching in california visit california. Based on decades of respectful wildlife ecotourism.
Imagine the five to six days that you will be able to experience and learn about the outstanding baja peninsula. North pacific right whale eubalaena glacialis aquatic mammal. The large concentration of gray whales that reside here each winter are extremely friendly, and regularly approach our small whale watching. 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. 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. Whalesharks frequent the back bay of rincon, but can be found in other areas as well. But i dont know where to start, which town city is the best place to stay for ease and location of whale encounters. Enjoy the wonderful magdalena bay whale watching season camp. 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. 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. The average weight is arround 15 tons the name whale shark comes from its size, being as large as some species of whales.
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. From december to april they use the tropical waters off the baja california as their winter quarters. We had a fantastic time full of blows, flukes and even one breach. 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. However, this young gray whale decided to approach the shore and hang out with beachgoers at this. 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. Three major lagoons in baja california are the primary destination of the southbound gray whales. 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. Take the private tour and enjoy this adventure to the fullest or share the boat and save a big buck.
Stay in a cabana by the beach and live a unique encounter with gray whales in one of our private tours. This is about our most comprehensive and extensive whale watching experience possible in the baja california sur region. The northern right whale eubalaena glacialis is the. Both are great catamarans that do whale watching twice a day in feb. Video illustrates typical 5day whale watching tour with baja discovery at san ignacio lagoon. 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. Since 1991, we have arranged trips to exotic locations utilizing the best dive and land adventure specialists. These are scammons lagoon, san ignacio lagoon, and magdalena bay. Dive discovery presents snorkeling and photography expedition with blue whales, coast of california by big animals expeditions with amos nachoum. The name whale shark comes from its size, being as large as some species of whales. Take the private tour and enjoy this adventure to the fullest or share the boat and. 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.
Whale watching in baja california in january, we took a whale watching excursion around the southern end of the santa monica bay. Ever since then the popularity and thrill of being close to whales has been one of the highlights of many peoples lives. This behavior was first reported in 1976 from san ignacio lagoon and has grown each year. There are some good snorkel tours where youll likely have young sea lions swim around you.
Wed watched jealously as a mother and baby grey whale approached a boat 100m away. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. Often called the the gentle giants of the sea, whale sharks have been swimming the sea of cortes for thousands of years. Gualala is a larger community featuring shops, dining, art galleries and ocean access. Study area around the baja california peninsula where blue whales.
But in reality there are not related to whales, they belong to the shark. 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. The trip set out from san diego and travelling down the baja california peninsular and into the sea of cortez. Baja whale watching tours may get you close enough to touch. Whale watching season begins in baja california travel. Whale watching cabo san lucas is not the same as you may encounter elsewhere.
This beautiful little town is filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries, beaches, and more. Best time for viewing is during very early morning hours, when the water surface is glassy. There are so many whales here at this time, that you can just drop anchor and wait for them to swim up. Below is a list of the nearest beaches to sign of the whale bar. Villas mar y arena magdalena bay whale watching tours, hotel. Again this spring at monterey bay whale watch, were featuring allday trips with marine biologist and captain nancy black and her dogs as cocaptains. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja. This fusion of warm ocean currents, rich in biodiversity, supports an amazing variety of whale. Gray whales have come for centuries to mate, calve, and relax before heading north to their arctic feeding grounds.
For more information on whales and whale watching in baja, please contact. Can you still book a tour to swim with the whale sharks or is that not in season in july. The humpback gets its name from its distinctive body shape. The type of whales that arrive every year in baja california sur are the. Ushl has announced that they are canceling the remaining 20192020 hockey season. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. On searcher trips, we can see the classic transient form which are known to migrate from southern california. 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. 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. Hi, i have been swimming with the whale sharks around isla mujeres, where we regularly vacation. Town of gualala located 20 minutes south of point arena. San ignacio lagoon and sea of cortez oceanic society. Day boats are for hire in san ignacio lagoon, at two villages by magdalena bay, and at other lagoons in baja california.
Like the gray whale, the humpback is a baleen filter feeder whale that grows to about 12 to 16 meters 39 to 52 feet. San ignacio lagoon baja california 2020 all you need. Whale watching tours, scamoons lagoon guerrero negro baja. But despite their immense size, they have docile natures. This historic town is a popular stop on the north coast with its many things to do and see. In fact, during this season, the gulf and surroundings are used as an. Not only does hotel villas mar y arena offer exclusive whalewatching tours, but it also invites you to stay in a rustic beach cabaa. Large cetaceans, such as gray whales and humpback whales, migrate thousands of miles every year from the frigid northern pacific waters. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time. One such unexplored destination that i always wanted to travel to was baja.
Omaha lancers hockey season canceled ralston arena. 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. It has a bulky head with bumpy knots tubercles and long pectoral fins. 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. 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. Each year, about 20,000 grey whales make an epic 6,000mile9,656km journey between alaska and mexicoand then back again. Loreto is next going north, a small town high on mexicos development list, but still a small town feeling. Foodies and firsttime visitors wont want to miss this comprehensive food walking tour of downtown cabo san lucas led by a local guide.
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