You go whale watching almost anywhere along the california coast. We also visit the beautiful sea of cortez for whale watching on this weeklong. 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. The whaleplanner december a whale watching infographic. A stay of a month on either side will likely have you seeing whales too. To see the whales blowing, sounding, mating, and calving in their. Baja s whale season though whale watching in baja is a yearround activity, the winter months are the height of whale season. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay. 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. Live the adventure with ensenadas best whale excursions. We published the first california killer whale catalog in 1997 and now have an updated version with family histories over four generations. 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. The whalewatching season runs from january to april later in the season is best as, although there are fewer whales, there are more with calves and they are more playful. When tourists come to see gray whales that migrate to baja lagoons at calving season, it often seems.
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. 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. We provide the ultimate in glamping on the shores of magdalena bay during prime gray whale season from late january through midmarch. On our first evening mark filled us in on what to expect. We are collecting noninvasive data aboard these trips that contribute greatly to our longterm orca project and have officially formed our nonprofit called california killer whale project.
We also have grays, humpback, fin, minke and pilots, bryan jauregui tells travel agent. 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. Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a behavior exhibited by cetacean s some sharks. Check out these cool new baja whale watching videos. When tourists come to see gray whales that migrate to baja lagoons at calving season, it often seems the curiosity might be mutual. These locations are prime for whale watching during their peak seasons. 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. Take a stroll up and down the piers during whale season and youll come across plenty of groups advertising whale tours. You need to be in the baja california sur region of mexico between december and march, which is when the california gray whale can be found in mexican waters. Every year in december thru april, the eastern pacific, or california, gray whale starts a 2 3 migration route beginning in the bering and chukchi seas and ending in the warmwater lagoons of mexicos baja peninsula, their round trip journey moves them through 12,500 miles of coastline. The blue whale goes out to breathe between eight and fifteen times and then submerges for periods of three to twenty minutes. There are so many whales here at this time, that you can just drop anchor and wait for them to swim up. The graphic above shows the times of year that whales are usually seen along the california coast.
Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a. Earlier this season, birch aquarium at scripps teamed up with andiamo. In this baja, the gray whales come to you photography. We take interns along with us on these trips to help collect the data. The opportunities for whale encounters here are truly exceptional. Experience magical, close encounters with the friendly gray whale mothers and calves of san ignacio lagoon, a unesco world heritage site. Humpback whale sightings are highly likely on trips during january and february. While you are on the whale trail download the free mobile application, whale. Ensenada whale watching, whale watching tours ensenada.
San ignacio lagoon and sea of cortez oceanic society. Immerse yourself in endless wildlife experiences on searcher natural history tours signature 12day itinerary to baja california, mexico. Bajas whale season though whale watching in baja is a yearround activity, the winter months are the height of whale season. Sergios whale watching ensenada baja california norte.
The impressive blue whale is the biggest whale in the world, reaching 30 meters in length and weighing 120 tons. 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 had a fantastic time full of blows, flukes and even one breach. Mark is addicted to baja californias whales, visiting every year. For thousands of years the gray whale has been a faithful visitor of the baja california. After spending time in warm baja california waters so their young can grow. 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. Similarities in blue whale movements from year to year were also evident, particularly the consistent use of areas off the west coast of baja california and the channel islands in southern california, demonstrating that persistent oceanographic features are an important element in their seasonal distribution fiedler et al. Their presence gives baja californians a sense of pride because the gray whale is internationally known as a mexican whale. Gray whales have come for centuries to mate, calve, and relax before heading north to their arctic feeding grounds. The trip set out from san diego and travelling down the baja california peninsular and into the sea of cortez. San ignacio lagoon baja california 2020 all you need to. Discover the best whale watching spots in mexico and be captivated by the majestic gray, blue, and humpback whales.
Baja whale watching gray whales in baja california. Heres how to see humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales and whale sharks in the region. Every winter they swim along baja california, and its possible to see them from january to april near the. Visit san diego from middecember to midmarch to see more than 25,000 california gray whales migrating from chilly alaskan waters south to warm waters in baja, california. 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.
Cabos location at the tip of the baja peninsula provides a unique. Feb 10, 2015 the biggest animal on earth performs the longest mammal migration in nature. Visit baja california during whale shark season, august. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet up. How to go whale watching in baja california sur, mexico. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and baja california. Use an online guide to find out about tour companies, seasons, and where to watch from land in the mostvisited locations. Humpback whales in cabo san lucas whale watch cabo tours. News from killer whale season in previous years about. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja.
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. The biggest animal on earth performs the longest mammal migration in nature. Between december and april one of the most spectacular natural shows takes place. 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. Sergio martinez at autonomous university of baja california sur. To have an excellent chance of seeing whales, visit baja between the. 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.
Though whale watching in baja is a yearround activity, the winter months are the height of whale season. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time. Gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. Baja whale shark tours and whale shark trip packages in the sea of cortez. Every year, the california gray whales set off on the longest migration made by any mammal. Us tourists travelled from san diego on self contained 7 to 10day cruises down to the lagoons of the baja california coast. Whalewatching in baja california orange county register. The trip set out from san diego and travelling down the baja california peninsular and. 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. Gray whales are 52 feet long and weigh 36 tons, yet are gentle enough to touch and baja california s pacific coast is the perfect place to experience the thrill. The area has many motels and restaurants, but gets rather busy during whale watching season, january through march.
A female gray whale greets visitors to its baja california breeding lagoon. To help you prepare for your whale watching excursion, we have published a number of tips. To have an excellent chance of seeing whales, visit baja between the end of december and early march. Whales, the largest known mammal, can grow up to 50 feet in.
Midriff islands, sea of cortez, baja, mexico one of the worlds best places to see whale sharks only 300 miles south of san diego call 8002219283 today for an amazing bucket list experience. Baja california sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. Whale watching tours, scamoons lagoon guerrero negro baja. From december to april they use the tropical waters off the baja california as their winter quarters. Most mating activity of the gray whale occurs on the way to, or near, the lagoons of baja california. 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 in baja california in january, we took a whale watching excursion around the southern end of the santa monica bay. Join them on one of baja airventures sixday trips, including private flights from san diego. Every winter they swim along baja california, and its possible to see them from january to april near the south, in loreto bay. Ninety miles south of guerrero negro, is another lagoon that is a bit more remote than the others. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay gray whale watching guaranteed. 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. We have the blue whale, the largest mammal on earth.
Usually, mating occurs in groups of three whales, a female and two males. Experience the gray whale up close while settling into the luxury accommodations of our beautiful bayside beach camp nestled in the dunes. A migrating california gray whale lifts its tail out of the water as it lazily swims in san ignacio lagoon. We also visit the beautiful sea of cortez for whale watching on this weeklong adventure on mexicos baja california peninsula. Killer whale season whale watch trips in april and may 2020. Grey whale watching in baja is one of the worlds most intimate wildlife encounters. Located off of baja california s west coast, it is the wintering grounds of the magnificent gray whale. Foodies and firsttime visitors wont want to miss this comprehensive food walking tour of downtown cabo san lucas led by a local guide. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet. Its time for your wonderful whale watching experience at magdalena bay.
In mexico we find it on the western coast of the baja california peninsula and the sea of cortez. The name whale shark comes from its size, being as large as some species of whales. Whale watching season begins in baja california travel. Gray whale watching at san ignacio lagoon, baja california. Usually, well over whales are here during each season and, on some exceptional seasons, baja whale watching experts counted over. Baja airventures has three oneofkind soft, ecoadventure baja whale watching tours youll love. Sergios whale watching ensenada baja california norte, mexico. The best time for whale watching in california usa today. Whale shark facts the whale shark is the largest fish on the planet, reaching lengths of arround 18 to 40 feet 5. Occasional sightings of mating gray whales on their way south have been reported from southern california. San ignacio lagoon baja california 2020 all you need. Mexicos baja california sur is a whale watching paradise. This great whales of baja expedition is the ultimate land and sea whale watching experience.
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. Aug 25, 2017 a gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico. Blue whale marine mammal institute oregon state university. A gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico. 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. 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. Feb 21, 2016 gopro footage shot on an 11 day whale watching trip with mark carwardine. 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. Go winter viewing at cabrillo national monument on point loma peninsula, where the 40 to 50foot mammals pass the lighthouse and underwater observatory.
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