Embark on a journey through the breathtaking wonders of Sailing Sea of Cortez! 

Known as the “Aquarium of the World” by the legendary Jacques Cousteau, this coastal gem on the west side of Mexico promises an aquatic escapade like no other.

Blessed with balmy waters ranging from 71°F to 75°F during winter, the Sea of Cortez boasts an abundance of marine biodiversity, showcasing some of the planet’s most remarkable aquatic species.

For a truly immersive experience in this marine wonderland, embark on a journey aboard our liveaboard vessel.
It’s the perfect way to explore the myriad islands and bays, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and azure waters.

During your expedition, prepare to encounter an array of marine life, from the graceful whale sharks to the majestic orcas, and from the playful sea lions to the intriguing hammerhead sharks.

Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an experience that will stay with you forever.

In winter and spring, the Sea of Cortez becomes a sanctuary for the awe-inspiring whale shark, the largest fish in the world. These gentle giants migrate to these warm waters, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness their majestic presence up close.

It’s been three days since we started this trip, and we’ve had an amazing experience with the whale shark, even though it was only a juvenile, it was at least 7m long.

But the wonders of the Sea of Cortez extend beyond its famed inhabitants. Venture to Los Islotes, where friendly sea lion pups frolic in the waters, providing guests with unforgettable moments of interaction.

We went to Los Islotes, where we swam with the sea lions. There were pups, and they were so friendly with the guests. Some of them even played around with the people. Today, we had a really good day.

Explore the sailing Sea of Cortez waters and witness the spectacle of hunting orcas as they traverse the Gulf of California, offering a thrilling sight for lucky onlookers.

For those yearning for a closer connection with marine life, the beaches encircling the Sea of Cortez offer inviting opportunities for snorkeling and diving alongside lively sea lions.
Carmen Island stands out for its frequent sightings of hammerhead sharks, injecting an added thrill into your underwater escapades.

The Sailing Sea of Cortez teems with marine life year-round, including sightings of the majestic blue whale.

Early in the morning, we spotted several blue whales; they were everywhere. Later in the evening, we went bird watching around Danzante Island. After that, we headed to the beach, where we went hiking and did other beach activities. Everyone is having a great time.

-Dive Guide Rouslam

Join the adventure! Experience the thrill of spotting orcas, swimming with whale sharks, and exploring the wonders of the Sea of Cortez. 

We’re eagerly awaiting to hear about your own Sailing Sea of Cortez Experience!

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Visit San Ignacio Lagoon and discover why it is the best place for whale watching in Baja.

When you decide to have a whale-watching experience like no other, you’ll want to ensure it truly stands out. We can assure you that it’s possible when you choose whale watching in Baja, in one of the most exotic and awe-inspiring locations known for its rich biodiversity and a community dedicated to its preservation: San Ignacio Lagoon.

Best Spot for Whale Watching in Baja

When you think you’ve experienced it all, life reveals there’s so much more to see, touch, and feel. To make the decision to visit the gray whale in San Ignacio Lagoon is to choose to live life with an open heart, to allow life to touch its most sensitive parts with just the gaze of another being, and to understand that we are interconnected.

Sailing through San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California Sur to reach the gray whale feels like this, and what’s waiting there for you is much greater than you expected: The most genuine and pure encounter with the gray whale is the gateway to the flow of life, to coexist, and most importantly, to exist together.

Every year, the Pacific gray whales travel to the waters of San Ignacio Lagoon, arriving between December and mid-April. This is when the water temperature is at its best for them to give birth to their calves and introduce them to life, where they will be nourished and strengthened for a journey of further learning and growth in communion with other marine animals and also with humans.

San Ignacio Lagoon is located within an area known as El Vizcaíno, which is part of the Biosphere Reserve, preserving numerous species including sea lions, sea turtles, and, among many others, the gray whale.

The whales that come here are friendly and enjoy interacting with the people who live here. They also enjoy interacting with those who visit every year for whale watching. And according to our guests, our guides, and the people who inhabit San Ignacio Lagoon, they all share the same reason: these whales want to connect with our species, communicate with us, show us their world, and their immense kindness so that we carry it with us forever in our memories.

“Today was our first day at the lagoon and it was amazing!!
I heard this is a spectacular experience and I thought I was ready but wow! making eye contact with a whale for the first time, changes everything. I am very excited for tomorrow!! The staff really love this place and the whales are very appreciated!! Thank you for an amazing day!!

Anahí

“San Ignacio Lagoon is full of life, beauty, and adorable mothers and babies. Today, a lovely and incredibly friendly mother whale gave us the chance to interact with her. She even let us give her a kiss!! The babies are extremely playful and grow more independent. It’s evident they’re ready to leave the Lagoon and migrate northward. My group is brimming with energy and positivity. They are always grateful for every behavior the whales display. We’ve received countless gifts and lessons from these gentle giants.

Pame Tajonar – Environmental Journalist & Activist

Much is said about whale watching, and it’s true that it’s an activity that brings immense joy because it’s a moment when they are there for us, for our appreciation, for us to observe them. However, visiting the gray whale in San Ignacio Lagoon means much more than that; it’s about connecting, but above all, it’s about valuing the existence of these generous giants. It’s a moment of communion with them where it’s possible to understand that true greatness lies in comprehending that we are part of the same.

One of A Kind Experience

Embarking on the adventure of experiencing our San Ignacio Lagoon Tour is one of those moments that will forever mark a before and after in the way you approach life.

Our camp, nestled in a desert bordering the ocean, provides an unparalleled experience that no other whale-watching trip can offer. Our tents are designed to offer you maximum comfort and space while allowing you to appreciate the wild side of life in the desert.

The surroundings of Laguna de San Ignacio are exceptional and perfect for outdoor eco-tourism activities such as kayaking on its beaches or hiking through its hills. It is also possible to enjoy activities that provide a glimpse into the regional culture, such as visiting the local museum or exploring the cave paintings.

San Ignacio Lagoon is also known as a region where its community is highly dedicated to preserving nature and the species that inhabit it. In this area, it’s possible to spot up to 200 different bird species so, in addition to being a well-known destination for whale watching, it is visited by bird enthusiasts from all over the world.

“More than a whale watching camp it was for me a spiritual retreat. This powerful and magic place gave me the opportunity to reset my mind and disconnect from the modern chaotic life, reconnect with nature and myself. I’ll miss the sound of the whales at night, the pinky sunsets, the starry nights and the howls of the naughty coyotes…“

Scarlett Mayorga

“This is nowhere near long enough to write about my experience in San Ignacio and it’s only day one!! Everything is perfect, from the tents to the whales. Today, I kissed a whale for the first time in my life!! That feeling is hard to put into words, but I will remember it for the rest of my life!! No other kiss will ever compare!! Pame is amazing. Hands down. Her Passion is contagious and it’s inspiring to see. I hope the video I make of the blog will do this trip justice. The whole staff was also incredibly helpful. Everyone is amazing here don’t be surprised if i hide on the island the last day and don’t leave!! Thank you all so so so much. This Experience has changed my life.“

Sarah Barret

In conclusion, Whale Watching in Baja is ideal for disconnecting to reconnect. That’s how it feels to embark on this journey. Surrounded by nature, with breathtaking landscapes, sunrises that will steal your breath away every morning, and nights that are simply indescribable with countless stars lighting up the sky. Accompanied by the songs of whales, the dawn chorus of birds, and the silence of the desert, this experience will offer your life a new perspective where peace, connection with nature, and each new day will hold a purpose.

The post Whale watching in Baja: The prime spot. appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

Unveiling the Secrets of Gray Whale Migration

Imagine being a 45-ton gray whale living along the coast of British Columbia, where life is pretty good. There’s an abundance of food, including tons of yummy amphipods and shrimp. In fact, with your hearty appetite, you might devour up to 2500 pounds of these little critters every day. Your dining routine involves diving down to the muddy bottom, rolling over on your side, and bulldozing along the seabed, scooping up both mud and delectable treats. Your baleen-equipped tongue efficiently separates what you want from what you don’t. So, why do gray whales migrate to Baja, Mexico?

What Draws Gray Whales South?

In these waters, your only enemy is the orca, also known as the killer whale. However, you’ve discovered the joy of hanging out in the shallows, sometimes even in water as shallow as 15 centimeters, between the kelp forests and the shoreline. Orcas rarely venture into such shallow waters, making it a safe haven for you. While orcas are known for their playful breaching and jumps, they’re also cautious about getting stuck in these shallows. Any adult gray whale knows that one mighty swipe of their tail flukes can mortally wound an orca, earning them the nickname ‘devil fish.’

The Evolutionary Benefits of Baja’s Winter Waters

But now, imagine you’re a pregnant momma whale facing an intriguing dilemma. Why would you leave this idyllic place, where everything you need for survival is at your fins, to embark on a migration of 2000 to 3000 miles down the coast? This journey involves fasting, all while you carry your precious calf within. The caloric requirements for such a migration are immense, as you must swim thousands of miles and have enough fat reserves to nurse your calf. A calf typically grows 50 to 80 pounds a day during the 4 to 5 months spent in the lagoon in Baja Mexico. In fact, momma gray whales also nurse their calves all the way back up the coast, for a total nursing period of 7 months or longer, with milk astonishingly containing 53% fat (compared to 2% for humans).

So, why the arduous journey to Baja? One theory suggests that the higher salt content of the lagoon’s water may help the calves float more easily when they are newborns. However, other Baja birthing lagoons also have extensive salt flats. Moreover, mommas also give birth to calves in the open ocean on the final stretch of their southward migration, with reports stating that more than 50% of all births occur north of Los Angeles.

Perhaps the salt flats hint at something else – warm water. The lagoons are relatively shallow, which helps maintain even warmer water temperatures. Is there an energy benefit to the whales in these warmer waters compared to the frigid North Pacific? In winter, waters in the North Pacific can drop to 34-35°F in the Aleutians, while British Columbia remains relatively balmy at 46°F. By contrast, San Ignacio Lagoon might dip from 86°F in the summer to 74°F in the winter. The math is fascinating: a big female, after a summer of feeding, might weigh 90,000 pounds. The southward migration, calf care, and northward migration could cost her 30,000 pounds of blubber – about one-third of her body weight. Moreover, calves nurse on milk that is a remarkable 53% fat.

So, assuming warm water provides benefits, could there be more to this story? Orcas! While the thought of transient orcas lying in wait for gray whales during their Monterey Bay crossing is troubling, they are almost never seen in San Ignacio Lagoon. In February 2022, orcas entered the lagoon, causing concern. They took at least one dolphin (remains were found), but that was the first time they had been seen in the lagoon in 17 years. The orcas face a high-risk, high-reward situation. The entrance to the lagoon is tricky, with constantly shifting shallow sandbars. Gray whales are comfortable in the shallows, even when it’s wavy or there’s a swell. Orcas do not have the same comfort zone and could ground themselves, potentially leading to their demise. If they do enter the lagoon, they are in unfamiliar territory – it’s fairly shallow and home to a large seasonal population of big, powerful adult gray whales, known as ‘devil fish.’

We welcome all comments, additional ideas, and suggestions. Our working hypothesis for now is that gray whales migrate to the lagoons of Baja Mexico because the water is warm, has higher salt content, is shallow, and offers protection from orcas.

Of course, only our beautiful gray whales know the actual answer to this. We can speculate all we want, but the only thing we know for sure is that whales are highly adaptive and will likely survive long past humans. They have evolved from four-legged terrestrial animals into the elegant and incredible marine mammals we see today. As they continue evolving in front of our very eyes, adapting to avoid starvation and finding new ways to thrive, we remain humbled and in awe of these magnificent animals.

P.S. Yes, I know that it’s Baja California and not Baja Mexico! In 1804, the Spanish crown divided California into Alto (or upper), which is now California, USA, Baja California (sometimes now called Norte), and Baja California Sur (or south). San Ignacio Lagoon is just south of the dividing line and is located in BCS, but people often get confused by ‘California’ and think we’re somewhere near San Diego!

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