Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico
| country: | Mexico |
| location: | Baja |
| departures: | 2011: 23 Jan, 7 Feb, 24 Mar |
| price: | From £2600 (12 days) excluding flights, based on full board, twin/triple cabin accommodation. Price includes leadership expertise and all activities on cruise. We can arrange flights from the UK |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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introduction to Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico
Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico
This exclusive marine safari is an exhilarating combination of some of the world's best whale watching and whale interaction together with a fascinating insight into Mexican wilderness and wildlife. On this Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico, we have teamed up with one of the very few cruise boats which holds special permits from the Mexican government to enter the ecological reserves and national parks of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez.
In San Ignacio lagoon the Grey whale mothers who gather in their hundreds with their calves, become so inquisitive of the small panga boats, that they have even been known to nudge boats and their occupants! This expedition has been known to change people from mere pacifists to real advocates for whale conservation.
You can expect to see a high number of whales including the mightiest creature on earth, the Blue whale. Also commonly encountered are Humpbacks, Fin, Bryde’s, Sperm, Pilot and even Killer whales, not to mention Bottlenose, Long-beaked and Short-beaked common dolphin. In the pristine untouched bays and lagoons, you can snorkel in search of manta rays and turtles while Sea Lions, Elephants Seals and Fur Seals lounge around the beaches. Wheeling above in the clear skies are over 130 species of sea and land birds, from Brown pelicans to the endemic Xantus’ Hummingbird.
Based from a personally run 95 ft long sports-fishing style boat, you will be guided by an expert crew and your Captain, Art Taylor, who is passionate and hugely knowledgeable about the cetaceans that inhabit the seas in the area. You must arrive in San Diego at least one day in advance to ensure you have time to join the boat – it must depart on time to ensure the itinerary is maintained.
Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, Captain's discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.
Your boat - The Searcher: This 95-foot long boat has been operating in these waters for 30 years, and is one of the very few to have permits to enter some of the marine parks and lagoons in the peninsula. Built in 1970, it is a US Coast Guard SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) inspected and certified vessel. It carries two 475-horsepower Caterpillar diesel engines, two 60-kilowatt generators, and state-of-the-art electronics including GPS navigation and a satellite telephone. She carries 1,500 gallons of fresh water and the ability to make fresh water during travel and 3 aluminium skiffs aboard for shore excursions and wildlife viewing.
Your expert - Art Taylor: Art has owned Searcher since 1985 and has been guiding vessels in Baja's waters for over 20 years. He is intensely dedicated to the people and wildlife conservation of Baja California and receives immense enjoyment sharing that with his passengers. Your crew is specially selected for their knowledge of the Baja California waters and its inhabitants. They are licensed captains, experienced skiff operators, and trained in safety manoeuvres. Art employs a professional cooking team to prepare and serve meals that are often described as gourmet.
Highlights on this Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico include:
This exclusive marine safari is an exhilarating combination of some of the world's best whale watching and whale interaction together with a fascinating insight into Mexican wilderness and wildlife. On this Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico, we have teamed up with one of the very few cruise boats which holds special permits from the Mexican government to enter the ecological reserves and national parks of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez.
In San Ignacio lagoon the Grey whale mothers who gather in their hundreds with their calves, become so inquisitive of the small panga boats, that they have even been known to nudge boats and their occupants! This expedition has been known to change people from mere pacifists to real advocates for whale conservation.
You can expect to see a high number of whales including the mightiest creature on earth, the Blue whale. Also commonly encountered are Humpbacks, Fin, Bryde’s, Sperm, Pilot and even Killer whales, not to mention Bottlenose, Long-beaked and Short-beaked common dolphin. In the pristine untouched bays and lagoons, you can snorkel in search of manta rays and turtles while Sea Lions, Elephants Seals and Fur Seals lounge around the beaches. Wheeling above in the clear skies are over 130 species of sea and land birds, from Brown pelicans to the endemic Xantus’ Hummingbird.
Based from a personally run 95 ft long sports-fishing style boat, you will be guided by an expert crew and your Captain, Art Taylor, who is passionate and hugely knowledgeable about the cetaceans that inhabit the seas in the area. You must arrive in San Diego at least one day in advance to ensure you have time to join the boat – it must depart on time to ensure the itinerary is maintained.
Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, Captain's discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.
Your boat - The Searcher: This 95-foot long boat has been operating in these waters for 30 years, and is one of the very few to have permits to enter some of the marine parks and lagoons in the peninsula. Built in 1970, it is a US Coast Guard SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) inspected and certified vessel. It carries two 475-horsepower Caterpillar diesel engines, two 60-kilowatt generators, and state-of-the-art electronics including GPS navigation and a satellite telephone. She carries 1,500 gallons of fresh water and the ability to make fresh water during travel and 3 aluminium skiffs aboard for shore excursions and wildlife viewing.
Your expert - Art Taylor: Art has owned Searcher since 1985 and has been guiding vessels in Baja's waters for over 20 years. He is intensely dedicated to the people and wildlife conservation of Baja California and receives immense enjoyment sharing that with his passengers. Your crew is specially selected for their knowledge of the Baja California waters and its inhabitants. They are licensed captains, experienced skiff operators, and trained in safety manoeuvres. Art employs a professional cooking team to prepare and serve meals that are often described as gourmet.
Highlights on this Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico include:
- Probably the most intimate experience you can have with wild cetaceans from a boat anywhere in the world
- Unique opportunity to see up to 10 different species of whale, including the rarely sighted and now endangered blue whale
- Travel aboard one of the few small boats with special permits to enter the marine reserves, accompanied by outstanding naturalist guides
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | San Diego. Day of leisure in San Diego (optional tours can be arranged). You can access the boat any time today after 3pm, and perhaps meet with your fellow passengers. Board your boat at Fisherman's Landing by 8pm for passenger orientation. The boat will depart at approx. 10 pm. |
| Day 2: | Islas Todos Santos. Early morning stop at Ensenada harbour for Mexican Customs and Immigration clearance. Cruise along Todos Santos Islands to view nesting sea birds, rocky reef and cliff life, and harbour seal adults and pups. Afternoon whale watching for migrating Grey whales, dolphins, and sea birds. Full board for entire cruise itinerary. |
| Day 3: | Islas San Benito. Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals crowded in each cove. It's breeding season and jousting males, nursing pups and resting females make for wonderful photography. Observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, as well as the unique desert plants. |
| Day 4-5: | Laguna San Ignacio. Here you anchor among the Grey whales! In smaller boats, Mexican ‘pangas’, see eye-to-eye with Grey Whales, observe females care for their young, and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spy hopping whales while you make this famous lagoon your home for two days. Explore the pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants and tidal animals and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels. |
| Day 6: | Off Shore Bahía Magdalena. Spend more time observing blue and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for photography. |
| Day 7: | Cabo San Lucas & Los Frailes. This area is famous for groups of humpback whales that spend time at Gorda Banks. Humpback whales are the most acrobatic of whales - breaching, spy hopping, and lunging – and thus spectacular to observe and photograph. Stop at the Los Frailes area for a snorkelling session to observe the colourful reef fish and invertebrates and walk along a beautiful beach. |
| Day 8: | Isla San José. Your boat will arrive at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado in time to photograph the sunrise. You'll take a skiff ride into a cave and along the cliffs for close views of nesting Brown and Blue-Footed Boobies, Pelicans, Yellow-Footed Gulls, Osprey and White-Throated Swifts. Then you'll take a desert plant and bird walk framed by the scenic red cliffs. After our hike, you can enjoy snorkelling to view tropical fish in the reefs and sandy coves underwater. For the afternoon, you'll have plenty of time to whale watch for Blue, Fin and Sperm Whales, as well as the large pods of Bottlenose Dolphin that frequent this area. |
| Day 9: | Isla Santa Catalina. An early morning walk is a great way to enjoy this island, famous for its 12-foot “wavy” barrel cactus and other desert plants that grow along the canyon. Birdlife is abundant and you should see and hear cardinals, Gila woodpeckers, ravens, and verdin. Other famous residents are the rare endemic Santa Catalina rattle-less rattlesnake and the abundant emerald-tailed lizards. There will be snorkelling opportunities at this island, where the shallow reefs are home to many species of fish, sea stars, sea fans, and more marine life. Again you'll spend time aboard for the afternoon whale watching in this productive area. |
| Day 10: | Bahia Agua Verde. Stop at this beautiful bay on the peninsula to bird watch ashore then snorkel among giant sea fans. Then there's time to whale watch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. |
| Day 11: | Nopol and Islas Los Islotes. Bird watch in the early morning at one of Baja's best locations. Then travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fish and invertebrates along the reefs, nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkelling! |
| Day 12: | Cabo San Lucas. Disembark Searcher boat in Cabo San Lucas at 9 a.m. Van style taxis are available for transport to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections (not included). |
wildlife specialist
Typically trips are expertly guided by a leading specialist with a good knowledge of the area to be visited. Inevitably, wildlife is the main focus of attention however, the aim will be to incorporate all other aspects of the natural world in an attempt to be as broad-minded as possible. A local guide may often accompany trips. this tourism business won an award
in our 2005 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards - organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine.how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment:
In 2007 we celebrated 10 years of spectacular achievement as pioneers in the field of nature travel. We have raised over £750,000 in support of the world’s leading wildlife and conservation agencies, researchers and experts, and increased awareness of travel and conservation through newsletters, lectures and consistent media coverage. Furthermore we have voluntarily spearheaded collective action campaigns such as Travel Operators for Tigers in South Asia. To mitigate against the carbon dioxide released into the high atmosphere through your air travel a contribution of £10 per client is given to Rainforest Concern. Rainforests have a central role to play in the slowing of climate change and yet we are removing forests from the planet at a faster rate than they can grow back. It is thus axiomatic to try and preserve the forests that we have rather than replanting. Rainforest Concern was established in 1993 to protect threatened natural habitats, the biodiversity they contain and the indigenous people who still depend on them for their survival. Central to Rainforest Concern’s philosophy is the establishment of strong partnerships with small yet dynamic organisations in the countries where it operates. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, WDCS is a global voice for the protection of whales, dolphins and their environment, and runs a host of campaigns, education training and field research programmes worldwide. Your participation in this trip makes financial contributions to WDCS. All trips are given a responsible travel briefing about the environment and their help in partaking in this tour. We recycle all glass and tin, all waste is properly disposed of aboard the boat. On this Baja whale watching cruise in Mexico, we take a maximum of 25 travellers on each trip to ensure that the impact to the whales is kept to a minimum as it is more an education programme. Community: For over 25 years this trip has been helping the local community by employing local Mexican’s for the whale watching services and paying for and receiving Mexican whale watching permits that support conservation of marine life. We use the cooperative at San Ignacio Lagoon Mexico which is a locally owned operator. By joining this small group trip you will help to support the families in San Ignacio Mexico as for tour trips we hire the local boat drivers from Laguna San Ignacio for the whale watching as they are not allowed to fish in the lagoon during the months the whales are present, so our support gives them income and supports the whale watching practices they've instituted. We also bring supplies such as fresh water and food to a few local and remote villages in Baja California. We transport research equipment and personnel to the gray whale research camp in San Ignacio. Finally we donate time and labour to Baja School Friends, which supplies Baja schools and teachers with supplies. fees are paid to visit Mexican marine parks, preserves, and Biosphere reserves for each passenger which in turn, help with conservation and local economic development. We purchase local food to be used on the boat. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
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