Guide Report: San Ignacio Lagoon Feb.21

Guide Report
Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon
February 17-21, 2014
By: Liisa Juuti

This week we had a chance to observe the mating of the gray whales at a very short distance. It is quite a complex and long process, possibly taking days. There are always various males included, one of them assisting the mating couple. The gray whale female reaches the maturity at about 11 meters, usually between 6 and 10 years. It usually breeds every other year until about 40 years, averaging 15 calves in their lifetime.

We also found the friendliest whale of this season so far! Usually when having an encounter with a friendly whale we take turns in the boat to touch it. With this whale it wasn’t necessary, he would spyhop right next to the boat to be petted, then move to the other side of the boat and pop out his head. This would go on for ten minutes, then he would swim over to another boat to repeat the procedure. Amazing! He really seemed to enjoy the game.

At the camp we had a lovely evening walk to the shore at sunset when the tide was low. We found a couple of Two-Spot Octopus that were hiding in the shells, spraying ink out as a fear reaction and causing our guests to scream of excitement (another fear reaction?) On the last night of this group Maldo spoiled us with a delicious lobster barbeque dinner. What an interesting week!