Gray Whale Census: February 09, 2012

Gray Whale Census
February 09, 2012
San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whale Census


Adult Gray Whales:  103
Gray Whale Calves:   33
Total Gray Whales:   136

Guide Report: Week of Feb.4-9

Week Feb. 4 to 9th

Weather: Highs with 80's through mid 60's throughout the trip.

               Lows in the upper 30's to mid 40's

We have well over 125 gray whales in the laguna right now and growing!! The "panga" (the motor boats we use for whale watching) at times have been surrounded by whales with the moms and babies circling around as well with bottle-nose dolphin swimming close to the boat. Our group was split into two pangas for a ninety minute whale watching experience that lasts a life time. We had the pleasure of meeting a "friendly" (whales that will swim next to the boat and your able to touch). A mom and baby circled around the panga for quite awhile as we waited with excitement for a chance to maybe touch this beautiful creature of the sea. Once known as the "devil-fish" through the locals years ago. We were shooting photos as fast as we could, in hope to capture this moment in time. Then the mother nudged her baby closer to the panga and became almost at arms reached. The anticipation grew. As we splashed the water and sang at the top of our lungs in hope to convince the whales to come closer. The baby brushed beside the boat as everyone that was close enough reached out there hands and had an opportunity of a life time. Finally!!! We were able to touch the baby whale as the mother swam close by the panga . As we looked into the eye of the baby whale, such joy passed through the entire boat. It was such a tranquil feeling that I know I will never forget. The mother then came close for a back scratch as well. What did it feel like? What was the whole experience like? There's no exact way to express the feeling in words. You will just have to find out for yourself. :)

As we returned to the cabins that make up a beautiful camp called "Cortez" we saw local fisherman searching the laguna floor for fresh scallops, clams and oysters. During the low tide as we entered the cove that is lined with red and white mangroves we saw two coyotes in search for the same food. One coyote was lucky enough to find an eel as the other searched for an octopus to eat. We returned to the camp. As we walked along the endless skyline of white puffy clouds that were held by the busiest sky that I've ever seen only to be greeted by the warm friendly staff that had made margaritas for us!

Definitely an afternoon that will forever live in my mind as a truly remarkable day. The experience awaits for you!!

Sincerely,

Christopher Match

Gray Whale Census: February 07, 2012

Ok, we're now about on track for the same counts as last season. But things change in a day when it comes to the whales arriving and leaving the lagoons, but this is still on track for great season and the friendly whales are in force this season. 

Gray Whale Census:  Februrary 07, 2012 : San Ignacio Lagoon

Adult Gray Whales:  87

Gray Whale Calves:  38

Total Gray Whales:   125

Gray Whale Census: January 25, 2012

Here's our second census of the season and once again as you can see the numbers are fantastic for January. This is great for whales, but our human count is down by about 40%.....


Census: Jan. 25, 2012 - San Ignacio Lagoon
Adult Gray Whales:  73
Gray Whale Calves:  41
Total Gray Whales:   114

Gray Whale Census: January 20, 2012

This is the first official census of the 2012 season. And based on the numbers it looks to be one of the BEST seasons for a potentially large migration for this year.....yes i said this last season...but the numbers are up from last year

Census: Jan. 20, 2012 - San Ignacio Lagoon
Adult Gray Whales:  52
Gray Whale Calves: 23
Total Gray Whales:  75

Jan- Feb 2012 6 Day Bus Trip by: Noly Lira

We began in sunny San Diego and soon crossed the border into Tijuana, its name believed to be derived from the Yuman Indians. When translated: it means~ "near the sea." Baja is known for its many hidden treasures. The sandy landscapes of the Vizcaino Desert being one of them. Once we arrived at Campo Cortez, located within the Vizcaino Desert Reserve and Whale Sanctuary, we settled into our assigned cabins and prepared for our first run of the morning, in search of the majestic nomads we traveled so far to see.

Before long, our sharp eyes that had been patiently and very eagerly scanning the horizon in hopes of a glimpse of these graceful traveling giants, were not disappointed. We had what is known as a "friendly" first trip out. Very exciting! Everywhere we looked we could see the whale blows, spy-hopping, breaching, tail sailing, fluking, logging, all known behaviors.

This is early in the season yet. So many in this one lagoon. Just think how many more are still close by and on the way. Many calves in such a close proximity. We were fortunate enough to even witness the mating rituals and bubble blasts - nursing of the "pickles" (nicknames for very new calves). Many with folds and rolled flukes. So new to the lagoons.

The weather was stellar. One day of local fog, that cleared away almost as fast as it came in. The temperatures were comfortable and mild. After a wonderful day on the water, we would meet outside our cabins to star gaze at the glittering sky and discuss the highlights of the day.

We had many other friendly wild life encounters. From the local, shy coyotes to the many migrating shore birds. The incredible amount of migrating birds was breathtaking, such as the Ibis and Brandt Cormorants. Other colorful sea life entertained us. The dolphins loved to bow ride off the wakes of the Panga boats. This dolphin porpoising behavior, coupled with the sea lions, were cause for many smiles. The Gray whales, were clearly not the only travelers passing through the lagoons.

On the way in and out of the Vizcanio Reserve, we have the pleasure of visiting the town of San Ignacio. The historic mission and the cave paintings are available to visit and are a photographers dream. Such detail and history. We were very fortunate to visit Casa Leree.
Its owner, Juanita, is a wonderful lady who has the most meditative garden in the area. She displays local history and local artisan creations that are a must see. Upon arriving and departing, our groups visit the San Ignacio Bed & Breakfast Inn. Terry and Gary Marcer, proprietors of the Inn, prepare fantastic meals and provide a place to rest before our last leg of the trip. Do your self a favor, get a hold Terry's home made jams; she runs out as fast as she makes them.

The lagoons are definitely a place of majestic beauty and grandeur. This special place creates memories that will last a life time. I hope that if you are fortunate enough to experience the magic of these lagoons, when you return to your daily grind you will reflect upon these shared moments and unwind, decompress, and recall the time you spent with the whales!


Until next time,

Noly
Guide/Naturalist

DISCOUNT - SPECIAL: Februrary Private Air Trips

LAST MINUTE SPECIALS
We are announcing our LAST MINUTE specials for our February 5 day Air trips that have only a few spaces available. These are trips that leave within a week or two and where we have from ONE to THREE spaces available on each trip.

In order to take advantage of these last minute specials, you must contact us immediately and of course be ready to travel very soon.

5 Day Air Trip Specials 


Feb. 09 thru 13:  2 spaces available:  $2,295pp
Feb. 13 thru 17:  2 spaces available:  $2,295pp
Feb. 17 thru 21:  3 spaces available:  $2,295pp

To reserve these last minute specials, call or email us:


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