As an experienced whale watcher who has worked with cetaceans and guided tours on multiple continents I have had many special moments in the ocean. There is one in particular that stands out.
The first time I went to ‘Mag Bay’ (short for Magdalena Bay) as a guide for Whale Watch Cabo to see the Grey whales that visit the Pacific coast of Baja California every winter I had high expectations! The area has become world famous because of the unique behaviour exhibited by these seasonal visitors. The up to 40 ton whales are known to approach boats – fibre glass ‘pangas’ 30-40ft in length – to within touching distance of the people on them. Hearing about it is one thing, seeing it is quite another!
A short boat ride in the calm seas of the bay brought us to our first set of whales. The captain slowed down and cut the engine over 30m away from them and within a couple of minutes after we stopped they began to approach. It was a large mother and her calf of no more than a couple of months old (although still about the size of our boat).
This phenomenon is generally observed with mother and calf pairings. Generally, both approach the boats together and will often stay with them for long periods allowing the lucky people on board the chance to literally look into the eyes and blowholes of these majestic giants. We played with them by lightly splashing them with water and had the chance to take photos that were so intimate they still blow my mind when I see them today.
After a couple of other boats had joined us our captain took us off to find more action and explore the bay. In all we spent 3 hours out there and in that time saw many whales and had the chance to get up close and personal with a few more as well. Mag bay and the other lagoons and bays on the Pacific side of the peninsula are surrounded by mangroves and desert and are an important habitat for many marine and bird species.
After a couple of other boats had joined us our captain took us off to find more action and explore the bay. In all we spent 3 hours out there and in that time saw many whales and had the chance to get up close and personal with a few more as well. Mag bay and the other lagoons and bays on the Pacific side of the peninsula are surrounded by mangroves and desert and are an important habitat for many marine and bird species.
It is an area that is close to my heart and I will never forget the experiences I shared with friends, customers and especially the whales!
-Lisa, Whale Watch Cabo
Learn more about Grey Whales in Baja California
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