Then they go on their long journey to feed in the rich feeding grounds of the north. Pdf gray whale eschrichtius robustus at calving sites in the gulf. The gray whale eschrichtius robustus is wellknown for its. Gray whales mate and give birth in warmer water lagoons of baja, california. Baja whale watching gray whales in baja california. Whale watching tours and cruises baja california, gray and.
Every year, thousands of gray whales travel between mexico and alaska, one of the longest known maritime migrations. Friendly gray whales approach our whale watching boat in san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico during our march 2016 expedition. Concern has grown about the impact of boat traffic around whales, and the number of boats allowed in the breeding lagoons is restricted. For most people, being close to a massive friendly whale with a gentle disposition is one of the greatest thrills in the animal world. The short film the california gray whale is available for free download at the internet. Gray whales have come for centuries to mate, calve, and relax before heading north to their arctic feeding grounds.
Gray whales on the move teacher handout 1 answers to gray whale migration questions 1. The gray whale eschrichtius robustus, also known as the grey whale, gray back whale, pacific. Affordable and search from millions of royalty free images, photos and vectors. Baja california has protected lagoons calm waters, protected from killer whales, so it is a relatively safe place for the females to raise their calves. An indepth immersionwitness the spring finale of the gray whales migration of nearly 6,000 miles from alaska to baja, with the expert interpretation of our naturalist expedition leader. Dedinas description of the fishing families who struggle to survive amongst them makes the drama all the more compelling. We always hope for and expect to have a close encounter that includes touching or petting a whale. About 27,000 gray whales are migrating from summer feeding grounds off alaska to winter nursing and mating grounds in the tranquil lagoons of mexicos baja california. Gray whales are migrating along californias coast right. Petting a mother and baby gray whale baja california. From december to marchapril they mate and give birth in the warm and shallow waters off the baja california, mexico. Extremely rare friendly gray whale encounter captured in. Numbers of returning gray whales are down in baja california.
The gray whales come to mate and calve in mexicos baja california lagoons saving the gray whale, by serge dedina, tells their story in understandable language. To visit the gray whales you first have to get to san ignacio lagoon which is located about halfway down the baja california peninsula, on the pacific side. Experience magical, close encounters with the friendly gray whale mothers and calves of san ignacio lagoon, a unesco world heritage site. Friendly gray whales in baja california, mexico hd youtube. Its a great place to go when new england winters are pressing down. The california gray whale is one of the most commonly seen whales in monterey bay. We board a van for a four hour drive across the baja peninsula. Three major lagoons in baja california are the primary destination of the southbound gray whales. In this baja, the gray whales come to you photography. On this page, you will find airport options, driving directions to san ignacio lagoon, as well as other travel options. A mother gray whale introduces her calf to a boat full of excited guests, and the pair allows itself to receive gentle pats. San ignacio lagoon pachicos eco tours baja gray whale.
A female gray whale greets visitors to its baja california breeding lagoon during a. The best place to see grey whales in baja california. You can go on a gray whale watching tours in baja with your family and friends and if you are a wanderlust and want to go for a solo trip, then also you are welcome. At nearly 14,000 miles roundtrip, it is the longest annual migration of any mammal. Beginning in the bearing and chukchi sea and ending in the warm water lagoons of mexicos baja peninsula, their round trip journey moves them through 12,500 miles of coastline. The migration route of the pacific gray whale is often described as the longest known mammal migration in the animal kingdom. San ignacio lagoon and sea of cortez oceanic society. The gray whales travel to the warm lagoons of baja california to mate and give birth to their calves.
The blue whale watching takes place on the sea of cortez near the town of loreto. The gray whales are back, hugging the california coast while they make their 10,000mile journey from alaska to breed in the warmwater lagoons of baja, mexico, and back. We found out about this place by accident really, as its the least visited location set up for tourist whale spotting in baja. The effect of climate variability on gray whales eschrichtius. Baja california baby gray whale with tourists touching. Its where the whales are friendlier and encounters more likely. Magdalena bay whale watching gray whales, the only place in the world they give birth. Perhaps the most extraordinary wildlife encounter on the planet is a visit to san ignacio lagoon to meet up close 40 ton grey whales and their newborn calves. Whale watching tours with gray whales in bajas magdalena bay. Here, gray whales will sometimes swim near small boats and allow themselves to be touched.
Spyhopping, where the animal vertically pokes its head out of the water, is a behavior exhibited by cetacean s some sharks. Gray whales are one of the most commonly spotted whales on whale watching trips in bcs. How to go whale watching in baja california sur, mexico. The alaskan arctic has large amounts of food amphipods for gray whales. Six separate whale excursionscome within arms reach of gentle whales including amiable mothers with calveson six separate skiff journeys inside the protected waters of san ignacio lagoon. The gray whale eschrichtius robustus, also known as the grey whale, gray back whale, pacific gray whale, or california gray whale, is a baleen whale that migrates between feeding and breeding grounds yearly. While reading something, i came across an article which stated that traveling to places and exploring new and unknown territories of interest can increase the longevity of life. A tale of extraordinary interaction with gray whale in baja. There are only three places on earth where gray whales birth their calves. See more ideas about whale watching, whale and baja california. Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in baja.
The gray whale lagoons of baja california offer the best possibility for this opportunity of anywhere in the world. The main population summers north of alaska in the bering and chukchi seas and winters in the waters of baja california. Royaltyfree clips marked released and no release required may be used in an unlimited number of commercial or editorial projects, worldwide, in perpetuity, in accordance with this table. Trips to see gray whales occur between the months of december and april, during which time the whales arrive from as far north as the bering sea to give birth, raise their young, and hide from orcas in the sheltered and shallow waters of the bay of magdalena. Up to nine species of whales visit baja on a regular basis. You can download general gray whale information on this page kindly. Seas in alaska or russias kamchatka peninsula, pacific gray whales make the long, arduous journey to mexicos baja peninsula. Pachicos eco tours baja gray whale watching packages in.
Gray whales of baja california sur cabo whale trek. Gray whales tend to be seen beginning in january, as these whales finally reach their breeding grounds off the coast of baja california, after one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling up to 10,000 miles annually roundtrip. California gray whale stock photos and images 123rf. Fewer gray whales are returning to the vizcaino biosphere reserve in baja california as a result of climate change, according to experts. Prime season for gray whale watching is late january through early april. Grey whales mothers often seek out human interaction as they approach our boats to present their newborn calves to us while encouraging visitors to scratch their head, back and baleen as. When the gray whales arrive in baja to have their babies, it is a magical time.
Whale watching and photography in baja california, mexico. Today, 23,000 gray whales are found only in the pacific. Magdalena bay will surprise you with a unique event in life, the first steps from a baby whale calves. San ignacio lagoon baja california 2020 all you need. Wildlife baja offers the opportunity to have some of the best wildlife encounters in baja california sur, mexico. Gray whales surface surface every three to five minutes to breath and can remain submerged for up to 15 minutes. To see the whales blowing, sounding, mating, and calving in their natural habitat is an awesome. Feeding areas during migration seem to include the gulf of california, monterey bay and big california sur. Gray whales migrate to the lagoons and bays of the baja for the winter and. The whales would have to wait until puerto adolfo lopez mateos, west of ciudad insurgientes. The mexican government strictly regulates access to these lagoons to ensure that any human activities do not affect the whales while they are in the quiet, protected lagoons of baja california. Gray whale watching at san ignacio lagoon, baja california, mexico every year gray whales migrate more than 10,000 miles between their summer feeding grounds in the arctic and the coastal lagoons of the southern baja peninsula. Of the three locations in baja california where the gray whales make an appearance each year, laguna san ignacio is regarded as the best.
In the seventies, friendly whales were first encountered in san ignacio lagoon in baja california, mexico. Gray whales, california condors and the sea of cortez. One such unexplored destination that i always wanted to travel to was baja. A gray whale spyhops in the waters of san ignacio lagoon, baja, mexico. Combination gray whale trips plus whale watching on the sea of cortez for the very largest whales, blue whales and gray whales. Observe one of the most miraculous natural phenomena on the planet. Discover the gray whales of baja, mexicos magdalena bay. Mexican specialists dedicated to studying the behavior of.
We also visit the beautiful sea of cortez for whale watching on this weeklong adventure on mexicos baja california peninsula. Marvel at rare encounters with gray whales with these. Fly in to our camp, get up close with the friendly gray whales. Gray whale watching tours in baja california on the sea of. The winter gray whale occupation of laguna san ignacio lsi and bahia magdalena bm in.
Why are gray whales starving in the pacific quartz. The whales did get pretty close at times but as luck would have it they either came to neighboring boats or to the wrong side of ours. Whale watching mexico mexico ecotourism natural habitat. Click below for expert advice on animal welfare in tourism. They are peaceful and friendly, which makes it easier for visitors to approach them to appreciate them. They are on their way to baja to spend a few months enjoying the pacific lagoons along the baja coast. Back to gallery delighted mexican families romped in snow patches on a high promontory just outside baja california s. The gray whale eschrichtius robustus is distributed throughout coastal areas. It was also a bit earlier in the season, and not, im told, the very best whale watching time. Whale watching tours with gray whales in baja s magdalena bay sea quest march 12, 2009 november 23, 2019 baja, mexico kayak trips. Gray whales are migrating along california s coast right. Sunset at puerto adolfo lopez mateos, baja california sur.
These are scammons lagoon, san ignacio lagoon, and magdalena bay. Day 2 first day of whale watching in baja california tour leaders meet you very early after breakfast at your hotel. The california gray whale measures 35 to 50 feet in length and 20 to 40 tons in weight. The california gray whale can be seen traveling in small groups along the california coast on their 6,000 to 7,000 mile journey from the western bering sea to their mating area in baja california, and again on the return trip. Gray whales in cabo san lucas whale watch cabo tours. If you are looking for an adventurous tour which takes you close to the nature, then grey whale watching tours in baja is the best options. Every october, the gray whales of the pacific begin a twotothreemonth migration from the cold alaskan seas to the warm waters of baja california. The combination blue and gray whale trips involve whale watching on both sides of the baja peninsula. Every year, the california gray whales set off on the longest migration made by any mammal. In mexicos stunning magdalena bay, humans and whales meet. Witness the gray whale migration, one of natures most phenomenal events, and see these gentle giants upclose in the heart of their breeding grounds. The gray whale migrates from the arctic to baja california in mexico during the winter before migrating back north in the summer. She says the hunting of gray whales in baja california lagoons during the late 1800s and early 1900s was devastating.
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