coconaco - 1-22-2007 at 10:56 AM
ballenas
What is the better location for whale and bird watching?
Lopez has been covered extensively.
Mag bay is very large and these ports are far apart-
do the whales hang out in more than one area?
Don Alley - 1-22-2007 at 11:14 AM
Well, you do have to go out with a guide, who has to follow certain rules. I know Lopez Mateos is set up for that with a couple of cooperatives
centrally located among small restaurant and shopping stalls with lots of parking.
I would assume that San Carlos has qualified guides. However, the geography of the bay at Lopez Mateos is perhaps better; the bay is long and narrow
here, with the emphasis on narrow. The whales are concentrated and easily and quickly reached. It's easy to find more if they won't allow close
approaches.
DianaT - 1-22-2007 at 12:24 PM
In 2005 we went out of Lopez Mateos. We first drove to San Carlos, and just didn't like the atmosphere. As we drove into town, we were surrounded by
pushy vendors----we decided to head for Lopez Mateos.
It is very organized and strait forward at Lopez Mateos--bought a couple of tickets, and just waited for more people to arrive to fill more of the
boat.
Ticket Booth
Our guide----the long stick he used for picking trash out of the water ---- a good thing. He also was careful to not harass the whales we saw.
And here is a cute little baby.
Even if there had been no whales, the boat ride was worth it---really beautiful.
Good Luck and look forward to hearing about where you go.
Diane
Miramontes - 10-13-2008 at 10:40 AM
We have family arriving for Easter. How is the whale watching at that time?
bajajudy - 10-13-2008 at 10:48 AM
I think that you would like Lopez Mateos for ease of entrance and exit into and out of the panga and the people.
Plan to do two trips. One for the whales and another up in the mangroves in the rookeries.
We like the Happy Shrimp for accommodations and tours. Saul, the son of the owners of the small, clean, basic rooms to rent, is a great guide. Get
him to take you to the wall by the old pier and you can pick oysters and eat them right there. bring lemons. He will also take you to a sand bar for
scallops if you ask.
Mira
Easter is usually too late but each year is a little different.
Miramontes - 10-13-2008 at 11:03 AM
Mira, thanks. We have a place in La Purisima. Will be there end of month. If you are in area, come by. Just ask for the North Americans on the
cliff edge overlooking river and El Pilon.