BajaNomad

Whale watching costs? San Ignacio?

Brian L - 1-4-2011 at 04:50 PM

Trying to estimate my trip costs, and would like to know the costs to watch whales. Family of four with two kids between 3 and 5. Just going to go out for the morning, driving ourselves from San Ignacio. Can we negotiate something for our small group?

thanks,

mulegemichael - 1-4-2011 at 05:17 PM

tie up with san ignacio springs b & b....ask for antonios ecotours....they have been so fab for us in the past...gary and terry are wonderful!

Bajahowodd - 1-4-2011 at 05:25 PM

I suppose there is the possibility for negotiation. However, you should realize that the folks engaged in this business have a very small window in which to operate.

Our experience has been that the San Ignacio operators focus on the full blown deals that may include multiple night stay-over, with meals, and even packages that include flights in from San Diego. Very pricey. Farther North in Guerrero Negro, the set up is not quite so sophisticated. You can drive in from Highway One to the ejido dock. Costs are around +- $40 per person. There are a number of hotels in Guerrero Negro that offer tours to the whales at reasonable prices, such as Malarrimo, Caracoles, and Cowboy. Malarrimo and Caracoles take credit cards.

In San Ignacio, Ricardo's Rice and Beans will arrange transportation for groups staying there. So will a number of other hoteliers in town.

I really don't recommend friving out there, especially if you are a first-timer. You are looking at somewhere near 40 miles of unpaved road that can be a real back-breaker depending on recent weather.

You might wish to Google "San Ignacio Whales" and check out the sites of providers such as Kuyima amd Pacheco. However, as I said, the folks who have invested money in semi-sophisticated camps out on the lagoon appear to seek out those who are looking for full-blown packages,

That said, Since we have never brought children there, I have no idea if they are charged different amounts.

Hopefully. many other Nomads will be able to give you, probably, better advice.

BajaNomad - 1-4-2011 at 11:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
You are looking at somewhere near 40 miles of unpaved road...

...as I said, the folks who have invested money in semi-sophisticated camps out on the lagoon appear to seek out those who are looking for full-blown packages,

That said, Since we have never brought children there, I have no idea if they are charged different amounts.
Don't know if it's any further - and not surprised if it's not - but as of two years ago the road to Laguna San Ignacio was paved for the first 10km out of town:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=36367#pid3827...

You're correct in that the camps at L. San Ignacio are seeking higher $ clients, but basic "rides" from the beach can still be arranged if they have room. Don't know the going rate, but likely $40 or more pp (maybe much more) - and I do not believe there is any discount for the kids. Much of this is regulated, and the prices are pretty standard. You are unlikely to "negotiate" a better price than what you're originally quoted.

If you go out to the lagoon - my personal recommendation is looking for Maldo Fischer and family that run Campo Cortez.

-
Doug

Brian L - 1-5-2011 at 08:54 AM

I don't think I'll mind the drive in from San Ignacio. We'lll be camping there, and leave our trailer while we head to the Laguna.

So, unless something else turns up here, I am looking at $160 for the four of us... The experience appears to be priceless, so that is how I will look at the costs!

shari - 1-5-2011 at 09:02 AM

Ask for Cuco out at the lagoon....if they arent busy, they may cut you a family deal...they are a small family outfit who are fishermen that live there and Cuco is an outstanding guide..ma & pa family operation.

Also, Ojo de Liebre camp just south of GN is a fantastic campground...$3 to get in and camp as long as you want and palapas are awesome and usually vacant...but I can help you reserve one if you want...great for blocking the wind. At this place, there is a nice interpretive center with a restaurant in it too. They have children's prices too...and if there arent people waiting, they may let the kids go 2 for one too...kids love it there...very safe and lots of room to wander around.

DianaT - 1-5-2011 at 09:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by blane
I don't think I'll mind the drive in from San Ignacio. We'lll be camping there, and leave our trailer while we head to the Laguna.

So, unless something else turns up here, I am looking at $160 for the four of us... The experience appears to be priceless, so that is how I will look at the costs!


This is the company we prefer is the ejido company --- everyone has their favorites Kuyima And you can camp there----does not have to be a part of one of their tour packages.

We always drive out to the lagoon with no reservations and they always find a lancha for us. They are very professional and very eco friendly. Beautiful place to be.

Who ever you go with, you should have a great time. It is usually best at high tide----if it is high tide, you will need to walk out in the water.

The guides know the rules, follow the rules, know the whales, and are very considerate of the passengers. When it became really VERY rough one year, instead of smashing us around and getting us totally wet, they dropped us off at one of their camps and sent a van to take us back.

Cost for the whale watching has been mid 40 dollar range for a few years.

The drive out there is BEAUTIFUL---Have fun




[Edited on 1-5-2011 by DianaT]

Baja&Back - 1-5-2011 at 09:17 AM

If you plan on whale watching in January, there will be few whales in Laguna San Ignacio at that time. You have a better chance with Scammons Lagoon out of Guerrero Negro. Try Malarimo's or Mario's. Price about $45 - includes transport & lunch. There are 4 times as many whales there, especially early in the season. Last time we did San Ignacio in Jan, we met only 5 whales. Best time for whale watching is late Feb-early Mar, when they have babies with them. It can be very magical.

BTW: We have done all locations for 8 seasons now, so have an idea what we are talking about. Hope this helps.

Brian L - 1-5-2011 at 10:08 AM

We are planning on going in late March. I read here that Ignacio should still be good then, as the males have left.

Diana - you said high tide is best, and then said at high tide you have to walk out in the water... Did you mean low tide?

Shari - Where is Cuco at in the lagoon? I have seen where Kuyima and Antonios are on the map. Is there a central meeting place for others?

DianaT - 1-5-2011 at 10:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by blane


Diana - you said high tide is best, and then said at high tide you have to walk out in the water... Did you mean low tide?



Opps! Yes, low tide is when you need to walk out---sorry.

The different operations are spread out along the one edge of the lagoon They are all licensed and only so many boats are allowed in the viewing area at one time.

[Edited on 1-5-2011 by DianaT]

Maps for blane

David K - 1-5-2011 at 10:54 AM

Here is one... it is a fishing map from The Baja Catch:


BajaNomad - 1-5-2011 at 11:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by blane
Shari - Where is Cuco at in the lagoon?
Cuco is one of the Fischer family - and who we like to go out with. Maldo's residence is among the second group of homes you'll come across at the lagoon when you drive out. You can ask the folks in that area for Maldo. His wife's name is Catalina.

The whale-watching camps are further out along the lagoon.

Direct contact info for Maldo's home at Laguna San Ignacio is:

(615) 103-0349 home tel
lagunamaldo (at) yahoo.com
- You need to replace (at) with @ for email. They don't check email often though.

Here's a picture of Ryland and I with Cuco and his young son:

PC290325_opt.jpg - 29kB

BajaNomad - 1-5-2011 at 11:02 AM

And here's Ryland with Maldo...

PC290298_opt.jpg - 23kB

David K - 1-5-2011 at 11:20 AM

Here's another...



This map is in the excellent book 'Whales: Touching the Mystery' by Doug Thompson



I met Doug in 2008 at his presentation and slide show at Discover Baja Travel Club.

Brian L - 1-5-2011 at 11:36 AM

Great maps, thanks David!

Doug, thanks for the info on Cuco. I mean lean towards them...

David K - 1-5-2011 at 12:28 PM

Have fun Brian... (sorry about calling you 'Blane' before). Contact BajaNomad for that request. If I find better maps, I will add them here.

Brian L - 1-5-2011 at 02:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Have fun Brian... (sorry about calling you 'Blane' before). Contact BajaNomad for that request. If I find better maps, I will add them here.


Just got my user-name changed by Doug. I'm a new man.

I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to vacation planning, so the next few months will be exciting while planning the details. Since it is my first trip that far south with a travel trailer and family, I want it to go smoothly. I will be able to relax more on subsequent trips...

Gaucho - 1-5-2011 at 05:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Brian L
Trying to estimate my trip costs, and would like to know the costs to watch whales. Family of four with two kids between 3 and 5. Just going to go out for the morning, driving ourselves from San Ignacio. Can we negotiate something for our small group?

thanks,


We did this trip last year about the same time you are going. We went with Kuyima and booked the trip in town. Stayed at Ignacio Springs B&B and drove ourselves out to the lagoon. Our 5 & 7 year olds loved it. It was $40 per person and a GREAT time!

wilderone - 1-14-2011 at 09:32 AM

Last year I camped on the bluff about a mile past the air strip. Check it out - you'll probably have it all to yourself. Great beach, shallow water, beachcombing, water birds, sunset, distant whale spouts.




[Edited on 1-15-2011 by BajaNomad]

woody with a view - 1-14-2011 at 09:57 AM

like Shari said, camping at the palapas at the lagoon in Ojo you can hear the spouts all night long in the darkness. really cool spot.

roadhog - 1-14-2011 at 07:08 PM

don't forget the tip say $20 each.

woody with a view - 1-14-2011 at 07:22 PM

50% tip?

BajaBlanca - 1-14-2011 at 07:37 PM

I personally think you might want to consider staying at CASA LEREE because it is small - 2 rooms ... and Jane has a museum that is free which kids absolutely adore. They can romp in an enclosed garden area (take a basketball if the kids are old enough).

www. casaleree.com

It is within 2 minutes walking distance of the mission and the main square and the restaurants and the ice cream shop (yummmm). We have never booked with anyone but go on our own and there is always someone with a panga to take us out. You will be so impressed. Your kids will have memories for a lifetime.

Brian L - 1-14-2011 at 08:11 PM

We are traveling with a travel trailer, and will leave it in San Ignacio. We'll be heading to Bahia Concepcion after a two night stay in San Ignacio.

Thanks for the advice though!

Roadhog, are you a pangero? 50% tip sounds a tad high...