BajaNomad

Whale watching in mid February

Bajatiger - 1-25-2011 at 10:26 AM

Hi, we're thinking of taking a family camping trip to see the whales either at Guerrero Negro or San Ignacio in mid-February. (right now preferring to go to Guerrero Negro since it's closer and we would avoid the unpaved road to San Ignacio lagoon). However, which is better for whales/calves at that time? Can you recommend any camping spots? We will be camping in our VW van, and although this is not the first time we have camped in Baja, it will be the first time we take the kids.
TIA for your help!

Howard - 1-25-2011 at 07:25 PM

It's like having desert.

Guerrero Negro is like having a really nice desert. You will see definitely see whales and the city might be more conducive for your family.

San Ignacio is like having a nice desert but with ice cream. IMO, once you get to the lagoon, the whale experience is better than GN. Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with the nice desert (GN).

If you go to San Ignacio, stay in the town and hire someone to take you to the lagoon.

Damn, this analogy has made me hungry.

shari - 1-25-2011 at 07:33 PM

I just spoke with the folks at Ojo de Liebre...the lagoon by Guerrero Negro...they did a census yesterday and there will be a bumper crop of whales this year there.

Already there are 444 mamma whales and 229 baby calves for a total of 673 animals which is ALOT for so early.

Mid february is the peak of the season there so you will most likely get ice cream with your cake which will be all you can possibly eat.

There is a group of Nomads going there on feb.18-20 if you care to join our excursion...we will also be going to the berrendo (pronghorn antelope) feeding station in the afternoon and tour the salt works too.

the lagoon is a fantastic place to camp...get one of the palapas which are terrific for camping...I can reserve it for you if you like. You sleep to the sound of breathing whales in front of the beach and can whale watch all day long from the lovely interpretive center there...the kids can swim too and look for obsidian chips.

Sirenita grew up there and it was a glorious place for children...so safe.
If you have a chance, ask for Gil or Luis to guide you and tell em shari says hola.

captkw - 1-25-2011 at 07:34 PM

im no pro as ive only lived down sinvce 78-79 winter ...but is anything in gn that I would find to be good???????????????

shari - 1-25-2011 at 07:40 PM

I lived in GN for many years and found LOTS of great things there...the dunes, el faro, birdwatching on the wetlands, the lagoon, the canal, the great restaurants, swimming at La Posita and la isla, the beaches not too far away, great dance hall, live rock and roll music, sports bars, horse racing, fishing, interesting locals from all over Mexico, good schools, great segundas....shall I go on?

DianaT - 1-25-2011 at 08:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajatiger
Hi, we're thinking of taking a family camping trip to see the whales either at Guerrero Negro or San Ignacio in mid-February. (right now preferring to go to Guerrero Negro since it's closer and we would avoid the unpaved road to San Ignacio lagoon). However, which is better for whales/calves at that time? Can you recommend any camping spots? We will be camping in our VW van, and although this is not the first time we have camped in Baja, it will be the first time we take the kids.
TIA for your help!


Everyone has their favorite whale watching place. The first place I went whale watching was at Ojo de Liebre (gn) in the early 90s and we have returned a number of times with OK experiences and one that left us never to return except to camp or attend bike races.

Even with fewer whales there, we have had far more positive experiences at the lagoon in San Ignacio over the years.

And while we have friends in Guerrero Negro and have learned to like that town, it cannot compare to San Ignacio. There is so much history for your kids to learn in San Ignacio, and just being on the plaza gives you a feel for what so many towns on the mainland of Mexico are like.

If you don't want to take the VW van out to the San Ignacio Lagoon, I would suggest camping by the river in town---there are a few options there. Then take one of the vans out to the lagoon. We prefer Kuyima with their very professional eco friendly operation, others prefer Antonio's and we have only heard good things about them.

[Edited on 1-26-2011 by DianaT]

bajafam - 1-25-2011 at 09:47 PM

Ack!! Shari ~ you guys'll be there 18 - 20?? We'll be there on the 22nd! Oh well, I guess we'll see you in Asuncion on the 24th :)