BajaNomad

Whales

TLBaja79 - 12-8-2013 at 02:46 PM

We are planning a trip to go check out the Whales next year. We went in January this year to San Carlos and had a great time.

Is March too late to see the Whales? Beginning or mid March is the earliest we can go.

Lopez Mateos or San Carlos?

woody with a view - 12-8-2013 at 02:46 PM

ojo de liebre!

DianaT - 12-8-2013 at 02:50 PM

It is usually a very good time for the whales in San Ignacio. Where ever you go, have a great time.

shari - 12-8-2013 at 02:55 PM

early and mid march is the perfect time in all the lagoons. You can check out what my daughter & I do at Ojo de Liebre by having a peek at www.whalemagictours.com

We are starting to get real excited now that the first whales are arriving in the lagoons now!

TLBaja79 - 12-8-2013 at 03:43 PM

Awesome! We will be looking forward to seeing them in March.

Does anybody know if the bungalows in San Carlos are finished? They looked awesome when we were there but were booked and only partially finished. Cost? Reviews?

Have never been to Ojo de Liebre or Lopez Mateos. Maybe check one of them out this trip in March

Ateo - 12-8-2013 at 03:47 PM

I did Ojo de Liebre with Shari in mid March last year and it was epic.

Bajaptl - 12-8-2013 at 05:01 PM

What location is more scenic? Ojo de liebres or San Carlos?

San Ignacio Information

Whale-ista - 12-8-2013 at 05:07 PM

Please check your u2u for Information on San Ignacio lagoon.

It's the most difficult to get to Via a rough dirt road, but some prefer the relative isolation/scenery vs Liebres or Magdalena bays.

shari - 12-8-2013 at 05:13 PM

Welcome to Baja Nomads Bajaptl...Ojo de LIebre is a national park and there is a wonderful campground there and an interpretive center too and except for the salt works nearby, it is fairly pristine, very well maintained and you can watch whales from shore there easily. San Carlos has more of an industrial presence with the fish packing plants there.

Ojo de Liebre is the main calving lagoon with 1500-2000 whales each season whereas Mag Bay has 200-300 whales.

If you are coming down from the north, Ojo de Liebre is much closer...a day's drive too and has more hotels to choose from and whale operators as well but if you are coming up from the south, San Carlos is of course closer.

Bajahowodd - 12-8-2013 at 05:58 PM

I read that the whales are migrating earlier than normal this year. That said, the absolute best experience we ever had, considering that we have done this about twelve times, was a Ojo De Liebre in early March.

By March, the males have already left on their journey North, leaving behind the mamas and their calves. While I have no idea why they do it, at this time, the mothers actually push their babies toward the boats,

Shari is certainly more of an expert than me. But, As she noted, Ojo De Liebre is a national park, and they only allow six pangas on the water at any given time. So you don't have much competition when you go out.

That said, since so few people can be on the water at any given time, it is advised that you work with a contractor.

Shari is one, And there are several in the hotels at Guerrero Negro. We have enjoyed our trips through the auspices of Hotel Caracoles. A very nice young man who calls himself Waldo (Oswaldo) speaks fluent English and is enjoyable to talk with.

liknbaja127 - 12-8-2013 at 07:05 PM

We were there last year in march, had a great time with Shari! So much we
are going back this year, Bringing some new people. can't wait! Shari and
her daughter are GREAT:yes:

mtgoat666 - 12-8-2013 at 08:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajaptl
What location is more scenic? Ojo de liebres or San Carlos?


San ignacio

Bajame - 12-9-2013 at 10:13 AM

You can't beat San Ignacio for a whale adventure ! The road is paved over half way now . We also have a new hotel in town that is really nice matter of fact it is one of the best around . Will post the Info.

DianaT - 12-9-2013 at 10:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajame
You can't beat San Ignacio for a whale adventure ! The road is paved over half way now . We also have a new hotel in town that is really nice matter of fact it is one of the best around . Will post the Info.


Looking forward to hearing more about the new hotel and hopefully some pictures? And I hope they are dog friendly. :-) Looking so forward to being back in San Ignacio.

Jaybo - 12-9-2013 at 11:39 AM

We did a whale trip with Shari and had a fantastic time this past February. I highly recommend hooking up with her for a great experience!

..Jay

Bajahowodd - 12-9-2013 at 05:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajame
You can't beat San Ignacio for a whale adventure ! The road is paved over half way now . We also have a new hotel in town that is really nice matter of fact it is one of the best around . Will post the Info.


Looking forward to hearing more about the new hotel and hopefully some pictures? And I hope they are dog friendly. :-) Looking so forward to being back in San Ignacio.


Anyone know anything about a new hotel?

Ken Bondy - 12-9-2013 at 06:05 PM

My best experiences, in all three lagoons, have been in early March. Most of the males have headed north, and most of the mothers and calves haven't left yet. Best chance for friendly encounters. Note the hand on the rostrum in the lower right corner:

shari - 12-9-2013 at 08:10 PM

a taste of Ojo de Liebre











Ken Bondy - 12-9-2013 at 08:24 PM

Beautiful photos hermana!!!

shari - 12-9-2013 at 09:42 PM

gracias hermano...I forgot my favorite which was taken in an area of the lagoon called remolino...where the whirlpools are and whales congregate.



the Interpretive Center is beautiful with educational exhibits and a fantastic restaurant where you watch whales from the patio.







and sunset at the edge of the birthing canal



Here is a slide show of Ojo de Liebre.


[Edited on 12-10-2013 by shari]

rufflife - 12-11-2013 at 08:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajame
You can't beat San Ignacio for a whale adventure ! The road is paved over half way now . We also have a new hotel in town that is really nice matter of fact it is one of the best around . Will post the Info.


Looking forward to hearing more about the new hotel and hopefully some pictures? And I hope they are dog friendly. :-) Looking so forward to being back in San Ignacio.


Anyone know anything about a new hotel?


The new hotel is Hotel La Huerta - Keep going straight past the mission and the plaza. It is on the right hand side of the road...and right next to the La Huerta grocery store. It is 400 pesos per night and each room has 2 full beds, WiFi (rumored to have WiFi, but I have not verified), a flat screen tv and satellite tv. The rooms look awesome! They did a great job with the place!

rufflife - 12-11-2013 at 08:13 AM

Hotel La Huerta does not currently have a website, but they are working to change that!