BajaNomad

Whale Sharks in BofLa August

maryellen50 - 7-4-2015 at 09:45 AM

I plan to go to BofLA in mid-August to see the whale sharks. Are there many locals offering tours and are they usually every day (or only weekends)? Daggett's gave me a quote of $250/day.
If anyone is interested in joining me email me. Dates are flexible as long as its in August. I live in the Ensenada area so we can hook up there & share ride or caravan.


[Edited on 7-5-2015 by maryellen50]

weebray - 7-4-2015 at 12:52 PM

Still around near the magote here in La Paz. You can usually get out there in a panga for about a hunnert bucks if you work'em a little.

Alm - 7-4-2015 at 02:11 PM

Daggets is a too big operator - or so he thinks ;)... Ruben won't take you to the sea personally - he'll call somebody and take his cut of this transaction.

Try next door at Antonio's camp Archelon. In the middle of the camp you'll see something that looks like an auto or boat repair shop, ask for Marcos. There is a sign "Marcos Tours" laying around somewhere. There is of course no phone or email, so you won't get a "quote" from the comfort of your home NOB, but you will likely get a lower rate. Marcos doesn't speak any English, but the camp owner Antonio does.

I doubt you'll find anybody with a boat who'll do this for less than $100 - maybe for a few hours only. Locals with boats are mostly fishermen, they are busy making their living - fishing.

[Edited on 7-4-2015 by Alm]

Whale-ista - 7-4-2015 at 03:30 PM

Hi Maryellen50- please check your U2U messages. thanks!

larryC - 7-5-2015 at 09:50 AM

2 ways to skin this cat. Take a kayak with you and just paddle out to see them, they are usually pretty close to shore in the south bay. Or rent a room at Villa Bahia and Roger includes the use of a Kayak with a room rental. $250 sounds really high to me.

basautter - 7-5-2015 at 07:27 PM

Don't forget polarized sun glasses. They make seeing into the water much easier. best of luck! :cool:

Whale-ista - 7-5-2015 at 07:34 PM

thanks for suggestions. I was thinking similar plan.

how accessible is a a beach, for launching a kayak from shore in southern area of bay? (I have not been for many years)

Is it private land, or can you drive south and then close to water?

thank you.
Quote: Originally posted by larryC  
2 ways to skin this cat. Take a kayak with you and just paddle out to see them, they are usually pretty close to shore in the south bay. Or rent a room at Villa Bahia and Roger includes the use of a Kayak with a room rental. $250 sounds really high to me.

Ken Bondy - 7-6-2015 at 06:44 AM

August is a good month. If you want a guide, we have had good success with Joel Prieto, joelprieto@hotmail.com. Not sure if he's still there but if he is he runs a good trip. http://www.kenbondy.com/images/ProfessionalArticles/Baja2004... (see p. 8-10)

[Edited on 7-6-2015 by Ken Bondy]

Whale-ista - 7-6-2015 at 07:17 AM

Thank you for suggestion and great trip report. Enjoyed your travel log.
Quote: Originally posted by Ken Bondy  
August is a good month. If you want a guide, we have had good success with Joel Prieto, joelprieto@hotmail.com. Not sure if he's still there but if he is he runs a good trip. http://www.kenbondy.com/images/ProfessionalArticles/Baja2004... (see p. 8-10)

[Edited on 7-6-2015 by Ken Bondy]

Ateo - 7-6-2015 at 08:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ken Bondy  
August is a good month. If you want a guide, we have had good success with Joel Prieto, joelprieto@hotmail.com. Not sure if he's still there but if he is he runs a good trip. http://www.kenbondy.com/images/ProfessionalArticles/Baja2004... (see p. 8-10)

[Edited on 7-6-2015 by Ken Bondy]


Ken, Nice read. First time I've seen this. Thanks.

larryC - 7-6-2015 at 09:07 AM

Whale-ista
Lots of beach access in the south bay. There is a long sandy beach that has a dirt road going right to it. You can pull right up to the shore and launch your kayak. Watch out for sting rays in the shallow water. Also look on google earth and the beach and road will be obvious.
Larry

maryellen50 - 7-6-2015 at 09:44 AM

I sent an email to Joel but never responded so perhaps not in business anymore.
Everyone has told me August is the best month to see the whale sharks. It is also probably the hottest month as well. Not a month I would go camping for sure.

woody with a view - 7-6-2015 at 11:40 AM

we saw a few in June and they are usually there in Oct if not later. you should be able to arrange a 2-3 hour trip pretty easy. unless you plan on getting in the water with them (is that even allowed?) a 15 minute drive by will suffice.

Paulina - 7-6-2015 at 11:46 AM

There are lots of whale sharks here now. This morning we saw one right in front of town, close enough to swim to. The weather has been awesome, low 90s, breezy, very comfortable at night. If you camp south of town you can expect the temps to be about 10 deg. cooler than town.

P>*)))>{

maryellen50 - 7-6-2015 at 11:49 AM

The low 90's is not awesome for me. Definitely have to stay in a motel with those temps.

larryC - 7-6-2015 at 12:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Paulina  
There are lots of whale sharks here now. This morning we saw one right in front of town, close enough to swim to. The weather has been awesome, low 90s, breezy, very comfortable at night. If you camp south of town you can expect the temps to be about 10 deg. cooler than town.

P>*)))>{


Paulina
Quit giving away the south bay's secrets. The people at Rincon and up at La Gringa think they are happy.

woody with a view - 7-6-2015 at 01:17 PM

:lol:

Paulina - 7-6-2015 at 08:43 PM

Busted.

P>*)))>{