Pitaya
Newbie
Posts: 1
Registered: 10-14-2009
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Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Hello Baja experts!
Can I get some help planning for my trip to Baja?
I am flying in/out of San Jose del Cabo in the last week of January, and will be spending a bit more than a week. I am not at all interested in Cabo
party/resort scene, but because there is no other airports I can fly in.
Anyway, my original thought was to check out both east and west cape, as well as La Paz area. But more I read about Baja, more I started to think it
will be nice to go on a whale watch boat. I would love to get some opinion if my plan would work.
Day 1 Cabo area
Day 2 & 3 Drive along the east coast & La Paz
Day 4 drive to Cd. Constitution
Day 5 whale watch from Puerto San Carlos
Day 6 drive back to La Paz
Day 7 drive via west coast to Cabo San Lucas
Day 8 leave Baja
I know this is a bit rushed, but I like driving so I don't mind that part. From the road maps, it looks that it is only a few hours drive (3 hours?)
from La Paz to Cd. Constitution. So I am thinking that I can have relaxed morning in La Paz, but still get to Cd. Constitution shortly after dark
after a leisurely drive. Is this realistic? Is whale watch from Magdalena Bay worth this extra driving?
For the whale watch itself, is this something that I can get a boat just by showing up at the pier? or do I need to go through a tour company?
Another thing, if I do whale watch early morning, (like 8-12noon) I am thinking that there should be enough time for me to get back to La Paz or even
to Cabo. Is this crazy?
I appreciate any comments or advise.
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losfrailes
Senior Nomad
Posts: 577
Registered: 11-16-2004
Location: Ejido San Lucas near Santa Rosalia
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Mood: Good!
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consider flying in/out of Loreto and save yourself about 2 hours driving.
Lots closer than Los Cabos
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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If I was to fly to Loreto (and considering it's probably going to cost more than SJD), I'd seriously think about going to San Ignacio for whales. I
know it's a longer drive by several hours, but it can be combined with visits to Mulege, Santa Rosalia and of course the village of San Ignacio. That
said, given the itninerary you posted, you really should be able to accomplish more. For instance, except for the initial ascent North from La Paz,
there is much straight and flat highway on to Cd Constitucion. I can't imagine it taking more than 2 1/2 hours, possibly less. But I don't know how
you drive. Similarly, Cabo to La Paz is much faster via Todos Santos. However,the East Cape route can be quite beautiful, including a good dose of
mountian driving. I would actually be interested in hearing from some folks in the area as to how recovery is coming along in that whole Mag Bay area.
The had the crap beaten out of them by Hurricane Jimena.
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monoloco
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6667
Registered: 7-13-2009
Location: Pescadero BCS
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You could just go to La Pastora north of Todos Santos and watch the whales play in the surf. They come in very close to shore in this area.
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Baja&Back
Senior Nomad
Posts: 549
Registered: 9-10-2004
Location: Vancouver, Canada / todo de Baja
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Mood: Rarin' to go South!
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That early in the whale season, you should either forget it or travel to Guerrero Negro - only reasonable possibility there. Magdalena Bay is empty.
San Ignacio Bay had a whole 5 whales last time we tried late Jan.
You might make further inquiry with the tour operators by email.
We have run RV caravans in Baja for 7 years & have tried all the tours thru Jan, Feb & Mar. Jan is a bit early for a GOOD whale experience.
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Alan
Super Nomad
Posts: 1626
Registered: 4-6-2005
Location: Yucaipa, CA/La Paz
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The distances you are talking about aren't all that far.
SJD to La Paz a little over two hours (MX1 or 19)
Lap Paz to San Carlos (recommend PLM) a little over two hours
In Memory of E-57
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Barry & Vanda do make a point. All of our early season trips have been to Guerrero Negro. However, fact is that no matter what segment of whale
season, there will always be more whales in Ojo De Liebre by Guerrero Negro than anywhere else. A small number of whales is not always bad. Late in
season, the males have departed and whatever remaining moms and calves tend to be quite friendly.
That said, Pitaya, you have scheduled a week. You seem to be flying to Cabo reluctantly because of fare and/or availability. Are you booked at a
resort, or are you winging it? Where are you flying from? While I don't recommend it for everyone, we have driven from SoCal to Cabo and back in a
week. Another option previously mentioned was flying to Loreto. You can easily see La Paz on an over-nighter and back. You can do the same all the way
to San Ignacio and Guerrero Negro. Just a matter of how much driving you are comfortable with.
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