Bajatiger
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 1-25-2011
Location: Los Angeles
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Whale watching in mid February
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!
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Howard
Super Nomad
Posts: 2353
Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
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Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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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.
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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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.
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
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Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
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im no pro as ive only lived down sinvce 78-79 winter ...but is anything in gn that I would find to be good???????????????
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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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?
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
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| 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]
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bajafam
Senior Nomad
Posts: 654
Registered: 9-6-2009
Location: Northeast AZ, Bahia Asuncion, BCS :)
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Mood: DLTBGYD
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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 
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