phoenix2121
Junior Nomad
Posts: 85
Registered: 8-16-2008
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Whale Sharks in Baja
Can anyone give us some info on a bucket list item of ours?
We'd love to head to the Sea of Cortez for swimming with some whale sharks. Since we'll be based in northern baja (TJ to Ensenada corridor) the closer
the better. I'm assuming San Felipe might be our best bet?
Do they head up that far into the Gulf?
What are we looking at as far as cost to rent a Panga to take us out on a tour?
Are some parts of the year better than others? We planned to make the mini-vacation trip in June.
Any help is appreciated, as always. Thanks!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn\'t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
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Marc
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I have seen them in Gonzaga and BOLA spring, summer, and fall. At Daggett's in BOLA a panga will cost $100 to $150 USD. It's great fun to jump in and
swim with them. I regret that I did not have a waterproof camera. They are not to be touched but we could not resist taking a short ride on the dorsal
and tail of this one.
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David K
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L.A. Bay is 'famous' for them... all paved drive from Ensenada, about 7-8 hours.
Gonzaga Bay is the most north I have read of them, 34 dirt miles, about 8-9 hours from Ensenada via Hwy. 1, OR all paved and about 6 hours via Hwy. 3
& 5 through San Felipe (and a far prettier drive from Ensenada).
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willardguy
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some years they're so thick in gonzaga bay its a pain to navigate around em, other years not so much. here's an interesting link. http://www.bajaairventures.com/BajaWhaleShark.html
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MrBillM
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A Whale of a Ride
IF the Whale Sharks didn't appreciate the ride, they would let it be known. They certainly have the size advantage.
The few times that I've been involved in Gonzaga, they seemed good-natured about it.
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BigOly
Senior Nomad
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Location: Los Barriles, Bandon
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A month or so ago I swam with whale sharks in La Paz. Got within touching distance but our guide said touching them could cause transfer of disease
or fungus. With respect to these magnificent creatures, photos were enough
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phoenix2121
Junior Nomad
Posts: 85
Registered: 8-16-2008
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Great info, thanks!
We've heard others mention Bahia de Los Angeles too, so that's probably the way we'll go. 8-9 hours would make for a good weekend camping trip and an
awesome experience for my son.
Anyone have contact information for where to find a panga to take us out?
It was mentioned above that it was $100-$150 for a panga. Is that for a day? Few hours? Per person, or are you renting the boat and however many
people can fit in are good?
Also, good camping recommendations in that area (we like remote) are always welcome. We've got 4-wheel drive (Jeep Liberty) but not a hardcore
off-road vehicle... so, keep that in mind.
[Edited on 4-2-2014 by phoenix2121]
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn\'t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
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