| Ensenada de La Paz our home base for eco-tours, is one of the winter (Feb-April) homes of a variety of different species of whales and various birds. The magnificent Blue Whales, the largest living creatures on earth, come to the Sea of Cortez each year. While searching for Blue Whales we will, at times, encounter Humpback, Sperm, Finback, Minke, and occasionally Orcas, along with schools of dolphin and Pilot whales. Among the many species of birds you will encounter are the magnicent frigates, egrets, grebes, herons, 3 species of booby birds, pelicans and a vast variety of gulls. We will anchor at scenic secluded islands and fishing villages for beach combing, snorkeling, hiking and exploring. Some of the activities you can enjoy while aboard Tesero Del Mar or Irish Mist are whale watching, playing with the sea lions (either in the water or from our kayaks or launch), beach combing, bird watching, and exploring the mangrove estuaries by foot, launch, or in our kayaks. The Sea of Cortez is very unique. The anchorages are not crowded, and at times we will be the only boat at anchor in one of the many secluded coves. We have a variety of beaches and they are usually deserted. There are kayaking groups that camp on some of the beaches at this time of the year, but you will be amazed at the solitude. The landscape is rough and barren, cactus growing from sheer cliffs and rocks. The contrasts of the colors are spectacular, but every cove seems to be different. It is very peaceful and relaxing. We cater to families, and the kids will always have plenty to do. The most popular activities are kayaking and snorkeling. We have very stable double sit on top kayaks which are always very popular. Today there are thought to be about 20,000 gray whales in the eastern North Pacific. During the winter they migrate down from Alaska to the Pacific lagoons along the Baja peninsula. Here you can see and experience these gentle creatures up close from an outboard-powered launch. Although the guides will never pursue the whales, at times the "friendlies", as they are called, will approach a launch to interact with humans. You will see the whales socializing, breeding, calving, breaching and spouting in the bay. The gray whale averages from 39 to 46 feet in length, and an adult whale weighs from 15 to 35 tons. The gray whale migrates south from Alaska to breed and give birth in the Pacific lagoons of Baja California Sur. Their natural enemies are sharks and killer whales. Their unnatural enemies are pollution, nets, and humans, yet they are still friendly towards man. These gentle giants have been extinct in the Atlantic Ocean since the 1600's due to hunting. In the Eastern Pacific the population was reduced almost to extinction in the mid-1800's. They started to recover when they were temporarily ignored by the whalers. Their numbers grew, and then in the early 1900's they were again hunted by whalers, and they were once again almost eliminated. In 1946 they officially became protected, and hunting of the gray whale ceased. All of our eco-trips ARE PRIVATE, we do not group passengers. Our trips include: deluxe hearty meals, national liquors, beer, sodas and snacks, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, beachcombing, exploring the local area, relaxing and having a great time. You don't have to have any boating experience to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sea of Cortez, which is truly one of the last frontiers on earth. Bahia Magdalena/Lopez Mateos and the local islands are regulated by environmental agencies of the Mexican government to insure that tourist activities will not adversely affect the whales or the environment. Baja Coast Seafaris, as a responsible eco-tour operator, is committed to protecting the land and sea environment. Our activities are fully permitted by the Mexican government. All of our guests will be informed by B.C.SEAFARIS of government policies which are designed to protect our environment.
SAMPLE ITINERARY* We offer many different types of charters which are customized to your desires. On our longer trips we can visit more islands & some very unique areas further away from La Paz. This is just one of many examples. Let us know what you would like, and I'll work out a package price for you. You do not have to know how to sail or have any boating experience to have a great time. All of our trips are PRIVATE. Your group will be the only passengers onboard. Whale watching is only a part of the overall experience, we offer many other activities. All activities offered are affected by the weather and may change.
Arrival Day...
Day 1... After boarding at 10:30am we'll leave the beautiful bay of La Paz around 11:00am. We usually will have lunch underway and spend the early afternoon searching for whales, birds, and other types of sea life. Part of your day can be spent swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or just kick back & relax. That evening you will enjoy cocktails as you experience one of our famous Baja sunsets, while a superb dinner is being prepared.
Day 2 ... After breakfast we depart for one of the many beautiful coves on Isla Partida. Activities before lunch will be searching for whales and sea life. We will anchor for lunch, later in the day you can enjoy sailing, beachcombing, bird watching, sea kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing or just relaxing.
Day 3... We are off to Los Islotes. This is the largest sea lion colony in the Sea of Cortez. You can swim with the baby sea lions, or kayak around the island and observe these interesting animals in their natural habitat. We can also explore Los Islotes with our launch for those who don't want to snorkel or kayak. You will then enjoy lunch underway as we search for whales and other sea life. We then will spend the rest of the afternoon at Ensenada Grande, one of the most beautiful bays on Isla Partida. After cocktails you will enjoy another great dinner, and the peace and solitude of this secluded island.
Day 4... After breakfast we depart for one of the many beautiful coves on Espirtu Santo. Activities before lunch will be searching for whales and sea life. We will anchor for lunch, later in the day you can enjoy sailing, beachcombing, bird watching, sea kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, fishing or just relaxing.
Day 5... After breakfast we will depart for one of the anchorages near La Paz. We will anchor at one of the coves on Isla Espiritu Santo for lunch. After lunch we will get in one last sail as we work our way across the San Lorenzo channel. Depending on the time of year we will either anchor at Bahia Balandra, Caleta Lobos or Bahia Pichilingue. If the winds are from the west we may anchor in the bay of La Paz.
Day 6... After breakfast we will get underway and arrive at the Marina by 11 am. Your afternoon & evening can be spent shopping, sightseeing and enjoying the local cuisine. You would spend this night in your hotel.
Day 7... After an early morning breakfast you will continue your whale watching adventure to Lopez Mateos. After a 2 1/2 hour drive through the Magdalena Plain over to the pacific side of the Baja, you will be taken out by launch to experience the gray whales. The time on the launch is around 2 hours and a terrific lunch is included. You will return to La Paz late afternoon and you will spend the night at your Hotel. Your evening can be spent shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Day 8... In the morning. Taxis are very easy to obtain in front of the hotel for your ride to the La Paz airport. * Itineraries always will depend on weather conditions. ** If you prefer you can spend an extra night and day out at the islands in lieu of the day trip to Mag Bay (Feb-March). In late March and April there are no trips to Mag Bay, and your entire trip will be in the Sea of Cortez. *** Extra days can be added or subtracted to your trip.
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