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Whale Watching in Baja

I signed up for a group whale watching trip operated by a company called "Mar y Aventuras" which has permits to camp on a deserted island in Bahía Magdalena, commonly called Mag Bay. We were here to see some of the largest mammals on this planet on their 10,000 mile migration route, down from the waters off Alaska. They come to Baja Mexico to mate and/or give birth. The gestation period for gray whales is 11 - 13 months. Newborns nurse for around six months, drinking up to 50 gallons of milk each day - containing 53% fat! Calves may gain 60 to 70 pounds daily, building up blubber for their trip north.

We were lucky. On our first trip out in open 21-foot "panga" boats, whales passed right under us! But, we weren't lucky enough to have that rare encounter of being able to touch a curious baby whale. These are known to come right up to your boat. Perhaps next time!

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