Mexico
“There is probably no body of water in the world where more species of whales can be seen more reliably and more clearly than in the Sea of Cortez,” writes Dr. Lyall Watson in his book Whales of the World. The thirty-nine species that it’s possible to see here include the 17,000 grays that migrate to Baja’s warm waters each year to breed and give birth. Perceptions surround Baja — distant, somewhat mystical, beautiful, a frontier — as they do in Alaska. Which may explain why most of it has remained a pristine wonderland. And now as of July 14, 2005 the islands and protected areas of the Sea of Cortez were registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Why we love it here: We take an almost personal pride in introducing guests to ‘Mexico’s Galápagos.’ Endemic plants and animals, 50 uninhabited islands, rich marine mammal and seabird populations — Baja offers us so much to see and so much to do on and in the water.
Why you might want to visit Baja: Every year California gray whales migrate from arctic waters to Baja’s protected lagoons. It’s the longest mammal migration known, and one of nature’s great spectacles. In addition to the ‘gift’ of observing the grays during their breeding, calving and nurturing cycle, Baja also gives us a season-long feast of whale watching: fins, blues, orcas and humpbacks — plus dolphins, seabirds and sea lions. There are few places on the planet that offer the ‘harmonic convergences’ that Baja does — of desert warmth, glorious beaches, sea activities and the endlessly fascinating spectacle of creatures going about the business of their lives, allowing us to freely observe them.
Why you might want to go there with us: Slim as a blade, the Baja California peninsula jack-knifes from mainland Mexico, creating a cleft filled by the Sea of Cortez. For over 20 years, we’ve been exploring Baja’s twin natures: the Pacific side with its quiet lagoons that act as a safe nursery for gray whale calves; and the Sea of Cortez where marine mammals frolic with abandon, leaping alongside us as we explore. Our Baja experience and expertise virtually guarantees that we will provide you with the whale watching encounters and the wildlife observations that you book an expedition to have. No other company can reveal the magic and mystery of Baja, and give you the through-the-skin level of contact that we can.*
*(this text is copied from Lindblad Expeditions site with their permission.)