It was just about 40 years ago, that Francisco "Pachico" Mayoral, a fisherman in San Ignacio, was the first to experience a grey whale seeking human interaction. Pachico was fishing in the Lagoon and a grey whale leaned its head on the side of his 18 foot boat, and looked him straight in the eye. Pachico still insists the huge whale "wanted to be friends".
Kissing a baby Grey Whale
When Pachico returned to his village and told his story, everyone thought he was crazy. This was the very same Lagoon where whales were slaughtered for their oil, just 100 years ago! But, they found that the whales did want to be friends! Since then, this remote Lagoon has become the place in the world for us to make contact with these huge mammals (49 feet and 40 tons) we now call "friendlies".
To get to the Lagoon, we drive through the palm oasis village of San Ignacio, settled in the 1700's.
My only bucket list trip was to go to Mexico and interact with the whales. Everything about this trip was amazing and far exceeded my hopes. The inn and the beautiful time in Loreto was wonderful. Our diverse group of travelers, being led by Deb, bonded and shared the joy and wonder. But of course the experience I will carry deepest in my heart are the whales. Everyday we would be able to pet and some days even kiss the baby whales. Sometimes our boat was surrounded by eight whales. The Whale Camp and staff were amazing. I will carry this memory forever in my heart. Thank you Deb!" ~Allis McLaughlin, Portland, Oregon April 2015
Watch this incredible 4-minute video to see how whales change the earth's climate:
The Lagoon stretches 16 miles into the desert from the Pacific Ocean, and is 5 miles wide. We will stay right on the beach of the Lagoon in small cabins for 4 days/3 nights and go out in small "pangas" every day to spend time with these beautiful creatures. Often, they will bring their young to our small boats to be petted, scratched, and kissed.
Vermillion Flycatcher - Tracy Wohl
We'll have time to explore the mangroves and see many of the 225 species of birds around the Lagoon. Some of my favorites are the Cape-Pygmy Owls, Vermillion Flycatchers, and Peregrine Falcons.
Loreto, Baja Sur
Before and after our excursion to the Lagoon, we'll be in Loreto, a historic town on the beautiful Sea of Cortez; the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding area!
Price: $2495 includes: 8 nights lodging (double occupancy), over half of your meals, all ground transportation between Loreto and San Ignacio Lagoon, excursions to see the whales, a day at Coronado Island in the Sea of Cortez off Loreto, experienced hosts, and guides.
Not included: Roundtrip transportation to Loreto before and after the event ~ Meals en route or in Loreto, or dinner in San Ignacio ~ Tips to guides ~ personal items.
To reserve your space, with a $500 non-refundable deposit, please contact Deborah at: timelessjourneys@gmail.com