Get Ready to Whale Watch in Baja!

Gray whales are 52 feet long and weigh 36 tons, yet are gentle enough to touch… and Baja California’s Pacific coast is the perfect place to experience the thrill!

Every year in November, more than 10 thousand gray whales trade the freezing waters of Alaska’s Bering Sea for the warmth of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Traveling along the Pacific coastline at top speeds of five mph and with pregnant females in the lead, the whales take about four months to make the 10 thousand miles roundtrip.

Once the whales reach the Mexican coast, they mate, bask in soothing lagoons and give birth, making January through early April the peak time to whale watch. During these months, boat excursions are available all along Baja California, giving tourists the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural environment, see the newborn calves and enjoy the blowhole water shows.

Gray whales are so friendly that on many occasions they swim right up to the boats and even allow human contact. In early spring, the calves and their mothers are the last to head back up north, and without the presence of the males, mothers are less protective, often allowing their young to approach tour boats more freely.

Where to watch
Although a small percentage of whales, particularly those that are not giving birth, make it as far south as Cabo San Lucas and the East Cape on the southern tip of the Baja, most whale-watching takes place in three major lagoons all the coastline of the Baja Peninsula.

Laguna Ojo de Liebre: Also known as Scammon’s Lagoon, this body of water is located half-way down the peninsula on the Pacific side in Guerrero Negro, about 440 miles south of the border. It was the principal hunting lagoon used by commercial whale hunters in the 19th century. Today tourists arrive to the lagoon by car, but a national airport is also available for tourists flying in from other destinations in Mexico.

Laguna San Ignacio: Located 100 miles south of Laguna Ojo de Liebre, access to this site is mostly through charter air service from international airports such as San Diego and Tijuana.

Bahia Magdalena (Magdalena Bay): This bay in becoming increasingly popular for whale-watching due to its proximity to the La Paz and Loreto International airports.

How to get there
Tourists can arrive by charter plane and/or ground to the lagoons. Loreto’s International airport is the closest international airport to the lagoons, with limited service provided by Aeromexico and Aero California. Baja California’s capital, La Paz, is located approximately halfway between Loreto and Cabo and its larger airport offers more flight options.

Whale-watching options
Gray whale excursions comprise half-day or day trips, packages based out of whale-watching camps, and cruise programs that allow tourists to sleep onboard ships. There are various tour operators that specialize in whale-watching, including some major ones below.

Baja Expeditions: Based in La Paz and one of the oldest and largest whale-watching outfitters, Baja Expeditions service both the Magdalena Bay and San Ignacio lagoons. It offers charter flights directly from San Diego to San Ignacio and five-day, all-inclusive packages, including accommodations at the camps. It also offers seven-day combined kayaking and whale-watching programs to Magdalena Bay, meeting at the La Paz International Airport. Programs run from February to end of March.

Baja Discovery Tours: Boasting more than 20 years experience, Baja Discovery Tours it offers all-inclusive service from the San Diego International airport, including ground service to Tijuana, charter service to San Ignacio and accommodations at the San Ignacio camp. Five-day programs run from February to end of March.

Lindblad’s Special Expeditions: This provider offers nine-day cruises featuring whale-watching at Magdalena Bay along with other destinations and activities. Groups meet in Los Cabos.

Miramar Adventures: Offers three-day excursions to the Ojo de Liebre lagoon. Tourists arrive by car.

For those not interested in signing up for a whale-watching package, Puerto Lopez Mateos or Puerto San Carlos at Magdalena Bay are quaint sleepy villages where boats can be rented for US$50 a day, skipper included, and are located two hours by car from the Loreto International Airport.

Gray whales aren’t the only species to see while in Baja. Sea Kayak Adventures: also offers kayaking/camping adventures out of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez, located on the eastern side of the Baja Peninsula. Tourists can watch finback and blue whales, along with dolphins, sea lions and exotic fish. Apart from paddling among islands, additional activities include snorkeling and hiking up scenic canyons offering breathtaking panoramas.

More on gray whales
Hunted for their oils, blubber and other valuable products, gray whales were once victims of massive slaughters in the 1800s and early 20th century. The hunting continued until the numbers were reduced to only a few hundred, and the whales were subsequently placed on the endangered species list.

Thanks to an international protection agreement made among several countries in the 1940s, the whales’ numbers have grown at an incredible rate. Today, more than 20,000 gray whales exist and although still protected, they were removed from the endangered species list in 1975. Gray whales are among the oldest species of mammals, inhabiting the Earth for about 30 million years.

About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Sailing Safety

Sailing, like most activities, does have some possible dangers. Knowledge, preparation and care, can help prevent most serious problems. Consider the following ideas when preparing for your sailing adventure.

Evaluate Skill Levels
Consider the experience level of those participating, age, strength and understanding of first aid. Going out on the community lake verses taking on the ocean are obviously opposite conditions. Getting in over your head can lead to inadequate skill and knowledge necessary for sailing conditions or unexpected events. Although most situations can easily be handled, such a scraps and abrasions, others take more judgement and knowledge. Having clear thinking, good judgement and experience cannot be overrated. Make sure those participating are able to handle the situations that may arise.

Life Preservers
Everyone on a sailing vessel should have a life preserver, and wear it, especially children. The unexpected can always happen and being prepared for it could save a life. Falling from a boat and hitting your head can be very serious, even a good swimmer can get knocked out and a jacket will keep them a float. To help make jackets comfortable, fit them for the individual. If it is the right size, comfortable and a style that is preferred, it will be easier to wear. Although some situations are rare, one cannot rule out the possibility that they could happen. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Sailing Shoes
Due to the nature of sailing, lots of water is involved! Sailing shoes will give feet grip on a wet deck and help with balance, control and walking around. A simple slip can cause a twisted ankle, bruises or pulled muscles that not only make sailing uncomfortable, but might cut a trip early.

First Aid Kit
Have a first aid kit on board and stocked, and check it before each trip. Small problems can lead to big ones if not taken care of properly and promptly. Clean cuts and wounds, use anti-biotic ointment and cover it well. Have pain medicine and other bandages as well as basic knowledge of first aid care. Instructions or directions would also be helpful on board, especially for possible dangers such as hypothermia. Sometimes in an emergency a person does not think clearly or quickly. Having information at hand will help handle the situation quickly and correctly.

Clothing and Sunscreen
Wind and sun can damage your skin and be uncomfortable. Wear clothes that protect you and help against these conditions. Those who frequently go out in the sun, over a long period of time, without sunscreen will be at a higher risk for skin cancer. Apply sunscreen thirty minutes before sun exposure and every hour or so while outside. A sunburn can occur even a cloudy day, so always protect your skin.

Although these suggestions are simple and basic, that is often why they are ignored. Following basic safety measures will help prevent serious problems and allow you to be prepared for the small ones that occur more frequently. By thinking ahead accidents can be avoided and small problems will be taken care of before they become big ones.



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-articles/sailing-safety-212585.html


About the Author:
Rob Daniels is an avid snorkeler and outdoor enthusiasts more at Snorkeling Shop http://www.snorkeling-shop.com and Kayak Escape http://www.kayak-escape.com

One Size Doesn't Fit All Adventures - Kayak Types Explained

Yes, there are many kayak types. They differ greatly in their size and construction but there is sure to be one out there for you. Whether you're a hardcore entheusiast or weekend hobbyist, read the descriptions below so you know what you need - if you're going to buy or rent a kayak for your next trip.

Sea Kayak

A sea kayak is typically built for one or two people. They are highly maneuverable and tend to be more stable than other sport kayaks. (Often longer than 15 feet.) The kinds of crafts can be found as a sit-on-top model, which are usually wider because of their higher center of gravity and seat position above the water level. The other variety is built with a rigid - but light - fiberglass frame. Some types of sea kayaks are equipped to carry enough gear suitable for a longer trip.

Recreational Kayak

This type of craft is the PERFECT way to spend the day navigating a quiet lake or stream. Recreational kayaks are generally wider and way more stable than other kinds. Unlike the sea variety, these don't usually extend beyond 11 or 12 feet in length. This gives them the ability to weave around tight corners and still provide maximum comfort.

Although recreational kayaks don't include much storage, their very suited for quick jaunts in still waters. They, however, are not very suitable for rough weather.

Pedal Kayak

Commonly referred to as a kind of "paddle boat", pedal kayaks introduce the novice to the world, and the motion of, kayaking. By using your feet in a round about or alternating manner, fins equipped on the boat move you forward through the water.

Whitewater Kayak

Whitewater kayaks are very simply constructed. They're short, fast and durable. Most paddlers love these light crafts because of their ease of use and maneuverability.

Inflatable Kayak

You may think this kind of watercraft is for kids and beginners. Well, think again. Many well-performing kayaks are inflatable and provide a comfortable ride while still remaining durable and agile.

Folding Kayaks

Part kayak, part transformer, folding kayaks are a strange breed and don't readily fall onto the kayak types described above. Ages ago, folders where merely animal skins stretched over wooden frames that could be disassembled and carried for long distances. Although putting them together is sometimes not an easy task, they can prove invaluable when you need to carry many items on a wilderness trek.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-articles/one-size-doesnt-fit-all-adventures-kayak-types-explained-78248.html


About the Author:
Kayakadvice.com offers lessons for the beginning paddler as well as a buyer's guide and kayak vacation planner for the kayaking enthusiast.