1

I have been to Baja's whale grounds many times over many years, if you look at FAQ #37 you will see my opinions...
A 2 hour drive from Loreto to Puerto Lopez Mateos is again in my opinion the best place to view/ pet whales, all the other places it takes up to 45 min. to get to the whale grounds from shore and all are subject to high winds where pangas will not go out in...it would be a shame to drive all that way to have 3 days of wind ruin your trip...please read #37 in Mexico FAQ............

2

The OP must have a hefty travel budget, to afford the excursions to observe the whales. Enjoy!

LW

3

#2, why make a statement about someones travel budget?
How much do you think it cost to visit and pet whales?
It appears you have never had the pleasure of a whale tour in Baja...

4

I can't find an FAQ anywhere though I think I read it some time ago. I wish the signposting was better on the site.

I have allowed extra days to see the whales because of the weather problems. Everyone seems to have such wildly opposing views of where the best place is I thought the only way of ensuring a good visit was to do all three. Overkill I agree but better than just going for one and being disappointed.

5

Go to the top of this page, hit the blue words-Americas-Mexico...
Scroll down the second post called MEXICO BRANCH FAQ...
Go to page 3 then scroll to #37.....good luck

6

I can't compare the various places but can share my recent experience at Scammons Lagoon in Guerro Negro from last month (Jan 1st). We drove on our own thru the salt flats to the pier. The area appered to be profesional and regulated, not just a bunch of fisherman with a boat trying to hustle a few dollars from tourists. The posted price was $45 per person ($35 for kids, though they did end up letting the 4 year old go for free). This seemed expensive to us, and my friend who speaks fluent spanish and is very adept at haggling couldnt get the price down any, even though it was still early in the season. We went out with a mexican couple who had showed up earlier, so only 6 of us in the 10 person panga (plus the captain/guide). It only took about 10 minutes to get out to where we saw our first whale. The guide said it was still early, only about 20-30 whales were present, but we saw quite a few, both up close (15 meters away) and distant. At times we had some close by, while we saw others spouting in several other directions. We saw several tail flukes and a head pop up twice (at a distant), but no exciting activity. Was told they get more friskier later in the season. We were out on the boat for a total of two hours, which was long enough. We had great weather with no problems with wind or waves. Was led to believe that there are 2 other operations which take people out to see the whales in the lagoons, that were located closer to Guerro Negro, near the inlet from the ocean, but don't have any specific info on them

7

nice report, only mistake it is spelled Guerrero Negro= Black Warrior, the name of Captain Scammons ship...

8

OK, thanks for letting me know, it was very kind of you.