Cooler water temperatures associated with the 2012 La Nina conditions are partially responsible for the increased number of whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon this season. As of Saturday February 25th there were 347 gray whales counted in the lagoon according to the scientists of the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. We are expecting a record number of gray whales to make it to the lagoon this year.

We have seen a higher number of whales born in the lagoon earlier in the season than in other previous years.

This means more friendly encounters with mama and baby pairs. The babies need a couple weeks to become strong enough for the mother whale to feel comfortable sharing her baby with visitors. These baby whales grow at a rate of approximately 50 pounds per day and they are now definitely ready for some curious interactions with visitors! We are also expecting the number of friendly encounters to increase as this season progresses  and as the single male whales move on to more fertile breeding grounds. The female gray whale usually mates one year and dedicates that next year to the development of the unborn offspring. Once the mama whale returns to the lagoon and gives birth, she will typically dedicate the next year to nourishing and caring for the baby. She will then normally mate again on her third annual trip south. The mothers and babies are usually the last to leave the lagoon in mid-late April.

We miraculously still have spaces available at the height of the season: March 6-10, 10-14, 14-18, 18-22. These trips begin and end in Old Town San Diego with a luxury bus trip over the border to meet our chartered Cessna Caravan for the direct flight to the lagoon. They will not be available for long.

Other trips available: Self-arrival or Trans-peninsular

The whales will be here until at least April 15th! It is sure to be a memorable, if not life-changing experience. 

Watch the video clip of our awesome whale encounter taken on Feb 13th.

Contact us today to reserve your spot.

Stay tuned for our new video series highlighting the entire San Ignacio experience.

For more information on La Nina please visit: http://news.discovery.com/earth/la-ni%C3%B1as-back-but-mild-111118.html