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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Luggage can be stored at the front desk until rooms are ready. Walking approximately 1/2 mile; mostly flat, paved path; standing approximately 1 hour at aquarium.
Morning: Program Registration & Orientation: 11:30 a.m. Check the hotel event board for the location of our Road Scholar private meeting room. Register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, and other important information. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet at the hotel front desk when you check in. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our knowledgeable Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader for most field trips and deliver educational content unless specified otherwise. Transportation will be via private motorcoach. While in Mexico, purified water will always be available on the motorcoach, at the hotels, and in restaurants. For meals that offer a choice of dishes, we will circulate a form in advance to note each person’s preferences and save time ordering. Both a valid passport and a personal permit are required for entry into Mexico and returning into the United States. The permit will be issued by the Immigration Bureau upon entering Mexico. Keep the permit with you. The Group Leader will be on hand to assist as needed. Participants must carry all their belongings across the border when entering Mexico and again when re-entering the United States. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Lunch: In our private meeting room, we’ll have a buffet lunch featuring pasta and sliced meats, plus coffee, tea (hot/iced), water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon: We will then hop aboard our motorcoach and drive North to reach the exclusive La Jolla community where we will visit the world renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Birch Aquarium. At the aquarium, a member of the education department staff will present a lecture followed by an expert-led exploration of the Aquarium that has exhibits with more than 60 environments. Next, we will ride into La Jolla and set out for a nature walk with our Group Leader along the famous coves that will take us to nearby Seal Beach, protected by cliffs and part of a marine reserve. We’ll get off the motorcoach for a leisurely walk along the famous La Jolla Coves, including famed seal beach, before returning for dinner.
Dinner: At a lively Italian restaurant, we’ll have a hearty plated meal with a nonalcoholic beverage included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 200 miles (320 km), approximately 5 hours. Walking approximately 2 miles throughout the day. Standing and walking at a slow pace for up to 1 hour per activity. Must carry all belongings across the border and walk 200 feet.
Breakfast: In a private section of the hotel’s main lobby, we’ll have a breakfast buffet with beverage choices of milk, orange juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and begin our quest for gray whales, driving through the most-crossed border in the world, separating the United States and Mexico at San Ysidro. Together with the Group Leader, we must get off the bus and walk across the border (approximately 200 feet) carrying all our belongings as we go through Mexican immigration and customs. Each participant must fill out a form to obtain a permit issued by the Immigration Bureau. In the Mexican city of Tijuana just across the border, we will ride to the Tijuana Cultural Center, known as CECUT. Since its foundation in 1982, CECUT has presented numerous art forms and themes exemplifying contemporary culture. The modern Museo de las Californias in the central building uses visual displays to present the history of both states of the Baja California Peninsula: Baja California and Baja California Sur. A member of the staff will lead our exploration. We’ll then drive on to Ensenada along Mexican Federal Highway 1 that runs the entire length of Baja California from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. The scenic drive offers beautiful views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean. Our Group Leader will give us a presentation as we ride.
Lunch: In a private home in Ensenada, we’ll have a home-cooked 3-course meal featuring local Mexican favorites accompanied by fruit-flavored water. As we explore our hosts’ home, they will answer any questions.
Afternoon: Returning to the motorcoach, we will drive along the city’s older streets while hearing stories of past and present from our Group Leader. Ensenada rests on the shores of the beautiful Todos Santos Bay, offering a Mediterranean climate, friendly people, and a historical ambiance. Heading further south, we’ll stop for a field trip in San Vicente and visit a small community museum maintained by an enthusiastic local lady who proudly welcomes guests to her museum. The final portion of our journey to San Quintin brings us through one of the peninsula’s most important agricultural areas. We expect to reach the hotel — situated in front of a wide-open beach — in the late afternoon for check-in. After some time to freshen up and relax, we’ll gather at the bar for a welcome toast to Mexico before dinner.
Dinner: At the hotel, we will have a plated meal featuring local products and a non-alcoholic beverage; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure. You might like to take a walk along the sandy beach.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 264 miles (425 km), approximately 5 hours throughout the day. Short walks up to 1/2 mile; slight uphill, uneven paths.
Breakfast: At the hotel, we will have a plated meal with choices including Mexican and international dishes accompanied by a small fruit dish plus orange juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: We’ll see ruggedly beautiful landscapes as we ride into the desert and begin to explore its wonders. The mountainous peninsula is covered by innumerable species of flora, many of which are endemic. Among them is the cirio (boojum tree), Baja's signature plant. Our Group Leader will provide expert commentary aboard the motorcoach to introduce the varied desert eco-systems as well as local flora to help us recognize and understand the distinctive vegetation during short nature walks in these magnificent landscapes. Before lunch, we will stop at a cave with simple cave paintings in the middle of the Valle de los Cirios Nature Reserve. Cataviña is surrounded by gigantic granite boulders and unique vegetation. The scenic hike to the cave offers exceptional views both at the bottom and top of the hill where the cave is located. We will be joined by local schoolchildren who will lend a helping hand where the terrain is most challenging. The kids speak minimal English, so use your Spanish — no matter how rudimentary — or communicate in the universal language of gestures. As we interact with these youngsters, we’ll get a sense of what life is like in such a remote place.
Lunch: We’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant in Cataviña and have a choice of plated Mexican or international dishes, plus a beer or a non-alcoholic beverage; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon: We’ll reboard the motorcoach and continue our drive to Guerrero Negro — Black Warrior — situated on the 28th parallel just below the border with Baja California Sur. It also marks the beginning of the Vizcaino World Biosphere, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to whale sanctuaries, migrant birds, endemic vegetation, gigantic rock art caves, and the world’s largest salt plant. Arriving in Guerrero Negro, we’ll check into the hotel with some time to freshen up, then gather for a toast and chat with fellow Road Scholars before dinner.
Dinner: At the hotel, we will have a buffet dinner featuring Mexican dishes plus a beer or a nonalcoholic beverage; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting in/out of a motorcoach. Driving about 90 miles (145 km), approximately 2 hours. Getting in/out of a small boat (capacity 10-16); approximately 3 hours on an outboard motor boat. Dress in layers with waterproof jacket or windbreaker for our boat ride; likely to get wet.
Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have plated meals with a choice of Mexican and international breakfast dishes plus orange juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: We’ll check out of the hotel early and board our motorcoach for a field trip with our Group Leader to a nature reserve. Here in an enormous salt marsh, birds migrate from Russia, Canada, and other countries. Ospreys are particularly numerous, nesting on telephone poles and even on the ground. Permission to enter the whale sanctuaries is granted only to a restricted number of companies. We will drive to the office of the whale watching company, hop onto their minibuses, and drive across part of the Exportadora de Sal, an enormous salt plant. As we ride, we’ll learn about the history and process of Baja's solar evaporation salt production process. Then our gray whale adventure begins! Reaching the pier on Scammon’s Lagoon, we’ll embark on a memorable outing to meet the gray whales. We will divide into smaller groups and join the skilled captains of panga boats who will be in charge during our field trip. In each small panga, we’ll ride out among the whales to view these massive mammals at arm's length, perhaps closer. Each year, gray whales travel some 5,000 miles from the Bering and Chukchi Seas to the warm waters of Baja’s wildlife refuges to court, mate, give birth, and care for their young.
Lunch: Aboard the boats in a tranquil lagoon, we’ll have sandwiches with fruit, chocolate, and a soft drink.
Afternoon: We’ll reboard the motorcoach and ride on to San Ignacio. We’ll explore this charming town that developed around an imposing 18th-century mission, still in use today. After we check in at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a short break to freshen up and relax. Then, before dinner, we’ll mingle with local children who will present a lively folk dance performance.
Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated Mexican dinner plus a beer or a nonalcoholic beverage; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles (128 km), approximately 3 hours; short portion along a graded road. Getting on/off small panga boats from the beach, possibly wading into shallow water up to knee high. Riding in pangas approximately 2.5 hours. Bring water shoes, waterproof gear, wear roll-up pants.
Breakfast: At the hotel, we will have a plated meal with choices of Mexican and international dishes accompanied by a small fruit dish plus orange juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: With our Group Leader, we will hop into vans and drive to the secluded San Ignacio Lagoon for another adventuresome ride among whales. Each outing is different, offering new experiences. We will see small fishing settlements along the shore of the lagoon and some eco-camps authorized to service the whale excursions. Arriving at a designated eco-camp, we’ll prepare for a second memorable outing preceded by a short presentation by camp personnel on the whales, the lagoon, and the whale-counting process. We’ll then divide into small groups and board the panga boats with their captains and look for those blows, humps, and fins!
Lunch: On the shore of the San Ignacio Lagoon, we’ll have lunch under a traditional thatched-roof palapa and order a plated meal from the day’s menu; a beer or nonalcoholic beverage, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon: We’ll have some independent time at the lagoon to look for whales, migrating birds, or simply find a spot to relax. Midafternoon, we will return by vans and stop at the hotel before setting out again on a walking field trip with our Group Leader into the tree-filled plaza. We’ll explore the well-preserved mission and observe life on the plaza where local people gather and children play. We’ll also visit a home where date bread and pie is made. In the company of our pleasant host, we’ll practice making flour tortillas by hand and taste them with local ranch cheese.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 240 miles (386 km), approximately 5 hours. Getting in/out of small boats, riding approximately 3 hours. Walking short distances; mostly flat, gravely, uneven terrain.
Breakfast: Hotel plated meal.
Morning: We will check out of the hotel and return to Guerrero Negro for our third and final encounter with the whales, returning to Scammon’s Lagoon aboard the panga boats. Every outing is a memorable experience. Whales were slaughtered here for nearly a century during the whaling era. Since harvesting gray whales was banned in 1946, populations have rebounded. The “friendly” phenomenon among whales was first reported in 1976. Especially at the end of breeding season, “friendlies” have been known to seek human contact, often coming alongside and surfacing near pangas. Some whale mothers have even been observed apparently teaching their calves to interact with humans. These “friendly” behaviors exist only within the lagoons of Baja California where local fishermen are keen observers to be sure human behavior stays within bounds.
Lunch: Aboard the boats in a tranquil lagoon, we’ll have sandwiches with fruit, chocolate, and a soft drink.
Afternoon: Returning from our field trip we will have time to freshen up, before boarding the motorcoach and continuing our drive north. We’ll stop for a walk among especially tall cardons, then again among whimsical elephant trees before arriving in Cataviña for an overnight. Located in the middle of the Valle de los Cirios Nature Reserve, it is characterized by plentiful sun, sand, gigantic granite boulders, and combinations of boojums, cardons, and elephant trees that make this a superb desert garden. We will check into the hotel with some time to freshen up before our farewell Mexican “fiesta.”
Dinner: At the hotel, we will enjoy a selection of traditional Mexican “finger foods” including taquitos, quesadillas, guacamole, and more, plus lemonade or a margarita; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening: In the hotel patio (weather permitting), we’ll participate in a small Mexican fiesta that includes a taste of tequila. While learning about Mexican traditions and how to choose a good tequila, Mexico’s national drink, we’ll have an opportunity to break open a piñata the Mexican way and learn about its significance. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.
Activity note: Early morning walking excursion. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 230 miles (370 km), approximately 6 hours. Walks up to 1 mile; slight uphills, uneven gravely paths. Short steep hike approximately 1/3 mile to visit cave; gravelly terrain.
Breakfast: At the hotel, we will have a plated meal with Mexican and international dishes accompanied by a small fruit dish plus juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: We will rise early and set out before breakfast on a walk to see the thorny, magnificent desert against the rising sun. After breakfast, we will board the motorcoach and enjoy the last of the desert scenery as we ride towards San Quintin.
Lunch: In a San Quintín restaurant, we will have plated meals with a choice of local specialties including a salad prepared with the leaf of the prickly pear cactus, Mexico’s national plant; a non-alcoholic beverage or a beer are included, other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon: We will reboard our motorcoach and ride on to Ensenada with expected arrival in the late afternoon for hotel check-in. Ensenada is an active seaport and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Mexico. Relax at the hotel, enjoy its amenities, and its spectacular ocean view.
Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal featuring a choice of entrée, plus lemonade; other beverages available for purchase. As we dine, we will hear the rhythm of the waves against the cliffs below. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles (145 km), approximately 2.5 hours. Must carry all belongings across the border and walk up to 1/2 mile on smooth flat ground. Possibility of standing in line. Do not book flights departing before 2:00 p.m.
Breakfast: In the hotel dining room facing the Pacific Ocean, we will have a plated meal with a choice of eggs, omelets, and a Mexican specialty, plus juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning: We will depart Ensenada by motorcoach in the morning at 8:00 a.m. and cross the border back into San Diego. Final destinations are the San Diego Airport, arriving approximately 12:00 Noon, followed by the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
The trip was everything I was hoping for and more. We had a great guide, wonderful comradery, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and last but not least, spectacular interactions with many momma gray whales and their precious babies in the protected lagoons of Baja. Once in a life time experience.
We got to actually touch more than one wild Gray whale calf...maybe you will too.
This trip was fantastic from beginning to end. All the Road Scholar/Andiamo personnel and the chosen guides for activities made this experience comfortable, friendly, educational and safe! On the first day, Maria spoke of "mi familia". The group became "mi familia" during the week. There was support for each other as well as from the people who were leading, from the tour director to the assistant to the bus driver! The group supported each other to spot and to touch the whales. The whales did their part also. How can one describe the moments of being so close to the whales to reach out and touch! I give this trip the highest rating possible!
This trip was a dream come true. The two guides were extremely knowledgeable about the areas of Baja California and Baja California Sur and of the gray whales and their behavior. Actually being with the whales - taking pictures, communing with them, touching them and seeing their babies was an incredibly spiritual experience. I feel very honored to have been part of this experience.
From beginning to end, this trip was phenomenal. The warmth and enthusiasm of our guides, Tim and Juan; our skilled bus driver, Lupe; and our group members made this experience so special. The pace of this trip was fast and we did so much in 7 days, with highlights for me in learning more about Baja, watching a folkloric dance performance wtih local high school kids, and spending so many incredible moments out on the water with the gray whale moms and calves. The whales were amazing and left us in awe as they let us touch them and be with them for a few minutes in their world. It is hard to put into words what I experienced in those moments of joy, enchantment and magic, and knowing that we are among the few humans that they will ever meet. What a privilege to do this!
Learning about whales and seeing them up close numerous times was the highlight of this trip for me and my husband. However, there were many other parts of this trip that were absolutely delightful from walking at sunset in the Catavina Desert, exploring the oasis town of San Ignacia, and immersing ourselves in the warm Mexican culture.
Absolutely fabulous. Tim and Juan were so full of joy and excitement...they kept us all buoyant and appreciative of all we saw. The group was very good...everyone got along splendidly. Travel was accompanied by interesting stops/goodly number of toilet breaks/coffee stops, and good hotels/motels. Walks in desert terrific. We saw many whales...the last day, seas a bit rough but I had concern about some of the boat drivers...one of our boats was hit by another and not sure that some drivers were following the rules re: distance from whales/number of boats around them. Otherwise, no complaints. Thanks for a good good trip.
3/19/18 . This was such a fun trip. We explored La Jolla and San Diego and then drove into Mexico. Our wonderful leaders, Tim and Juan, told us what to expect as we crossed into Mexico so we were prepared. We learned about the geology, the birds and the plants of each city, and as we got closer to the ocean, the gray whales. We took nature walks and saw lovely sunsets. The food and the lodging were splendid. When we reached the ocean and saw the whales, it was magically thrilling. Each day was different. On one day we were surrounded by three sets of mothers and babies. On another day one of the babies came up to the boat and almost put his head in our laps. We all toughed the baby because they like to be touched. On the bus between towns we watched educational movies, played games, had crafts, movies and snacks. A perfect trip!!! We all felt very lucky to had had such a great experience.
I have been to Baja and I have seen whales before, but this trip lifted the bar so darned high my previous experience hardly counts. This week was magical in every sense. The guides, the group, the gorgeousness of Baja and the mystical experience of communing with the largest creatures on earth left us all entirely sated with beauty and wonder.
What a terrific experience! So much more than we had expected. We learned what a unique & complex (natural, physical, historical, cultural) environment Baja California is. Our leaders were absolutely superb! We had such a good time because of the good spirits of Jazmin, Haro, Maria! They were unfailingly thoughtful & respectful. The other participants were great -- smart, funny, openhearted, kind. It was challenging & a whole lot of fun. The Whales! What can I say? They are beyond incredible -- a completely thrilling unforgettable experience! Thank you!
The trip down the Baja was interesting, but very long. The leaders made it as interesting as possible. However, seeing the whales close up on 3 separate days was totally awesome and made the long ride worth it.
Perhaps fewer than 100,000 people will ever have a chance to be so close to such gentle giants, who, inexplicably seem interested in us, too! The experience will change you forever. It did for us. And the trip through half the length of the Baja peninsula proved more much interesting than we expected. Overall, this was one of the best of the many tours we've ever taken.
This program provides an awesome experience for friendly encounters with some of the biggest mammals on the planet in their environment. You will learn a lot about whales, whale migration, and whale behavior. In addition you will have a lovely afternoon of bird watching and identification in an protected saltwater marsh. It is a lovely program.
An experience you will never forget.
Great trip
The Gray Whale Migration Trip truly exceeded my expectations!
This program should be included on everyone's bucket list. We had wonderful, up close, contact with many whales, and the desert is a fascinating place. Our leader Luka was wonderful.
This was a wonderful trip! The whale watching experiences were fabulous! Whales came right up to our boat and most were able to pet a whale at least once! The Baja is a fascinating area of Mexico to visit and very different from others areas of Mexico that we have visited. Sophia and Jasmine did an outstanding job as leaders and educators. They are passionate about the Baja and the whales.
The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja’s Natural Wonders was an amazing trip!! I learned so much about the gray whale and the migration process. Being able to see - and touch - these massive whales up close was beyond any expectations I had. The landscape diversity in the Baja Peninsula is breathtaking and so much more than I expected. Our leader and bus driver were incredible and knowledgeable. The hotels and food exceeded my expectations. A memorable trip I will remember forever.
If you want to learn about the diverse desert of Baja California and see whales up close and personal, this program is for you. Just keep in mind there are a lot of hours on a bus. They do stop every 2 hours or so to stretch your legs.
If you only take one Road Scholar adventure, make sure it is to see the whales in Baja. A fantastic adventure and one you will never forget. Exploring the ecosystems in this part of Mexico is a rare treat.
Road Scholar is an excellent program for the value, and appeals to like-minded people with an interest in nature, history, and cultures.
I went on the The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja's Natural Wonders tour to see whales and we saw a lot of whales. I also experienced, enjoyed and learned a great deal about Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. It was worth the long bus ride to see the beautiful desert and to experience Mexico up close aided by both of our group leaders.
This was one of the best trips I've ever taken. The whales and their history in that area was fascinating. And, the trip included much more than the whales - there were different activities and experiences that were interesting and enjoyable. We learned about the Mexican history and the people; we learned about the beautiful desert as well as getting out and actually walking in it with plant identification and information by our facilitators. It was an A+ trip!
This trip was amazing in every way. Jazmin and Sofia were the best possible guides, and our whale experiences were beyond anything I ever could have imagined. The kindness of the whales and their desire to play with us was mind blowing. The desert is spectacular, and I must say, I had magical experiences over and over. I can't rate this trip high enough!!!
This was my first experience with Road Scholar. It was an amazing trip with three days whale watching up-close in Baja lagoons. The traveling on the bus is long as we covered about 1,200 miles round trip from San Diego, but our guide was fantastic, hotels were charming and the journey was memorable! - Joyce Robinson
Travelling to the Lagoons in Baja California to interact with the grey whales was a unique and life affirming experience - one that I will never forget!
This trip is superb-- the whales are wonderful; the desert is beautiful; the staff are warm, well-informed, well-organized, and gracious.
This program is an amazing experience. Photos of the Grey Whales approaching and coming close to your boat do not do it justice. One must be there and experience first-hand the experience to appreciate how playful, friendly and intelligent these Grey Whales really are! Again, an amazing experience you will not forget.
Unique experience of wild creatures. Helped me understand natural world and the people of the country.
Wonderfull! Wonderful! I learned a lot,saw a lot. Seeing and touching the whales I will never, ever forget. I t was indeed a trip of a lifetime, and a must do on your bucket list
If you have ever wanted to visit the Baja, this is the trip for you. The guides are outstanding and the daily program would not be bettered.
Touching a whale was spiritual!
I wanted to see whales and was quite happy when we saw several of the magnificent creatures swimming near our boat. Our capitan stated that he was taking us to an area where we could touch a whale. Right, I thought. Sure enough, within minutes whales swam up right beside our boat and allowed us to pet them. Every single person in our group touched a whale. I will never forget it.
This program was breathtaking. Once in a lifetime for me.
Ahhh, such a wonderful adventure! We entered into the mysterious culture of the Grey Whales (just barely). Who can guess what they are thinking when they look you right in the eye! If you think you know Mexico, I would wager that you don't know how special Baja California is, away from tourists (almost going back back back in time) Phenomenal!!!
If you want the MOST amazing experience ever and love the gentle giants of the ocean(gray whales)---sign up right away. You will not be disappointed--magical.
The whale watching trip turned out to be a baby whale petting adventure. It was a moving experience to see a 40 foot mother whale prompt her 10 foot baby to our boat to greet the measly little humans.
The interaction between the whales and the participants was well worth the long bus rides to get to the breeding grounds for these majestic whales.
The experience of being so close to these huge creatures is beyond easy description. The experience of actually touching and stoking young wild whales while looking into their eye is an emotional experience unlike any other I have ever had. We saw dozens and dozens of whales near our boat and many others in the distance. Overall this is a unique and wonderful experience.
Wonderful program that delivered all I expected. The interaction with the whales was a truly marvelous experience!!
This is a great program. It is something that relatively few people get to do. There are other whale watching options, but I don't know any where you can actually touch the whales, and the places are still pretty wild. It takes a lot of time to get there and back, but the experience is well worth it.
It was a chance of lifetime to see the whales close up and to touch them! Great experience. The small side trips gave us a better insight of the people and country. Having a local guide gives you so much understanding of the people and customs.
This trip is now number one on the list of things I have done it exceeded all my expectations the group leaders who are were wonderful . Excellent I would highly recommend everybody do this once in their life .
If the idea of touching a gray whale in the wild appeals to you, this is the trip for you!!
The Whale watching tour in Baja was unbelievable! It is everything they said it would be. Going out in small boats and the whales come up to them in curiosity. You can lean over and pet them and they actually look at you and smile!!!! It is in no way causing danger to the whales. The boats respect the whales. It was fun to see the whales play with us and nudge the boat and rub it to get their barnacles off. Awesome adventure! Marilynn from Meno. Falls wi.
I was privileged to interact with this ancient water-bound species on their terms!
https://youtu.be/zidroxQ9v0c This video was made by Captain Naaman of Malarrimo Whale Watching Tours at Guerrero Negro, Mexico on this tour arranged by Andiamo Tour Mexico for Road Scholar. We had absolutely gorgeous weather and fabulous guides, Maria and Jazz. The desert was in full bloom after greater than normal rains before we got there and we encountered an incredible number of whales who were very friendly. All in all, it was a totally awesome experience.
I give this program all 5s! Our leader Maria and her assistant Yasmine were spectacular, the itinerary was amazing, and the 24 participants were interesting and fun. There is no experience to match petting a whale who chooses to interact with you in its natural habitat. On two of the three Whale watching days I was able to pet whales - I was even able to lean over the boat and kiss a whale! Even on the one day of whale watching where we were not approached by a whale we still had a great time. We watched them from a distance frolicking in the water. I learned some Spanish, enjoyed visiting a wide variety of museums, walked the living desert, and visited locals in their homes. Pack your water shoes (pool shoes), and most of the Mexican motels had no coffee makers in the room (and no such thing as decaf coffee), so pack your own if you need it before breakfast. This was an unbelievable journey, I highly recommend it. I traveled with my husband, and there were several married couples, but also many solo travelers who made lots of friends.
I have been on 8 or 9 Road Scholar/Elderhostel trips. This trip and the interaction with the gray whales will forever, I believe, keep this particular Road Scholar at the TOP of my list of favorites. There are no words to adequately describe the phenomena of mama gray whales and their babies being "called" to the boats by the splashing of water by the occupants. They sidle alongside the boats and hold still for their favorite itches to be scratched! They go under the boats gracefully with plenty of room to spare. Looking into the eyes of these gentle giants is like looking into the eyes of God. What is the magnetism that draws them toward us? What has erased the fear after generations of being hunted by whalers? There seems to be fathomless intelligence in them. I would, and do, recommend this trip to all I talk to. Truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This was an absolutely incredible trip! Petting the whales was something I never thought I would be able to do and it was truly awe inspiring. The Mexican people at the lagoons are so protective and caring to the wildlife it really made the whole trip a better one. I hope many, many more people will have this experience!
This program exceeded my expectations. I thought we would see some whales. Instead, each of the 3 days we probably saw 50 gray whales EACH day and of those 50, 20 were within 20 feet of the boat. Of the 22 participants, 21 touched a whale in the wild.
Awesome trip - the whales were magnificent. Luka and Jazz were wonderful and met all our needs. I highly recommend this trip.
This is a great opportunity to get out with nature and explore a different side of Mexico. The whale trips were above and beyond expectations. Highly recommend this experience with whales, it is unforgettable.
If you have an interest in whales, this program will satisfy you beyond belief. Great leaders, great driver, and learned lots about this part of Mexico from people who live there.
One of the best programs I have taken. Gray whales up close and personal, it does not get any better than this.
Lots of people watch the gray whale migration from a distance. The Road Scholar trip will put you within splash distance. If you are really lucky, you will be able to touch a whale. Traveling in Baja California can be difficult if done individually. Road Scholar know-how made it a breeze. Our guide (Luka) was absolutely exemplary.
We really enjoyed this tour and got to see plenty of whales close up - we went at the very beginning of February and Scammon's Lagoon had around a 1000 whales at that point, so not at all difficult to find and observe all sorts of whale behavior (other lagoon not so good, around 100 whales and so less going on). I'd have liked to go a little later when the baby whales become more experienced in playing with the screaming bath toy that is your boat. We did perfectly well though, plenty of close encounters with Mamas training baby to play, so not to worry, it was a unique experience and far exceeded any other whale watching I'd done before. One thing that concerned me beforehand was what to take on the boat in terms of clothes and equipment. In retrospect, just sunglasses and your camera is fine, no need for anything else (maybe some candy!). I get cold easily so I dressed in a fleece hoodie over a long-sleeved T shirt, nylon pants, with a fairly waterproof hooded cagoule on top of all and was fine - note though, it was sunny on 2 of the 3 days, and no rain. One other thing - the boats are very bouncy when you are making the fast run out to/back from the actual lagoon area, so be prepared to be jolted about quite a bit and be able to keep a firm grip on the bench seat. It was an exhilarating ride and definitely part of the experience! Once in the viewing area the ride is much calmer, and the boats are very stable. Would do it again for sure!
This was just an all around wonderful trip that exceeded my expectations. Being out among the whales was such an unbelievable experience! Nothing like it. But the rest of the trip was so much fun too - beautiful scenery, great food, lovely accommodations, and interesting side trips. I highly recommend it.
This program is truly an adventure, perfect for someone who enjoys roughing it a little and who enjoys the thrill of maybe touching a magnificent animal.
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