Baja California #1- Grey Whales

[bobhoge]

During our trip to Baja California we spent one and one-half days in San Ignacio Lagoon on the Pacific coast of Mexico. This is one of the four main lagoons used by the Grey Whales in the winter months for mating and birth. At this time, the males have left for the summer and the calves are getting big enough for the trip north.

The "friendly" behavior just started about 20 years ago and now happens more often each year. The mothers sometimes bring their calves up to the boats to play and be petted. They definitely come to us, we don't chase them, but just get nearby.

Mom is in the middle of the boat and baby is closer to the bow of the small boat that brought the local drivers out to our ship (they drive our ship's zodiacs, some of the staff and crew use the local boat):

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This mom is close to another of our zodiacs:

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Mom and baby leave that zodiac and race over to ours (the hand splashing seems to help attract them):

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Baby is bumping into the stern of the zodiac and mom is behind:

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Lots of touching opportunities. I think everyone on the ship got a chance to touch the Grey Whales, probably more than usual:

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More to follow,
Bob & Nan

 

[beaucamera]

Wow, amazing that you could be that close....and photograph the whales.
It must have been a pretty exciting experience!

Great series!

Virginia
aka beaucamera

 

[dmwphoto]

great images of an unlikely interaction. what a trip this must have been.

 

[bobhoge]

Wow, amazing that you could be that close....and photograph the whales.
It must have been a pretty exciting experience!

Great series!

Virginia
aka beaucamera

great images of an unlikely interaction. what a trip this must have been.

Virginia and Dave,

Yes it was a great experience, especially since the whales initiate the contact. If you look close at the last photo you can see that the whale is rolled on its side with the eye looking up at Nan.

Bob & Nan

 

[MJAM]

The experience of a lifetime! Congrats!

 

[Gale]

wow that s just so neat

 

[brownie2d2x]

Hi Bob and Nan. What an outstanding experience. Truely a "nikon moment". Great photos. Thanks for sharing.