Have you ever seen a huge whale swim right up to a tiny boat? It’s something you will never forget. In fact, you will want to tell that story for years to come. Here is the thing, though: whales are not toys, and so, don’t expect a whale to show up just to make you happy. You must remember they are wild animals.
When you do go out to see whales, you have to be really careful. Also, you have to think about the whale first, not just your own fun. It is not about getting the best photo but respecting a home that belongs to them.
Why Gray Whales Need Special Care
Every winter, gray whales swim a very long way. Well, they do, of course, and here’s what you need to know. You’ll be surprised to learn that they actually travel all the way from the cold water near Alaska, down to warm, calm bays in Mexico. So, why do you think they do this trip every single year? Well, it’s because the mother whales need a safe, quiet place to have their babies.
These bays act like a nursery, and so the young whales get to rest there. Moreover, they don’t just eat there but also learn to swim there. That’s why you really need to be careful whenever you come around. If a loud boat zooms in too close, it can really scare them.
Let the Whales Choose Interaction
Protect the whales at all times. Really, it’s that simple, and it’s the reason why there are rules in the first place. Some people go to view them, and they try to scare the whales. That’s just wrong on so many levels. So whenever you do go, please just remember one thing. Don’t go around chasing the whales. In addition to that, it’s wrong to even try to cut in front of them, and don’t try to trap whales near the shores either. Allow them to move around freely.
When the whale comes close, just turn off the boat engine. Then you wait quietly for them to pass. Whales will always come close, so you must expect that. The reason is simple, since the baby whales are curious little things, sometimes the mother whales will bring the calf over and swim right up to the quiet boat on their own. They do it just to check things out. When that happens, it is not a chase anymore but just simply enjoy the view nature is giving you.
Protecting the Delicate Nursery Waters
Another thing you should remember is that these bays are not just for the whales. There’s a whole lot of life over there. You’ll see little fishes, birds nesting, and even the mangroves that grow along the edges of the water. So, if you’re not careful, your boat can hurt this environment.
Even the boat needs to move without disturbing the water. If you move too fast, it will stir up the mud. You also shouldn’t play loud music or throw your trash into the water. These can ruin this peaceful place pretty quickly. So what should you do instead? Just go slowly and be very quiet. Take your trash home with you when you leave. Also, treat the water gently, so you can help every plant and animal that lives there, not just the whales that everyone came to see.
Experiencing the Magic Responsibly
Before you go whale viewing, there is something you need to know. Not every tour company follows the rules the same way. Some care a lot about the whales, while others do not so very much. So, that is why picking the right tour matters. It is just as much as picking the trip itself, or maybe even more.
This is something Baja Expeditions’ San Ignacio Lagoon trips do quite well. One thing you will get is experienced guides. The team is trained to protect the whales. Besides, they’ll give you an amazing view as well. They usually ensure that their boat is far enough away and their engines are quiet. Besides that, they always let the whale lead the way, and never the other way around. Plus, you get to learn cool facts along the way from people who study these animals every single day of their lives.
On these Lagoon trips, you get to move with the local guides who know these waters like their own backyard. They know every little curve and shallow spot. So, you’ll feel safe, and they won’t disturb the whales when you’re going out to watch them.
Conclusion
It is truly a gift to watch whales, and not everyone gets to experience it in their lifetime. Still, that gift comes with a responsibility attached to it, too. That’s why you have to learn the rules before you go out on the water. Make sure you pick a tour guide who actually follows those rules too. So the next time you head out on the water, remember these tips, and you’ll have a wonderful experience.