THE GRAY WHALE, A magical encounter.

THE JOURNEY

Gray whales make one of the longest annual migrations of any mammal, traveling about 10,000 miles (16,000 km) round trip

along the North American Pacific Coast between arctic seas and the lagoons of Baja California, Mexico.

Frequently visible from shore, gray whales provide a unique opportunity for land and boat observation.

From December to March, Baja California Sur is the proud host of the Gray whale offering an excellent opportunity for whale watching up close and personal, visitors to the calving and breeding lagoons sometimes encounter the  "friendlier" gray whales that closely approach small boats and allow themselves to be touched by humans, stories of close encounters and whale "petting" are becoming increasingly common.

The are three main lagoons where gray whales return to give birth every year: Ojo de Liebre about half way down the Peninsula, Laguna San Ignacio about 100 miles further south, and Bahía Magdalena, increasingly popular, mainly because of it's proximity to the International Airports in La Paz and Loreto.

Baja Califronia is a top tourist destination featuring great hotels and several companies that specialize in whale watch tours and many other nature related activities. Lear more about this great destination on our website www.mexigocity.com

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE GRAY WHALE

The gray whale received its name from the gray patches and white mottling on its dark skin. Newborn calves are dark gray to black, although some may have distinctive white markings.

Adult males measure 45-46 feet (13.7-14 m) and adult females measure slightly more. Both sexes weigh 30-40 tons (27,200-36,300 kg).

Gray whales feed on small crustaceans such as amphipods, and tube worms found in bottom sediments.

Gray whales become sexually mature between 6-12 years, at an average of 8 years old. After 12-13 months of gestation, females give birth to a single calf. Newborn calves are approximately 14-16 ft (4.5-5 m) long, and weigh about 2,000 lb (920 kg

The gray whale was given partial protection in 1937 and full protection in 1947 by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Since that time the eastern north Pacific gray whale population has made a remarkable recovery and now numbers between 19,000 and 23,000.

Watching these magnificent and kind gigants in an experience of a life time, dont miss it!.