Boca de Soledad
Whale watching today was the best it could ever be! Our exclamations of joy started just as we stepped out of our cabins at sunrise. The blows of the Eastern Pacific gray whale could be heard, even before we could see them. Our expedition today took place in Boca de Soledad, one of several important calving areas for the gray whale, where we were in the company of these gentle giants from dawn to dusk. Our Zodiacs provided us the best views of the many mothers and calves that were in the area. We sat very quietly in the calm peaceful conditions, waiting expectantly for something to happen, and then suddenly, all heads would turn as we heard the explosive blows of the mom and the soft, gentle puff of the baby that would surface right next to the Zodiac!
How delightful it was to see one of the calves cavorting with their mom; they would lunge onto the female’s massive back, roll and slide off, only to start the maneuver over and over. The ebbing currents were really flowing and we watched in amazement as another calf “hopped” onto mom’s back, hitching an easy way back against the currents. Another calf that was a bit older appeared to be receiving some training in preparation for the long journey north. Mom would swim halfway out the boca with her calf by her side, turn, and then head back in the other direction over and over again. We never tired of waiting for the unexpected. The sudden spyhops and breaches really caught us by surprise. Also intrigued with the calves were the bottlenose dolphins; they would swim over to the calves following them for a while in hopes that they might be interested in playing. Our day was also filled with a blast on the beach, as we meandered and strolled on the stunning sandy beaches where we discovered a variety of shells of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Later in the evening, the fabulous Mexican Fiesta with live music provided by the locals of Lopez Mateos was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Whale watching today was the best it could ever be! Our exclamations of joy started just as we stepped out of our cabins at sunrise. The blows of the Eastern Pacific gray whale could be heard, even before we could see them. Our expedition today took place in Boca de Soledad, one of several important calving areas for the gray whale, where we were in the company of these gentle giants from dawn to dusk. Our Zodiacs provided us the best views of the many mothers and calves that were in the area. We sat very quietly in the calm peaceful conditions, waiting expectantly for something to happen, and then suddenly, all heads would turn as we heard the explosive blows of the mom and the soft, gentle puff of the baby that would surface right next to the Zodiac!
How delightful it was to see one of the calves cavorting with their mom; they would lunge onto the female’s massive back, roll and slide off, only to start the maneuver over and over. The ebbing currents were really flowing and we watched in amazement as another calf “hopped” onto mom’s back, hitching an easy way back against the currents. Another calf that was a bit older appeared to be receiving some training in preparation for the long journey north. Mom would swim halfway out the boca with her calf by her side, turn, and then head back in the other direction over and over again. We never tired of waiting for the unexpected. The sudden spyhops and breaches really caught us by surprise. Also intrigued with the calves were the bottlenose dolphins; they would swim over to the calves following them for a while in hopes that they might be interested in playing. Our day was also filled with a blast on the beach, as we meandered and strolled on the stunning sandy beaches where we discovered a variety of shells of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Later in the evening, the fabulous Mexican Fiesta with live music provided by the locals of Lopez Mateos was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
