Boca de Soledad
Here, near la Boca, we could see a number of gray whales who winter in the safe and relatively warm waters of the Baja California. They are here for breeding purposes, and most of this year’s calves are growing up fast and healthy and are also quite playful.We had an incredible experience when we realized just how playful they can get. We observed a mother and calf pair approach our Zodiac in a very uninhibited attitude. Their curiosity drew them to us, and their intentions became more evident to us every time: they wanted to play with us! And so we did. As the calf raised its head above the level of our boat, literally pushing it with its head, we rubbed its face and touched its baleen and tongue. We were often sprayed on the face by its breath and splashed by its movements in the water. At the moment this picture was taken, the baby leviathan was deliberately pulling on my thumb with its mouth as I randomly aimed and shot. It is really incredible how these whales did not loose a chance to be touched by as many spectators as they could. They really seem to enjoy the friendly interaction with curious human beings.
We disembarked on the northern end of Isla Magdalena. Here we explored the dunes and saw some of the inhabitants of this bizarre ecosystem. We had the chance to get a good look at a jackrabbit running through the dunes. A big ghost crab suddenly appeared under someone’s feet. By the jumping screaming and laughing, we knew some little creature had unexpectedly shown up. We all approached and spent a few minutes taking pictures and analyzing our little friend as it ran sideways and backwards away from us.
Here, near la Boca, we could see a number of gray whales who winter in the safe and relatively warm waters of the Baja California. They are here for breeding purposes, and most of this year’s calves are growing up fast and healthy and are also quite playful.We had an incredible experience when we realized just how playful they can get. We observed a mother and calf pair approach our Zodiac in a very uninhibited attitude. Their curiosity drew them to us, and their intentions became more evident to us every time: they wanted to play with us! And so we did. As the calf raised its head above the level of our boat, literally pushing it with its head, we rubbed its face and touched its baleen and tongue. We were often sprayed on the face by its breath and splashed by its movements in the water. At the moment this picture was taken, the baby leviathan was deliberately pulling on my thumb with its mouth as I randomly aimed and shot. It is really incredible how these whales did not loose a chance to be touched by as many spectators as they could. They really seem to enjoy the friendly interaction with curious human beings.
We disembarked on the northern end of Isla Magdalena. Here we explored the dunes and saw some of the inhabitants of this bizarre ecosystem. We had the chance to get a good look at a jackrabbit running through the dunes. A big ghost crab suddenly appeared under someone’s feet. By the jumping screaming and laughing, we knew some little creature had unexpectedly shown up. We all approached and spent a few minutes taking pictures and analyzing our little friend as it ran sideways and backwards away from us.
