This info is to alert tourists and locals alike to not overlook one of life's definite "bucket list" activities.
In the last few days hubby and I have been fortunate to have had long chats with a couple charter operators doing multiple whale watching tours every day, including week days. One is a gringo operation and the other local Mexicans, both operating stout vessels. They charge 35.00 per trip, drinks and snacks included, and don't hesitate to recommend the other when they are full up. Private boats loaded to the gunnl's are common.
Whales at present are prolific, and within 3 miles from the Old Port. We took a mini 1 hr cruise and saw these magnificent creatures up close numerous times. As I understand, most ballenas here now are fins and humpbacks. Many fins stay in these waters year round. This is their most northerly and concentrated point.
According to both operators, each employing a good number of deck hands, the "industry" is taking off like crazy over the last couple years. They say this is an extraordinary year and what they consider the biggest tourist attraction for Penasco in years. They both see the upcoming Cruise Ship Port and Whale Watching as mutually beneficial businesses. They say the Federal folks, who worry about the 16 % IVA and whales, in that order, are developing whale watching etiquette rules. Fortunately, there seems to be a dearth of Icelanders, Japanese and harpoons in these parts ! I understand the rules, possibly including licensing of commercial operators, will restrict proximity, speed, pursuing, noise, etc.
This will become huge. There is nowhere else in the world where a casual 20 minute boat ride will bring you into a world only the most fortunate ever see.
This info is to alert tourists and locals alike to not overlook one of life's definite "bucket list" activities.
In the last few days hubby and I have been fortunate to have had long chats with a couple charter operators doing multiple whale watching tours every day, including week days. One is a gringo operation and the other local Mexicans, both operating stout vessels. They charge 35.00 per trip, drinks and snacks included, and don't hesitate to recommend the other when they are full up. Private boats loaded to the gunnl's are common.
Whales at present are prolific, and within 3 miles from the Old Port. We took a mini 1 hr cruise and saw these magnificent creatures up close numerous times. As I understand, most ballenas here now are fins and humpbacks. Many fins stay in these waters year round. This is their most northerly and concentrated point.
According to both operators, each employing a good number of deck hands, the "industry" is taking off like crazy over the last couple years. They say this is an extraordinary year and what they consider the biggest tourist attraction for Penasco in years. They both see the upcoming Cruise Ship Port and Whale Watching as mutually beneficial businesses. They say the Federal folks, who worry about the 16 % IVA and whales, in that order, are developing whale watching etiquette rules. Fortunately, there seems to be a dearth of Icelanders, Japanese and harpoons in these parts ! I understand the rules, possibly including licensing of commercial operators, will restrict proximity, speed, pursuing, noise, etc.
This will become huge. There is nowhere else in the world where a casual 20 minute boat ride will bring you into a world only the most fortunate ever see.
Where will the whales go when the cruise ships are docked within half mile of their "grounds"?
Where will the whales go when the cruise ships are docked within half mile of their "grounds"?
Joe if the Home Port fiasco is actually completed and the giant last generation diesel cruise ships plow the sea Cedo biologists think it will really hurt the whales..They just cannot comment on it because powerful Las Conchas related players might make it hard on them...
Where will the whales go when the cruise ships are docked within half mile of their "grounds"?
Last January I observed a mother whale birthing at the point entering the bay in Cabo. There were 15 or so pangas watching also filled with tourists, I was on a cruise ship . These boats didn't seem deter them then. Population of whales hasn't really declined there with hundreds of ships arriving.
Last January I observed a mother whale birthing at the point entering the bay in Cabo. There were 15 or so pangas watching also filled with tourists, I was on a cruise ship . These boats didn't seem deter them then. Population of whales hasn't really declined there with hundreds of ships arriving.
Joe if the Home Port fiasco is actually completed and the giant last generation diesel cruise ships plow the sea Cedo biologists think it will really hurt the whales..They just cannot comment on it because powerful Las Conchas related players might make it hard on them...
Maybe the cruise ships will be more like this. I might even sign up for one one these...
Attention good-spirited and open minded people calling this great city home now, or soon in the future:
With great respect to tourist jerry, what she hopes we accept as our reality are just online media opinions she has dug up, written by peeps who have an agenda she supports. It seems jerry and her close supporters envy or are jealous of what we have by living here. jerry and a few of her dedicated likkers are very good at copying and pasting online articles from strangers to support their negative agenda on everything Rocky Point. So far they offer nothing of value from actual experience, study or knowledge. I suggest folks who live here really don't need drive by tourists doing our google searches, or telling us what to think based on their personal agendas or issues.
If you are not mean spirited you will be welcomed when you are fortunate enough to be able to live in Penasco.
Attention good-spirited and open minded people calling this great city home now, or soon in the future:
With great respect to tourist jerry, what she hopes we accept as our reality are just online media opinions she has dug up, written by peeps who have an agenda she supports. It seems jerry and her close supporters envy or are jealous of what we have by living here. jerry and a few of her dedicated likkers are very good at copying and pasting online articles from strangers to support their negative agenda on everything Rocky Point. So far they offer nothing of value from actual experience, study or knowledge. I suggest folks who live here really don't need drive by tourists doing our google searches, or telling us what to think based on their personal agendas or issues.
If you are not mean spirited you will be welcomed when you are fortunate enough to be able to live in Penasco.
Attention good-spirited and open minded people calling this great city home now, or soon in the future:
With great respect to tourist jerry, what she hopes we accept as our reality are just online media opinions she has dug up, written by peeps who have an agenda she supports. It seems jerry and her close supporters envy or are jealous of what we have by living here. jerry and a few of her dedicated likkers are very good at copying and pasting online articles from strangers to support their negative agenda on everything Rocky Point. So far they offer nothing of value from actual experience, study or knowledge. I suggest folks who live here really don't need drive by tourists doing our google searches, or telling us what to think based on their personal agendas or issues.
If you are not mean spirited you will be welcomed when you are fortunate enough to be able to live in Penasco.
I'm not sure the whale watching at the north end of the Sea of Cortez can match the south end where it meets the Pacific
I think the whales are more plentiful around Los Cabos. We'll be out with Cap't Bob in a few weeks hoping to catch a breach or 2 on this boat.
