MISCELLANOUS MEXICO INFORMATION
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MISCELLANEOUS MEXICO INFORMATION
Mexico is a large country and we have categorized much of it in our 124 directories. However there are some categories that are not as easy to define, so we have created this Miscellaneous section as a sort of Mexican Grab Bag! Sit back, relax, and enjoy your surfing!
If you think you may need the services of an emergency Air Evacuation company while visiting Mexico visit the web site of SKY MED INTERNATIONAL or call them at (800) 475-9633 for additional information.
Looking for additional piece of mind for your next trip to Mexico. In case of a medical emergency it can be a huge advantage to be a member of BI-NATIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICES. Review their web site for additional information.
ECO-MEXICO * LANGUAGE SCHOOLS * MISSIONS
SUNSCREEN TIPS * TEQUILA * WHALE WATCHING
ECO-MEXICO
The remote locations in Mexico host some of the last remaining natural open spaces on the planet. As we proceed into the new millennium, it is amazing that much of Mexico remains unspoiled. However, development poses a very real threat to Mexico's open land and pristine waters. Virgin Mexico is subject to abuse from many sides, including over-fishing, over-hunting, and over-development both on land and along it's 6,000 mile coastline.
Fortunately, we as a global society are becoming increasingly aware of how fragile our Earthly environment is, at a time when we can still make a significant impact on an area as large as Mexico.
The goal of preserving Mexico's natural elements will not come easy. As a third world country Mexico will always have the conflicting ideals of culture and employment versus conservation. It is easy for an outsider to fight for causes such as saving the turtle or the prevention of over-fishing. It is a different perspective, however, if you and your family have had a history of living off of the sea, and your very livelihood is at risk. The learning curve takes time, on both sides, and it is difficult to keep everyone happy as solutions are negotiated and implemented.
In the long run, there is good reason to believe that much of Mexico's natural wonders can be saved. But it will take time and cooperation on all sides.
This section of Mexico Expo was designed as a forum for environmental causes, to help with the planned growth of Mexico. The organizations here each have a specific concern, and reviewing their information is the first step towards moving forward on each issue.
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AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY
Telephone (310) 548-6279.
Fax (310) 548-6950.
E-mail: acs@pobox.com.
Post Office Box 1391, San Pedro, California, 90722-1391.
A non-profit, volunteer membership organization established to help with the conservation of whales, dolphins, porpoises and their habitats through education, conservation and research. ASUPMATOMA
Telephone (760) 632-7770.
Fax (760) 632-5408.
E-mail: sandymirisch@att.net.
2824 La Costa Avenue, Carlsbad, California, 92009.
An excellent non-profit organization focusing on the environment and the preservation of the sea turtle in Mexico.
Environmental education for children, students, volunteers and tourists.
Check out their web site for additional information!BAJA CALIFORNIA MISSIONS FOUNDATION
Telephone (619) 558-5918.
Fax (619) 558-6908.
E-mail: bajafound@san.rr.com.
7770 Regents Road, Suite 113 #606, San Diego, California, 92122.
Help Father Mario Pecci restore 2 of Baja's historic and magnificent stone missions: San Francisco de San Borja and Santa Gertrudis la Magna.
Your donations will help restore and preserve an important part of Baja!BAJA TORTUGAS
Telephone 011-52 (113) 5-0086.
E-mail: gea@loretoweb.com.mx.
There are 5 species of sea turtle that visit Baja. They could all use your help!CARACOL BAJA ECOLOGY SITE
Dedicating to preserving the heritage of Baja.
Site is in Spanish language with lots of good information.CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL MEXICO
Telephone 011-52 (622) 1-0400.
Fax 011-52 (622) 1-2030.
Miramar #210, Col. Miramar, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.
Working towards the conservation of the Gulf of California islands.EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE
Telephone (415) 788-3666.
Fax (415)788-7324.
Helping to provide more information to the public on the delayed salt mine project at Laguna Ignacio, in Baja California Sur.FRIENDLY WHALES WEB SITE
A good web site about the friendly whales of Laguna San Ignacio!
FRIENDS OF MULEGE ECOLOGY
E-mail: ecomujeres@aol.com.
APDO 60, Mulege, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23900.
Concerned residents and visitors dedicated to preserving the environment in and around Mulege, including the Mulege River.GREY WHALE ADVOCATE
E-mail: keith@greywhale.com.
Located in Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Dedicated to the protection of the California Gray Whale and the environment in which they live.LORETO MARINE PARK INFORMATION
Baja Life has put together a good piece on the new Marine Park in Loreto, established in 1996 by Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo.
It's a big step in the right direction for Baja! For more information, check out LORETO MARINE PARK INFO.NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ECOTURISM & GUIDES
Telephone 011-52 (112) 5-2277.
Fax 011-52 (112) 5-8599.
Dedicated to promoting eco-tourism in Baja California and Baja California Sur, Mexico.NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL
Telephone (323) 934-6900.
E-mail: nrdcinfo@nrdc.org.
6310 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, 90048.
Helping the California Gray Whale and the Baja environment by trying to prevent the proposed salt plant at Laguna Ignacio, in Baja California Sur.OCEAN CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Telephone (310) 822-5205.
Fax (310) 822-5729.
E-mail: info@oceanconservation.org.
Post Office Box 12860, Marina del Rey, California, 90295.
Organized to seek out and support projects leading to ocean conservation.OCEAN OASIS
A large screen IMAX film about Mexico's Sea of Cortez and Baja's deserts.
You gotta see it!OCEANIC SOCIETY
Telephone * (800) 326-7491 * (415) 441-1106.
Fort Mason Center, Building E, San Francisco, California, 94123.
Helping people enjoy and explore the whales and wildlife while contributing to their preservation.OCEAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Telephone (888) 835-9478.
E-mail: feedback@orf.org.
Helping with sea turtles, Cabo Pulmo Reef, and other ocean-oriented issues in Baja.SAVE CABO BAY
E-mail: m31dive@prodigy.com.mx.
Dedicated to preserving Cabo San Lucas Bay and the waters off of Cabo.">SEA OF CORTEZ FOUNDATION
E-mail: mf@mexicofile.com.
5580 La Jolla Boulevard #306, La Jolla, California, 92037.
Telephone / Fax (858) 456-4030.
To increase public awareness and motivate changes in policies for preserving plants, animals and an ecological balance in the region of the Sea of Cortez.SEA TURLE CONSERVATION NETWORK
E-mail: wjnicols@wildcoast.net.
Information about sea turtles.SURFRIDER FOUNDATION
Telephone (949) 492-8170.
E-mail: info@surfrider.org".
122 South El Camino Real #67, San Clemente, California, 92672.
A non-profit organization dedicated to protecting our oceans, waves, and beaches.SEAWATCH
An organization of private citizens dedicated to a healthy Sea of Cortez.
They monitor destructive activities throughout the region and communicate the data they gather to the people of Mexico, the United States, and the world.TOTUAVA REVIVAL
Fax (760) 751-8866.
E-mail: totuava@bajadestinations.com.
Post Office Box 2296, Valley Center, California, 92082.
As recently as the early 1960's the enormous totuava grew to the size of blue marlin in the northern Sea of Cortez. After years of gill netting and dynamiting, the Totuava were almost extinct. News laws helped to save this magnificent fish. However illegal gill netters are now destroying the comeback of this fish. Money donated to this cause will be used to STOP these illegal gill netters.TURTLE TRAX
E-mail: honu@turtles.org".
A non-profit web site dedicated to protecting marine turtles.UPPER GULF OF CALIFORNIA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Telephone 011-52 (621) 0-7094.
Fax 011-52 (621) 4-6508.
Dedicated to the preservation of the upper Sea of Cortez and the lower Colorado River Basin.VIGILANTES MIRINOS
Post Office Box 13, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico, 23400.
A Cabo-based dive group with the goal of preserving Cabo's marine environment.
Focusing on illegal fishing, dumping and other practices harmful to the health of the Sea of Cortez and Cabo Bay.
Members are Mexican, English and American, and occasionally get together for beach and bottom cleaning.
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
What better way to learn Spanish than to dunk yourself into an environment specifically set up to teach Spanish! These language schools are very effective, and usually offer the extra value of learning about the Mexican culture as well. Ole!
To learn Spanish from the comfort of your own home via telephone or the Internet visit the web site of MULTILINGUAL CENTER.
For a fun stab at Spanish, check out the word translator at the FREE TRANSLATION web site!
BAJA CALIFORNIA LANGUAGE COLLEGE
Telephone (877) 444-2252.
E-mail: college@bajacal.com.
U.S. mailing address: Post Office Box 7556, San Diego, California, 92167.
In Mexico: Colegio de Idiomas de Baja California, Barcelona y Belgrado #191, Fracc. Chapultepec, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
Now t-h-i-s is the way to learn Spanish! One of the finest language schools in Baja.
Tell Keith Carlos Fiesta sent you!ACALLI INTENSIVE SPANISH PROGRAM
Telephone 011-52 (777) 380-1023.
E-mail: acalli@axon.com.mx.
62170 Cuernavaca, Moreles, Mexico.
Total immersion with guaranteed results after two months.
Surf their web site for more information."AMERICA" INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE
Telephone 011-52 (112) 2-4387.
Fax 011-52 (112) 3-5192.
E-mail: jarroyo@balandra.uabcs.mx.
Heroes de Independencia #1935 E/Bravo y Rosales, Col. Centro, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
18 years of service. English/Spanish and Spanish/English.
Service is tradition!CENTER OF LANGUAGES AND LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES
Telephone (800) 834-2256.
Fax (619) 463-7439.
E-mail: bwctrdelanguage@webtv.com.
5666 La Jolla Boulevard, PMB #116, La Jolla, California, 92037.
Learn Spanish in Ensenada! Check out their web site for more information.ENCUENTROS SPANISH LANGUAGE
Telephone 011-52 (777) 312-5088.
E-mail: encuent@infosel.net.mx".
Located in Mexico.
Quality language programs with activities that provide information about Mexico and it's culture.
Review their web site for more information.LANGUAGE PLUS
Telephone (915) 544-8600.
Fax (915) 544-8640.
4110 Rio Bravo, El Paso, Texas, 79902.
Executive Spanish Camps.
Nine day programs!SE HABLA LA PAZ
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (112) 2-7763.
E-mail: info@sehablalapaz.com.
Located in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
An excellent way to learn Spanish! 2 curriculums including a homestay experience.
Another school opening soon in Guadalajara.
Check out their extensive web site for 'mas informacion'!MULTILINGUAL LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Telephone (480) 782-6199.
E-mail: customerservice@multilingualcenter.com.
Learn Spanish the easy way over the phone or on the Internet!
Real-time on-line classes with native Spanish teachers.
Check out their web site for more information.FALCON SPANISH SCHOOL
Telephone / Fax 011-52 (473) 1-0745.
E-mail: infalcon@redes.int.com.mx.
Paseo de la Presa #80, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico, C.P. 36000.
If you can find a more beautiful place to learn Spanish Carlos Fiesta will eat his sombrero.
Founded in 1988.
Check out their web site for more information.-
QUIXOTE INSTITUTE OF SPANISH
Telephone (619) 283-1285.
E-mail: quixote@club1.net.
Post Office Box 880805, San Diego, California, 92168.
Learn Spanish the easy way! Call or e-mail for further information and rates.
MISSIONS
Baja's missions played a very special part in the Peninsula's history. The 31 missions built in Baja constituted more than half of the 52 total missions that were built along the western coast of North America. Before starting construction of the first mission in Loreto in 1697, missionaries had over 100 years of experience in building missions on the mainland in Mexico. However, unlike the missions on the mainland that were designed to be self-sufficient enterprises, the remote and harsh conditions of Baja made it nearly impossible to build and maintain these sites without ongoing assistance from the mainland.
Although the Missionaries and Indians who built Baja's missions performed an amazing feat under the circumstances, supplies from across the Sea of Cortez in the port of Guaymas played an important part in keeping the mission system intact.
The missions that were established were not random acts of construction, but rather well planned projects following established rules set forth by the authorities. These completed missions played a very important part in Mexico's history, and were ultimately the driving force behind the permanent colonization of Mexico's Baja Peninsula.
The missionary system (not to be confused with the missionary position) was established by three different religious groups, and was a common tool for Spanish expansion into new territories. The Jesuits and the Dominicans were the most successful, although kudos should be given to the Franciscans for a significant yet mostly unproductive attempt.
The road to the development of the 31 missions in Baja was rocky indeed, and the lack of government financing made the construction of most of the missions a private endeavor. Difficult terrain, unforgiving weather, and resistance from unsympathetic local Indians only added to the struggle. This was especially true in the southern missions where the local Indians were polygamists, and who resented the Christian values being imposed upon them. Indian uprisings ultimately led to much of the demise of the missions in La Paz, Santiago, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo. These same Indians also paid a heavy price for the mission system, where their population decreased from 50,000 to about 5,000 due to epidemics of small pox and syphilis brought in by the missionary groups.
Contributing to the demise of the missions in Baja was Mexico's independence from Spain, which promoted a conversion of the missions to local Pueblos.
By the early 1800's the big push for missions moved north under the guidance of Father Junipero Serra, who started the system of 21 missions that are located in what is now the state of California.
Many thanks to those Baja Mision fans who have helped add information to this section of Mexico Expo, especially David K. We graciously welcome any additional data (or links) on the misions of Baja from anyone who wishes to pass on accurate information.
As we begin the new millennium, a very important event is in motion to help restore two of Baja's missions, Mision San Francisco de Borja and Mision Santa Gertrudis la Magna. Father Mario Menghini Pecci, who has finally retired after a lifetime of pastoral duties at a church near San Jose del Cabo (at the age of 69), is moving forward with his life goal to restore these two special Baja missions. Your donations can help make his dream a reality. Donations may be sent to his organization:
BAJA CALIFORNIA MISSIONS FOUNDATIONS
7770 Regents Road STE 113 #606.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, 92122-9569.
Telephone (619) 558-5918.
For additional information on this project, their e-mail address is bajafound@san.rr.com.
For more information on tours to Baja's missions, stop by ECOTUR MISSION TRIPS.
And for an awesome wall map of all the California and Baja missions
you can contact Garza Communications Group by e-mail
or by phone at (626)683-3395 to obtain their MISSIONS OF ALTA
AND BAJA CALIFORNIA map. For $19.75 it is a real gem!
BAJA MISSIONS
- MISION LORETO
Founded in 1697.
Jesuit.
Stone reconstruction, excellent condition. - MISION SAN JAVIER
Founded in 1699.
Jesuit.
Stone construction, excellent condition. - MISION LIGUI
Founded in 1705.
Jesuit.
Tile flooring. - MISION MULEGE
Founded in 1705.
Jesuit.
Stone construction, excellent condition. - MISION SAN JOSE DE COMONDU
Founded in 1708.
Jesuit.
No ruins. - MISION LA PURISIMA
Founded in 1719.
Jesuit.
Stone ruins. - MISION LA PAZ
Founded in 1720.
Jesuit.
No ruins. - MISION GUADALUPE
Founded in 1720.
Jesuit.
Stone ruins. - MISION DOLORES
Founded in 1721.
Jesuit.
Adobe ruins. - MISION SANTIAGO
Founded in 1724.
Jesuit.
No ruins. - MISION SAN IGNACIO
Founded in 1728.
Jesuit.
Stone, excellent condition. - MISION SAN JOSE DEL CABO
Founded in 1730.
Jesuit
No ruins. - MISION SAN MIGUEL DE COMONDU
Founded in 1730.
Jesuit.
No ruins. - MISION TODOS SANTOS
Founded in 1734.
Jesuit
Adobe reconstruction, good condition. - MISION SAN LUIS GONZAGA
Founded in 1737.
Jesuit.
Stone.
Good condition / still in use. - MISION LA PASION
Founded in 1737.
Jesuit.
Stone ruins. - MISION DOLORES DEL NORTE
Founded prior to 1745.
Jesuit.
Stone foundation and wall remains.
Lost, recently rediscovered. - MISION SANTA MARIA MAGDALENA
Founded 1745.
Jesuit.
Stone rubble and dam.
Lost, recently rediscovered. - MISION SANTA GERTRUDIS
Founded in 1752.
Jesuit.
Stone.
Efforts are underway by the Baja California Missions foundation to restore this grand old mission. - MISION SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Founded in 1757.
Jesuit.
Lost...reward! - MISION SAN BORJA
Founded in 1762.
Jesuit.
Stone, fair condition.
Plans are underway by the Baja California Missions Foundation to restore
this mission. - MISION CALAMAJUE
Founded in 1766.
Jesuit.
Foundation rubble. - MISION SANTA MARIA
Founded in 1767.
Adobe ruins.
MORE INFO - MISION SAN FERNANDO
Founded in 1769.
Franciscan.
Adobe ruins. - MISION EL ROSARIO
Founded in 1774.
Dominican.
Adobe ruins. - MISION SANTO DOMINGO
Founded in 1775.
Dominican.
Adobe ruins. - MISION SAN VICENTE
Founded in 1780.
Dominican.
Adobe ruins. - MISION SAN MIGUEL
Founded in 1787.
Dominican.
Adobe ruins. - MISION SANTO TOMAS
Founded in 1791.
Dominican.
Adobe ruins. - MISION SAN PEDRO MARTIR
Founded 1794.
Dominican.
Adobe ruins. - MISION SANTA CATALINA
Founded in 1797.
Dominican.
No ruins. - MISION DESCANSO
Founded in 1814.
Dominican.
No ruins. - MISION GUADALUPE
Founded 1834.
Dominican.
No ruins.
TEQUILA
Okay, we all have our stories about the evils of Tequila...they often start out very similar..."I can't drink Tequila anymore, because once I..." and then the victim goes on to tell how the ravages of this wild spirit turned their life upside down for a week one night! Tequila does seem to be able to bring out the best and worst in people...usually bringing out more of what an individual already has going when they are sober!
The good people of Mexico alone consume over 45,000,000 liters of tequila each year, and this unique drink is quickly circling the globe as a premier ingredient for cocktails, or taken straight up. Exports to the world are now close to $400,000,000 per year. Yikes!
Looking for a good article on Tequila? Check out this shot ABOUT TEQUILA by Cabo San Lucas resident John Bragg.
For a different slant on Tequila see what Baja author ANN HAZARD has to say about the liquid gold!
And, if you really like Tequila, you gotta check out the web page of JOSE CUERVO TEQUILA.
Think you've heard of all of the different types of Tequila? Think again! This is a list of your options if you stop by for a shot of tequila at PANCHOS in Cabo San Lucas!
Ready to try something different? Drop by the web site of TEQUILA ROSE for a new flavor in Tequila!
Need more good stuff on tequila? Wax your board, grab your wetsuit and surf TEQUILA - CULTURE & MYTHS. Yikes!
THE HISTORY OF TEQUILA
Sometime before the year 1,000 AD an elite member of an Indian tribe on a plateau in northern Mexico discovered quite by accident that the sweet water inside the heart of the maguey plant, when removed from the plant and allowed to ferment, transformed into a creamy liquid that was quite pleasant to drink. And to his delight, after drinking substantial quantities of this sweet liquid, the Indian noticed that the world seemed to be a much happier place to live. Thus was born the predecessor to tequila, pulque. And if you have ever tasted pulque you will indeed learn to quickly appreciate the flavor of today's tequilas.
Always looking for new ways to catch a buzz, another Mexican Indian (and you thought these guys just sat around all day and smoked peyote!) discovered that a similar process could be performed with the agave plant, also common in the central high plains of Mexico. After maturing for approximately 10 years, the roundish ball of the agave plant is stripped of it's leaves, cooked for 24 to 48 hours, and then pounded and crushed to extract the liquid inside. Then, after a specific aging process in wood barrels that varies depending upon the type of tequila being made, the tequila is ready to party! The question is, are you ready for the tequila?
TYPES OF TEQUILA
The government of Mexico strictly controls the making and labeling of tequila to protect the product's integrity. By law all tequila must have at least 51% Blue Agave Tequila ingredients.
- ANEJO TEQUILA
Anejo means 'aged' or 'old'. Anejo tequila has been aged for over a year in either white oak casks or in used bourbon casks. These tequilas represent the finest efforts of Mexico's distillers. While each Anejo has it's own unique character, they are all exceptionally smooth and have a deep gold color, complex taste, and a long finish. A "Reserva" Anejo tequila is aged for no less than two years, and availability may be limited.
Examples of Anejo Tequila include Herradura Seleccion Supreme, Reserva de la Familia Cuervo, Porfidio Single Barrel Anejo, Sauza Tres Generaciones, Centinela Anejo and Antigue Anejo 1800 de Cuervo.
- REPOSADA TEQUILA
Reposada means "rested in wood". Tequila Reposada has been aged from two months to one year in wood and is known for imparting a full flavor, light gold color, and a mellow smoothness. This type of tequila is generally less expensive than Anejo Tequila.
Examples of reposada include El Tesoro de Don Filipe, Don Augustin, Las Vallientes, Centenario, Corralejo, Cuervo Tradicional Reposada, Cuervo 1800 and Herradura Gold Reposada.
- PLATA TEQUILA
Plata Tequila is a silver tequila, never aged in wood, and known for it's pure taste, clear color, and long, clean finish.
Examples of Plata Tequila include El Tesoro, Herradura Silver, Dos Reates, Don Julio Plata, Patron Silver and Sauza Especial Tequila Blanco.
- MESCAL
Mescal is the same as tequila but is not made in the official Tequila region near Guadalajara. Mescal is grown and distilled in the Oaxaca region in southern Mexico.
Examples of Mescal include Encantado Mezcal, Monte Alban, Santo Domingo, Chichicaps, San Luis del Rio and Minero.
Want to have fun at a party? Become a tequila expert. The girls will love ya!
WHALE WATCHING
Whales are one of the special treasures of Baja! There are few places on the planet where these large mammals can be viewed so easily, and so close up. It only takes one whale sighting to create a memory that can last a lifetime.
Whales that visit Baja incluse the California Gray whale, Finback whales, Sperm whales, and Blue whales. Come...enter the world of the whales!!!
WHALE INFORMATION
Baja is well known as a great place to whale watch. The Peninsula is home to several different types of whales, including the California Gray whale and the Finback whale. While the California Grays are just visiting for short periods of time along the west coast, the Finbacks are full-time residents in the Sea of Cortez. Both breeds are a spectacle to behold and a true natural treasure.
The whale that seems to get everyone most excited in Mexico is the California Gray whale. This magnificent creature spends summers in the waters off of Alaska, and then heads 6,000 miles south to the warmer lagoons of Baja in January, February and March. Their main reason for heading south is to mate and give birth in the protected shallow lagoons in Baja.
The three main lagoons these whales return to every year are (from north to south) Laguna Ojo de Liebre about half way down the Peninsula, Laguna San Ignacio about 100 miles further south, and Bahia Magdalena, which stretches about 100 miles from the northern end to the southern end, below Laguna San Ignacio. All three areas offer an excellent venue for whale watching up close and personal, and stories of close encounters and whale "petting" are becoming increasingly common.
After being hunted to near extinction at the turn of the century for their blubber and oil, these gentle giants have grown in population to about 23,000 today. Debate about removing the California Gray from the "Endangered Species" designation and an increased level of awareness of the plight of these mammals is proof that mankind can indeed turn around an almost tragic situation.
For years the northern lagoon (often called Scammon's Lagoon after the whaler who originally discovered this 'hiding place') was the main venue for whale watching. This is where the whales were originally discovered by whalers, and this became the main location for whale watching for many years. After a while it became common knowledge that Laguna San Ignacio a bit further south was also popular with the California Gray, and in the 1990's a small contingent of boats started offering whale watching in this 15 mile long lagoon. Bahia Magdalena, another 100 miles south, is now becoming an increasingly popular whale watching location, mainly because of it's proximity to the International Airports in LA PAZ and LORETO. A small percentage of whales make it as far south as CABO SAN LUCAS and the EAST CAPE, but there are no large lagoons in those areas for viewing them.
There are several companies that specialize in whale watch tours to all three locations. Many of these companies are listed below. Most of these tours include lodging and transportation to the lagoons, and some include airfare as well. The shorter basic tours can be quite affordable, and the longer and more elaborate excursions can be expensive. So no matter how much disposable time and money you have, Baja's whales are waiting for you!
WHALE WATCH COMPANIES
Companies that specialize in helping visitors views Baja's whales perform a very valuable service. Most of these companies have had years of experience, and have the whale watching routine down to an art. There are three basic methods to enjoy the whales...
LAND BASED COMPANIES * BOAT BASED COMPANIES
CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP FOR WHALE WATCHING!
LAND BASED COMPANIES
Land based whale watch companies are those that provide transportation (and often lodging) to the whale watching sites by either driving down or by a combination of flying down and driving. These adventures are usually shorter in length than the liveaboard boat trips mentioned below.
AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY
Telephone (310) 548-6279.
Fax (310) 548-6950.
Post Office Box 1391, San Pedro, California, 90733-1391.
E-mail: acs@pobox.com.
Call for whale watching schedules.BAJA AIRVENTURES
Telephone (800) 221-9283.
E-mail: timsells4u@aol.com.
Fly-in whale watch adventures to Baja's lagoons!BAJA ADVENTURE
Telephone 011-52 (114) 3-1706.
E-Mail: restless@earthling.net.
Post Office Box 2143, Port Hueneme, California, 93044.
Specialized whale watch trips out of Magdalena Bay, in Baja California Sur.BAJA DISCOVERY TOURS
Telephone (619) 262-0700.
Toll free (800) 829-2252.
Post Office Box 152527, San Diego, California, 92195.
E-mail: bajadis@aol.com.
20 years of whale watching experience in San Ignacio Lagoon!BAJA MOTION TOURS
Telephone (877) 246-BAJA.
Fax (619) 474-7166.
E-mail: bajatours@galaxymall.com".
43 East 12th Street, Suite C, National City, California, 91950.
Whale watch adventures to Baja's Scammon's Lagoon.BAJA EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (619) 581-3311.
Toll free (800) 843-6967.
Fax (619) 581-6542.
2625 Garnet Avenue, San Diego, California, 92109.
E-mail: travel@bajaex.com.BIOLOGICAL JOURNEYS
Telephone (707) 839-0178.
Toll free (800) 548-7555.
1696 Ocean Drive, McKinleyville, California, 95521.MAG BAY TOURS
Telephone (800) 599-8676.
E-Mail: booking@magbaytours.com.
271 Magnolia Avenue, Costa Mesa, California, 92627.
Custom whale watching tours in Baja's remote and pristine Magdalena Bay.
Great service, 15 years of Baja experience!NATURAL HABITAT ADVENTURES
Telephone (800) 543-8917.
2945 Center Green Court, Suite H, Boulder, Colorado, 80301.
California Gray Whale adventures.OCEANIC SOCIETY EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (415) 441-1106.
Fort Mason Center, Building E, San Francisco, California, 94123.
Whale tours and information.PACIFIC SEAFARI TOURS
Telephone (619) 226-8224.
Fax (619) 222-0784.
E-mail: divesd@aol.com.
2803 Emerson Street, San Diego, California, 92106.TILLIES WHALE WATCH ADVENTURES
Telephone 011-52 (617) 6-1901 extension 169.
E-mail: tillie@sannicolas.com.mx.
Custom whale watch trips from Ensenada to Guerrero Negro.
Small groups...big fun!
Check out Tillie's web site for additional information!
BOAT BASED COMPANIES
Spending the night on a boat! Now there's a way to really get in touch with nature. Most of the boat-based whale watch companies offer a nice vessel with very nice accommodations. These companies offer whale watching on both the Pacific side of Baja as well as the Sea of Cortez. These adventures can last from 7 to 14 days and usually involve much more that just whale watching. Exploring Baja's empty beaches and deserted islands can also be on the itinerary.
BAJA COAST SEAFARIS
Telephone (800) 945-2742.
E-Mail: info@bajaseafaris
Marques de Leon 933, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Custom whale watching cruises in the Sea of Cortez on the 50 foot "Irish Mist"!LINDBLAD'S SPECIAL EXPEDITIONS
Telephone (212) 765-7740.
Toll free (800) 762-0003.
720 5th Avenue, New York, New York, 10019.
Call for one of their spectacular brochures!ROYAL POLARIS
Telephone (310) 548-7562 Extension 5011.
Nine day excursion to Laguna San Ignacio aboard the 105 foot Royal Polaris.
Organized by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, ship departs from San Diego.
For details contact Larry Fukuhara.SEARCHER
Telephone (619) 226-2403.
Fax (619) 226-1332.
E-mail: searcher@bajawhale.com.
2838 Garrison Street, San Diego, California, 92106.
Whale watching in Baja's Pacific and the Sea of Cortez on a large boat.
Drop by their web site for more information!
CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP!
If you have always dreamed of seeing the California Gray Whales up close
and personal, but didn't want to sign up for a package tour in the process,
then this Hot Tip is for you!
Of the three main viewing lagoons for Baja whale watching, Bahia
Magdalena is the closest to an international airport. And of the various
whale watching sites in this 100 mile long lagoon, one particular port
is especially well set up for the independent group who wants to plan
their own trip. Puerto Lopez Mateos is a sleepy Mexican fishing village
located less than a 2 hour drive from the international airport at Loreto.
This special viewing venue has everything you need to experience the
whales just like you have imagined! The 2 hour dive from Loreto airport
is all on a well paved highway. The whale watch departure point has a
parking lot, small restaurant, bathrooms, curious shops and boat rentals.
Boats are available without reservations on a first come, first serve
basis, and prices run about $80 per boat (maximum 6 people) for a 2
hour tour including a captain. These skippers know right where to go
to put you in the middle of the action!
The lagoon at this location is narrow and protected, making it a
great place to get close to the whales and for taking pictures.
The best month to go is February, so book your flight on AeroCalifornia
(flight #162) by January to experience the trip of a lifetime. And
don't tell anyone about this Hot Top...let's keep this a secret
as long as possible!
WHALE ORGANIZATIONS
AMERICAN CETACEAN SOCIETY
Telephone (310) 548-6279.
Fax (310) 548-6950.
E-mail: acs@pobox.com.
Post Office Box 1391, San Pedro, California, 90722-1391.
A non-profit, volunteer membership organization established to help with the conservation of whales, dolphins, porpoises and their habitats through education, conservation and research.FRIENDLY WHALES WEB SITE
A good web site about the friendly whales of Laguna San Ignacio!
Drop by their web site for further information.GREY WHALE ADVOCATE
E-mail: keith@greywhale.com.
Located in Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Dedicated to the protection of the California Gray Whale and the environment in which they live.NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL
Telephone (323) 934-6900.
E-mail: nrdcinfo@nrdc.org.
6310 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, 90048.
Helping the California Gray Whale and the Baja environment by trying to prevent the proposed salt plant at Laguna Ignacio, in Baja California Sur.OCEAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Telephone (888) 835-9478.
E-mail: feedback@orf.org.
Helping with whales, sea turtles, Cabo Pulmo Reef, and other ocean-oriented issues in Baja.OCEANIC SOCIETY
Telephone (415) 441-1106.
Toll free (800) 326-7491.
Fort Mason Center, Building E, San Francisco, California, 94123.
Helping people enjoy and explore the whales and wildlife while contributing to their preservation.SEAWATCH
An organization of private citizens dedicated to a healthy Sea of Cortez.
They monitor destructive activities throughout the region and communicate the data they gather to the people of Mexico, the United States, and the world.
SPACE PHOTO OF GRAY WHALE LAGOONS
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