bajawhaleshark-blog

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Got a Bucket List? Let us Help You Cross Something Off!

Welcome to Baja California Sur, home of some of the world’s best beaches, brilliant displays of marine life, and a colorful Mexican culture. La Paz is the capital city of BCS, and with 220,000 citizens, it is the largest in the state. It is bordered by the Sea of Cortez, which is often referred to as the Gulf of California. This body of water is so filled with life that oceanographer Jacque Cousteau once referred to it as the “World’s Aquarium”.  

So you’ve arrived. Now what? There are many things that make a visit to La Paz an exciting one, but one thing stands above the rest: Swimming with whale sharks. The experience is one so meaningful that it is a bucket list item for many. And guess what? We can help scratch that one off. And we’ll one up the goal, giving guests a day to remember both before and after their encounter with the gentle giants, the largest fish in the oceans of planet earth, the Whale Shark.

The Whale Shark is indeed a shark, but don’t worry, it doesn’t want to eat you or me. Like a whale, they are filter feeders, and find their way back to the Sea of Cortez to fatten up in the plankton and krill rich waters. Snorkeling with whale sharks is a safe and fun activity, and following the directions of the snorkel leader/dive master, will be one you aren’t likely to forget.

Upon arrival aboard Island Cat you’ll be treated to a breakfast of fresh pastries, fruits and yogurts, and beverages both non-alcoholic or otherwise are available. And our crew members can make a mean Bloody Mary, my friends.

As the large and spacious catamaran gets underway, we encourage you to relax on the bow of the ship, and enjoy the sunshine during the easy cruise. Prior to arrival our on board Marine Biologist will tell you all about the whale shark, allowing time for Q&A before heading into the feeding area.

The whale shark doesn’t breach for air like a normal whale, which can make it tough to locate initially, but odd wave breaks, a large dorsal fin, and a large darkened mass gliding through the waters are easy giveaways. Once the massive white-spotted fish has been located, snorkelers will jump in the water in pursuit. Depending on whether the shark is eating vertically or as it moves, you may be in for a short swim. But the experience of being in the water alongside the endangered gentle giants as they feed is worth it, and is one of both awe and wonder.

Back aboard Island Cats are two full bathrooms with extra large showers if you wish to wash off the sea and clean up. When done, a complete lunch made by on board chef using fresh, organic ingredients waits for you in the galley. It’s not uncommon for lunchtime to be a loud occasion as guests excitedly share their stories of their time underwater with the whale shark.

On the return cruise, head out to the bow of the ship for a last hour or so of being pampered in the sunshine. (Psst - ask for a Mango Margarita- you won’t regret it!) And be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins or jumping stingrays!  

For further information, or to book a Whale Sharks Encounter, see: www.BajaWhaleShark.com. In the U.S. or Canada call: 541-325-7369, in Mexico call 612-152-9940.

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The Real Reason Behind Whale Shark Season In La Paz

Whale Shark Season in La Paz is here and we’re off to an exciting start! Between October and April every year these amazing gentle giants return to the Sea of Cortez after many months of migration.

The Whale Shark is indeed a shark, but don’t worry, it doesn’t want to eat you or me. Like a whale, they are filter feeders, and find their way back to the Sea of Cortez to fatten up in the plankton and krill rich waters. Commonly known as the Gulf of California, the Sea of Cortez stretches 700 miles, although the gentle giants are known to only feed near the middle of the spit of land that extends out in front of La Paz, known as the Magote. Topography shows a drop off in the Magote changing the depth from 6-10 feet in the shallows to a quick drop of 22-33 feet. The currents caused by this shelf in the ocean floor results in the common ocean phenomenon called plankton blooms, which are large concentrations of phytoplankton, microscopic plants that float in the upper, sunlit layers of the water. And for the whale shark, this means dinner time.

Whale sharks are the largest known species of fish, growing up to 41.5’ (the largest on record), and weighing in at about 40 tons. The whale sharks found in Baja are typically considered teenagers, about 20-30 years old, and 25-30 feet long. To put that in perspective, consider these teens are the length of a small school bus with mouths as wide as a car.

Unlike an actual whale, the whale shark does not breach for air, which can make it difficult to locate initially, but unusual wave breaks, a large dorsal fin, and the enlarged darkened mass gliding through the waters are easy giveaways. Once the massive white-spotted fish - usually found in schools of three to five, has been located, divers should be prepared to jump in the water. Depending on whether the shark is eating vertically or as it moves, a brisk swim may be necessary.

Once plentiful in the oceans of the world, the whale sharks are considered an endangered species and receive staunch protection under international and Mexican law. While it is legal to swim with them as they feed, strict rules are enforced. With three feeding zones in the area, only a limited number of boats can be in each zone at one time, and up to six guests with a snorkel instructor may be in the water surrounding one of the giants, keeping a distance of at least six feet. No SCUBA diving gear is permitted in the feeding areas.  

Don’t forget: you present far more danger to the fish than the fish does to you. Lotions or sunscreens can can create a life-threatening infection on their slick sensitive skin so it is imperative not to touch them. As they move slowly and docilely nearby, it may be difficult to resist this urge, but it’s important to do our part in keeping their numbers from declining.

Join us on an amazing adventure with this incredible fish. For more information, check out http://www.bajawhaleshark.com/

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Why to Opt for a Whale Shark Excursion Trip in Cabo San Lucas?

Are you an adventure seeker? Do you want to enjoy an exhilarating under water activity? Then do not forget to plan out for a whale shark excursion trip?

If you are thinking to choose the best destination for enjoying a swimming or snorkeling whale shark trip, then consider the Cabo San Lucas. The world renowned resort city-Cabo San Lucas (located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja, California) is popular for its pristine beaches, exciting water-based activities and nightlife. In Cabo San Lucas, one of the most popular tourist activities is considered to be the whale shark excursion. This exhilarating under water activity attracts people from all around the world to enjoy a thrilling swimming or snorkeling with the whale sharks.

The whale sharks are the mysterious gentle giants. You will love to know more about the whale sharks by booking a whale shark excursion trip in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas.

The whale sharks are one of the rare, biggest and endangered fish species in the world who are not at all harmful.  It is not at all dangerous to dive, swim or snorkel with whale sharks. The whale sharks move slowly and calmly through the water, which makes it easier to enjoy the joy of snorkeling or swimming with the gentle giants- whale shark. It is always advised to maintain a safe distance from the whale sharks while swimming or snorkeling along with them.

It is found that most of the water sport enthusiasts travel from around the globe to enjoy an once-in-a-lifetime experience of diving, swimming or snorkeling with the whale sharks in Cabo San Lucas. Enjoying a diving or snorkeling with whale shark is now in almost every diver’s bucket list. You will find many hot spots to enjoy a whale shark excursion trip in Cabo San Lucas.

Mexico takes it marine life conservation very seriously, for which the whale shark excursion trips around Cabo San Lucas are well regulated. Only licensed tour operators, boats and guides are allowed to operate in this area, which ensures safety and security for both (the tourists and the gentle giant-whale sharks). This will help in creating a better experience for the snorkelers or swimmers as well as will also help in preserving the ecology of the area.

You can enjoy an exciting whale shark excursion in Cabo by relying on Baja Whale Shark. We are one of the most reputable and responsible tour operator in Cabo that offers guided excursion trips to enjoy an exhilarating swimming or snorkeling with the whale sharks. With us, you will get an opportunity to enjoy a fun filled and safe whale shark excursion in La Paz or Baja, Cabo San Lucas.

Please browse through this url: http://www.bajawhaleshark.com/tablet/tour-details.html to know more about our tour details. To book a well planned and personalized whale shark excursion trip, give us a call today at 541.325.7369 (US Toll Free Number).

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Snorkeling with Whale Sharks – Once in a Lifetime Experience

Snorkeling or swimming with whale sharks is a dream of many ocean lovers and adventure seekers. There is only one place in the Baja where you can reliably swim or snorkel with whale sharks. Many people from all over the world travel to Cabo’s Mexico and take the shuttle to La Paz to swim along with these gentle giants- the magnificent whale shark. In Cabo San Lucas, snorkeling or swimming with whale sharks has become a very popular tourist activity. Guests are picked up at their hotels anywhere around the Cabo area and taken directly to the famous Island Cat, a large and spacious sailing catamaran. Island Cat operates the BajaWhaleShark.com excursions. When the whale sharks are located, (BajaWhaleShark.com has NEVER missed finding them during whale shark season), guests are transferred to a smaller dive boat to get up close and allow swimmers to get in the water right beside them.

Underwater with Whale Sharks: The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean. It is also rare. Whale sharks are an endangered fish species, but plentiful in the Bay of La Paz, in Baja, Mexico, just a 90-minute ride from Cabo San Lucas. Whale sharks grow to 40 feet and longer. They weight more than 20 tons and normally have a lifespan of more than 100 years. The whale shark is migratory. They are known to be deep divers, but every year they feed right along the surface in the Bay of La Paz in a specific location well known to BajaWhaleShark.com and its parent operator IslandCatBaja.com. Now is the right time to enjoy this special adventure.  Whale shark season runs from November thru March and into April. You too can have the fantastic experience of swimming along beside the largest fish in the world.

Is it Safe? Yes, it is safe for humans to swim or snorkel with whale sharks. They are not aggressive and seem to enjoy having swimmers alongside. Having bad vision and ten-centimeter thick skin, these giant sea creatures will still notice you while swimming or snorkeling beside them, but no worries, you are not on the menu. They filter plankton-rich water at the surface, going back and forth like a farmer plowing a field. It is easy to get up close, but please refrain from touching them or using flash photography (it can be disturbing and worrisome for them.)

Normally, snorkeling or swimming with whale sharks in the Baja is a full day activity, which starts early in the morning when you are picked up at your resort, hotel, condo, or home and driven to your boat, standing by in the Bay of La Paz. By contacting a reliable tour operator, like IslandCatBaja.com, and BajaWhaleShark.com, you will enjoy a memorable experience with the giant, yet gentle, whale shark.

Things to remember to enjoy a memorable experience with whale sharks:

1. Keep a 5-foot minimum distance between the whale shark and yourself

2. When near reefs, please do not touch or kick the corals

3. Follow your instructor. Proper guidance is a must for enjoying a safe experience with whale sharks

4. Take care to enter the water slowly when your instructor tells you its time. Avoid jumping from the boat.

By booking a guided tour package from Cabo, for swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks, you will have fun, and enjoy the Experience of a Lifetime. IslandCatBaja.com, and BajaWhaleShark.com are the most reputable and responsible tour operators in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Their excursions are ALL INCLUSIVE, meaning everything from meals to equipment, to an open bar and a marine biologist on board as your hostess and snorkel leader, is included. To get more information about a guided whale shark excursion trip from Cabo San Lucas or La Paz, call U.S. (Toll Free Number) – 541.325.73369 or email IslandCatBaja@gmail.com.

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Swimming with Whale Sharks

You can swim with whale sharks when vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Los Barriles, or La Paz, in Baja, Mexico. The whale shark is the largest fish species on the planet. They are gentle in nature and pose no-threat to humans. Whale sharks are not actually whales, but they can be as large as most whale species. Technically, the whale shark is a shark by definition. A whale is a mammal. A shark is a fish. However, you needn’t worry about the shark definition as whale sharks have no real teeth and they are extremely passive. Here is an overview of your best resource for swimming with whale sharks:

Overview:

Enjoy an outstanding ALL INCLUSIVE cruise, on a large and spacious sailing catamaran, and snorkel with the largest fish in the world! The whale shark filters surface water for microscopic plankton, which allows guests to swim beside these rare and gentle giants. The PREMIER tour of its kind, the Island Cat whale shark excursion includes a cruise of approximately 4.5 hours, and includes savory organic meals, a skilled and educated crew, and a marine biologist. There is nothing to bring. Island Cat provides it all, an attendant dive boat, outstanding meals, bottled water, beer, sodas, an open bar, private bathrooms, fresh water showers, laundered towels, all the equipment needed. Truly a lifetime experience!

Your tour also includes ground transportation to and from your hotel, resort, or home. On board Island Cat you will enjoy a light breakfast of fruit, yogurt and pastries as you set sail for the whale shark feeding area. After the captain’s orientation, your hostess, a marine biologist and snorkel leader, will share valuable information on the Sea of Cortez and pertinent details pertaining directly to whale sharks.

When the first whale sharks are spotted, guests will board a companion dive boat, to get up close and personal with these large and magnificent creatures. Boarding ladders allow easy access to and from the water. Your snorkel leader will typically enter the water first to assist guests as needed. Every guest wanting to swim or snorkel alongside a whale shark will be encouraged to do so. Fresh water showers are immediately available when re-boarding Island Cat, as are fresh laundered towels, shampoo, soaps, etc.

Once everyone has had their own personal experience with a whale shark, a delicious lunch of several prepared dishes will be served. Included throughout the day are snacks, chips, salsas, guacamole, soft drinks, beer, bottled water, ice, and an open bar. Weather, and time-permitting, the sails will be raised for a dramatic return cruise to the resort at Costa Baja where guests will board our private ground transportation for their return trip to the Cabo area. At guest request, your driver will stop at the mythical Hotel California on the way back. This is the hotel made famous by the Eagles popular song of the same name.

FYI — Fruits and vegetables for the tour are sourced from local farms and delivered daily. There is organic chicken delivered daily and prepared on board in various ways, along with multiple side dishes. Snorkel gear, flotation vests, powered attendant boats, beach towels, layout mattresses, cushions and pillows are all included.

Email us today at IslandCatBaja@gmail.com, or call U.S. 541.325.7369 to book the Adventure of a Lifetime!