SAN IGNACIO LAGOON
The coastal landscape surrounding the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California is an awe inspiring habitat where marine life finds refuge. I had the privilege of working with Nautilus, Baja Expeditions, and SeeCreatures on a sponsored trip in pursuit of the most famous travelers to this lagoon, the Gray Whales.
Nautilus, Baja Expeditions, and SeeCreatures are partner companies that offer a variety of seafaring adventures from luxury liveaboard vessels, dive center adventures, kayaking, and other expeditions focused on marine life interactions and opportunities to witness the beauty of the ocean. The core of their mission is safety and connection with a vulnerable natural world in need of our protection. I had the privilege of working with their team in the San Ignacio Lagoon in pursuit of documenting and learning more about the Gray Whales present within the lagoon.
Skilled local fishermen and marine biologists team together to take travelers out onto the lagoon in the iconic "panga" boats. These small yet efficient boats offer a unique opportunity to view the whales undisturbed and amidst the vast seascape.
The Story of the Gray Whales
Mother Gray Whales come to the shallow warm waters of this lagoon in order to give birth to their calves and also to breed. Once referred to as "devil fish", Gray Whales were known to be aggressive during the days of commercial whaling. Whalers attempting to harpoon the whales were even reported to be attacked and killed by the defensive animals. Yet once the practice of whaling came to an end within the lagoon, peaceful fishermen in panga boats reported whale mothers becoming increasingly curious and even bringing their calves to the boats to incentivize safe and peaceful interactions with the fishermen. This behavior still occurs to this day and only within this lagoon during the winter and early spring.
A whale calf surfaces to breathe and creates what is known as a "rain-blow".
This behavior was fascinating to witness and I am in awe of the relationship formed between the local community and these massive yet gentle creatures. But the story of the whales is not over. An unusual mortality event has occurred in which many whales were reported as malnourished and died due to a lack of food in their artic feeding grounds as the sea ice melts. This makes the work of the researchers and conservationists within the lagoon that much more important.
Coastline of the Lagoon
The rugged shoreline of the San Ignacio Lagoon is also home to a variety of shorebirds, such as the Whimbrel pictured here.
Baja Base Camp
One of the most impressive parts of this whole adventure was the team of people who were at the core of the operation. They set up tents alongside the unpredictable coastline and work diligently to make a luxury experience possible in the middle of the desert. It's truly impressive and I am so lucky to have had the privilege of working with the staff at the lagoon even for a short time.
I am so thankful for the dedicated workers and leaders of this whole expedition. Their time and care was evident in every aspect of the campsite and experience.
The accommodations were quite the change of pace from your typical wildlife adventure, and it was incredible to stay in such an inspiring place surrounded by colorful skies and some of the brightest stars I have ever seen.
Overall, I feel so blessed to have worked with the team at the lagoon and to have witnessed and captured a small part of such a big story. I had the privilege of meeting so many interesting people from around the world who I am lucky to call friends after my time spent on this adventure. I am so thankful for the opportunity and am hopeful for the future of those who have dedicated their time and passion towards this effort.