A postcard from Mexico: blue whales in the Sea of Cortez
Greetings from Loreto
For a few weeks during February and March each year blue whales, the world’s largest mammals, visit the the Sea of Cortez off the eastern coast of the Baja California Sur peninsular. They come to mate, calve and feed on the krill that flourishes in its rich waters. Several companies in Loreto offer whale watching outings and on ours we were fortunate to see at least fifteen different blue whales (after which I lost count!) as well as a humpback and two fin whales.
Note: edited to add a link to Ju-Lyn’s Happy Place, Happy Space, as what could be more special than seeing these magnificent creatures in their happy place?!
46 Comments
Mari Nicholson
One I missed earlier but what a lovely post to come upon. The title Blue Whales immediately made me think of Alan Davies on QI which made me smile. What glorious photos you managed to get. It looks as though the whales put on a special photo-op for you.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Mari – I’m glad you found and enjoyed this 🙂 Yes, they certainly put on a good show for us! I don’t get the Alan Davies reference – it’s a while since we watched QI although it used to be a favourite. I don’t dislike Sandi Toksvig but I much preferred Stephen Fry!
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Amy
Wow, just magnificent! What a trip. Thanks for sharing these moments with us!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Amy 🙂 My pleasure to share – as always!
Rose
What fantastic photos!! Definitely an amazing opportunity to see so many Whales, thank you for sharing!! 💙💙
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Rose, it was a brilliant outing 😀
grandmisadventures
Oh how incredible to see these blue whales! Love, love, love 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
It was a fabulous experience! Glad you loved them (virtually) too ☺️
isaiah46ministries
They are so beautiful.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you – they are indeed 😊
wetanddustyroads
What a wonderful experience to be so close! Lovely action photos Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
It was very special. Glad you enjoyed the shots 😀
Teresa
What a great time to go! They look like some gentle giant. You are so lucky.
Sarah Wilkie
We were very lucky on this outing, although we had deliberately timed our trip for February, peak whale season!
Teresa
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
rkrontheroad
Amazing, aren’t they? I’ve seen whales in New Zealand. It’s humbling. Did a great dolphin boat ride in the Sea of Cortez years ago. Enjoy!
Sarah Wilkie
You’re right, it’s humbling to be that close to so huge and special an animal!
restlessjo
What a sight, Sarah!
Sarah Wilkie
It was indeed! Thanks Jo 😀
Rebecca
I recall going to that part of Mexico and taking a boat tour along the coast, in hopes of spotting a whale. I don’t think I saw any, but it was still a fun experience! Glad you saw some while you were there!
Sarah Wilkie
I’m sorry you weren’t so lucky, but it’s a beautiful coastline to view from the water 😀
Anonymous
Oh lucky you!! Maggie
Brad M
What an amazing experience; to be able to say you “lost count” of the blue whales in the water!
Sarah Wilkie
Now you put it that way, yes, that’s an amazing thing to be able to say!
Cathy
Amazing!
Sarah Wilkie
It was indeed Cathy 😀
Tish Farrell
Stunning!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 😊
thehungrytravellers.blog
I think that’s what you call a successful whale watch!
Sarah Wilkie
Indeed, although they’re pretty much guaranteed here at this time of year. Off to look for greys on the Pacific side of the peninsula today 🐋
Sue
How marvellous is that!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, absolutely wonderful!
Sue
😊
margaret21
Wow! You really picked your moment to visit!
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, February was a deliberate choice for this trip, I knew it was a good month for whales here 😀 🐋
Monkey's Tale
I left a comment from email, but as I sent it I realized that it didn’t show that I was logged in. Usually if that happens I can’t send the comment, but this one went through. Anyway, the anonymous comment is likely mine 🙂 Lucky you to see the blue whales! We saw them in Sri Lanka. Maggie
Sarah Wilkie
Yes it was a real treat 😀 And today we saw greys, but much harder to photograph!
bushboy
Wonderful experience Sarah 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
It was indeed!
Susanne Swanson
Truly awesome! What a treat!
Sarah Wilkie
So right on both counts, really awesome and an absolute treat (and privilege!)
the eternal traveller
Isn’t whale watching a wonderful adventure! We’ve been several times in different locations but have only ever seen humpbacks. Lucky you to see so many blue whales.
Sarah Wilkie
I think humpbacks are my favourites, but it was wonderful to see these giants, a new species for us. Off to look for greys in the Pacific today!
the eternal traveller
I hope you find lots.
Sarah Wilkie
We did, but harder to get decent photos