My kids were just in Todos Santos, and had front-row seats from their 'tent' to the peak of the whale-watching season. It was a fabulous place to enjoy the night sky, too!
Todos Santos, in Baja California in Mexico is a small town on the major corridor for the North Pacific humpback whale population, which migrates from feeding grounds in Alaska and Canada to the warmer waters of Baja to breed and nurse their young.
By March, calves born in December or January have grown significantly. They are stronger and much more playful, often seen practicing their breaches and tail slaps repeatedly to build muscle for the long journey north.
Shore-based spotting at Punta Lobos or right from the beach at Villa Santa Cruz is possible because mothers keep their calves in the shallower waters closer to the shore to avoid predators like orcas and to minimize harassment from aggressive male "escorts" who are still looking to mate.
Humpbacks are considered the most acrobatic of the great whales.
While you can't hear them singing from the shore, the males are actively singing complex "songs" during this time to attract mates.
Humpbacks have massive pectoral fins (up to 15 feet long). They often lay on their side and slap the water, creating a loud "crack" that can be heard for miles underwater.
The full-body leap out of the water is called breaching. . Scientists believe this is a form of communication, a way to shake off parasites, or simply play.
These majestic giants are the real thing! Many marvelous photos were taken and they are beginning to fill up my family albums, do be on the lookout for more posts with Baja photos soon!
