Trip Reports

Hello whalewatchers: We decided to relocate today further south where we knew there were whales for our day’s activities. We started north of the Cabo Pulmo area and headed south. The weather was perfect with glassy conditions–we could see for miles! We saw breaching humpbacks in the distance and on our way there, we came across a single blue whale. We elected to spend some time with the blue whale. And then while we were waiting for the whale to surface, we saw common dolphins, more humpbacks, Guadalupe fur seals and a few sea turtles. We were busy! The blue whale came up right next to us a couple of times so we had some good looks. It’s always a very special experience when the largest animal on the planet is that close.
We left that area and didn’t go very far when we saw a dwarf sperm whale on the surface–it turned out to be two dwarf sperm whales-another special experience. Then an adult male sperm whale surfaced! We had a good look in the binoculars and we waited an hour for the next surfacing. Meanwhile some more humpbacks kept us occupied while we waited. The sperm whale surfaced and we were able to get a good look at it. They are amazing animals. We spotted a few more dwarf sperm whales and then we decided to head south again. All this happened before noon! We came across more humpbacks and another blue whale, by the way, as well.
We ended the day with humpbacks fluking around sunset. What a great day! And a good end to our first 2016 tour. We’ll head back south with a new group next week.
Team Searcher

Hello whalewatchers, We had a great day starting at Punta Colorado, Isla San Jose. It was an early start with sunrise coloring  the red bluff. Everyone went ashore for a walk, and then returned for a snorkel session and a skiff ride. Then we went offshore looking for whales and dolphins in the San Jose channel. South of there we came across an area of long-beaked common dolphin, two fin whales and a single humpback whale.
We ended the day at anchor in a spot next to the peninsula with a beck deck buffet!  BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, rice, potato salad, corn bread and banana bread for dessert. Charley and Dan did a heck of a job. The ribs were the best!

Team Searcher

Hello whalewatchers:
February 14: We started yesterday a little differently due to weather conditions. We started at Los Islotes, where everyone enjoyed the skiff rides and the snorkel session. The underwater visibility was great with lots of fish were reported. We left there looking for whales the rest of the day aboard Searcher. We made it all the way to beautiful Isla Santa Catalina and anchored for the night.
February 15: We went ashore at Isla Santa Catalina after breakfast and the arroyo was lush with cactus, native plants, and bird life. No sighting of a live rattleless rattlesnake, however.
The snorkel session was reported again to be in terrific conditions.  Those opting for a skiff ride took “Krazy Koastal Kruises!” We left the island after lunch and went west towards the peninsula in windy conditions. The weather was better there and we had a look at a Bryde’s whale and some bottlenose dolphins. We are enjoying the beautiful Baja sunrises.
We are looking forward to tomorrow!
Team Searcher

Hello whalewatchers: We had a very productive morning off Magdalena Bay this morning–plenty of whales! We’ve seen over 30 humpbacks with some breaching and fluking, but mostly whales travelling. A single blue whale was in the area also, but stayed down for 20 minutes at a time and a bit tough to stay with. But when it was on the surface we were able to get close enough to ID it. And it did fluke for us, so everyone got a look at a fluking blue whale. There were also a few scattered common and bottlenose dolphin, and lots of sea turtles around. We estimated at least 50 or 60 turtles.
The weather is calm and sunny. The water is warm as well with the surface temperature at 74 degrees.
More later, Team Searcher

We love Ally Marsh’s photo of the breaching humpback. Thank you, Ally!

Hello whalewatchers,
It is truly wonderful to be back in Laguna San Ignacio! There are lots of whales both inside and outside the lagoon. The weather has been awesome almost the whole day. And plenty of sunshine as well. It is great to see old friends again–the people from Kuyima and of course, the whales. Everyone had a close encounter with a whale today. So there were lots of hugs and a few tears of joy were shared our before lunch. This place is magical.
One of the things we try to do each year is make something better. This year we did quite a bit of work in the galley with new carpet, upholstery and some hardwood trim to spice things up a little. Outside we added some more seating and storage, and a way to create shade on the deck. Check out the new set-up! Everyone has really enjoyed  it so far.
Team Searcher
Gray whale photo by Rob Nawojchik.

Hello whalewatchers: We had a great day at Islas San Benitos today. The weather was perfect with sunny skies and a breeze. Everyone enjoyed the walk with elephant seals, a few fur seals, and many birds. In addition, we saw some life after we left the island–loads of auklets and murrelets, a pair of northbound gray whales, common dolphins, and a blue whale at sunset.
We are headed to one of our favorite places tomorrow–looking forward to visiting Laguna San Ignacio once again.
Team Searcher

The day finally arrived when we could take our first group of 24 guests and two naturalists (Marc Webber and Paul Jones) and head south to Baja California for whalewatching and wildlife adventures! Yesterday was that day. We welcomed long-time friends and new ones aboard during a warm San Diego day. Denver Broncos fans cheered their team on and our international guests witnessed a Super Bowl spectacle! After an evening safety orientation, and a rousing rendition of  “Happy Birthday” to Paul Jones, the boat left the dock around 10 p.m. We wish them fair seas and over-the-top sightings!