The day I kissed a whale
The week before the COVID19 reached Mexico, I was in the Baja California desert, oblivious that I would not be traveling for a while.
This was the second opportunity I’ve had to visit the grey whales in Guerrero Negro, and although difficult to exceed my first experience, this time was even more magical.
It is difficult to put into words how remarkable the experience is; coming face to face with one of the largest mammals on earth in their natural habitat. While at first the idea might sound scary, bizarrely enough, the word that I would use to describe the whales is “adorable.” They are so soft, sweet, and playful, nothing you would imagine from such a massive creature.
The gentle and trustworthy way in which they approach the boats and interact with humans stirs so many emotions about our relationship with other animals, and the ways in which we betray their trust.
It is a completely humbling and eye opening experience that tears down the fear and intimidation that we create in our minds towards an animal just because of their size and the fact that they are “wild” – when in reality, we pose a much bigger threat to them than they do to us.
Guerrero Negro is probably the only place on earth where humans can interact and even pet the whales in their natural environment.
Before anybody starts criticising the fact that people are able to touch them, you must understand that the reason why this encounter takes place, is because it is the breeding ground of the whales. The babies are born in close proximity to humans who have been fishing and visiting the region for decades. They are not afraid, and they voluntarily approach the boats to quite literally play and be petted. They love to play splash. Watch the video to see them do it!
If you ever have a chance to live this experience, I plead you to do it with the utmost respect for these majestic creatures who were here long before us.
The planet is their home, we are merely their guests.
You might also find this article interesting: Why is it so difficult to care about climate change?
THE KISS
About the ocean Gods
Baja California is a 1200km long desert full of magical beaches, cacti, and no internet connection.
The city of Guerrero Negro marks the boarder between Baja California and Baja California Sur. A 9 hour drive from Ensenada, Guerrero is known for its whale watching and for the famous salt mine which is claimed to be the largest in the world.
Laguna Ojo de Liebre in Guerrero Negro (amongst other spots along the Baja coast) is the grey whales mating ground, where they spend a few months between January and April before continuing their journey north to Alaska.
Grey whales spend most of their lives traveling and they love staying near the coasts.
They carry out the longest migration of any mammal; starting in the Bering Sea, they travel about 160km per day, covering 12,000km along the Pacific coasts before arriving in Baja California.
After a gestation period of 12-13 months, the mothers arrive in the salty and warm waters (for whale standards!) of Baja California to give birth.
Grey whales live between 30-50 years.
The lagoon Ojo de Liebre is a protected whale sanctuary.
Check out some of my other adventures: TUNISIA: A very pescatarian holiday
Alina Hernandez
Great article!! Congratulations
Patricia & Miguel
They are such majestic beings, I can imagine how special that moment was 😀
Have a magical weekend,
xx
http://www.patriciandmiguel.com