About 10,000 people each year make the pilgrimage to Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, Mexico to experience what is known as the “world’s largest whale nursery.” Seeing the whales was the highlight of our 15-day Fantasy RV tour, but it was only part of this grand adventure.
We joined our group of 22 RVs in Ensenada and after one more visit to the wine country, we headed south. The day we departed Ensenada, cartel kingpin El Mencho was killed in mainland Mexico, setting off a wave of attacks centered in Puerto Vallarta and spreading across the country. While driving south we were temporarily stalled by a tomato truck that had been set on fire, creating a blockade. Here’s a photo taken from social media of the explosion.
We just saw the aftermath (no photos), and that was enough to caused some concern in our group. In fact, three RVs turned back the next day. We, however, decided to continue on since the violence in Baja was centered around the border and Tijuana. Our decision to proceed southward turned out to be sound, as it was peaceful for the rest of the trip.
Passing through Baja’s majestic desert topography, we saw wild horses and unique landscapes. Camping amidst the cardònes and cirios was like being in a western movie.
After three days of driving we arrived in Guerrero Negro. For the next two mornings we visited Ojo de Liebre lagoon and one of the largest concentrations of grey whales on the planet.
After feeding all spring and summer in Alaska, the entire grey whale population heads south to three Mexican lagoons to give birth and nurse their calves. While in the calm waters of the lagoon, the whales show great curiosity and playfulness toward the boats.
We were approached by numerous 35-40 foot specimens who seemed to be just as interested in us as we were in them. They allowed us to pet them and even sneak a kiss!
One even used its nose to push our boat in circles for over a minute. And there’s nothing like getting a whale blowhole shower.
We also spent time with a mama whale who was teaching her baby to approach us. The experience was definitely one-of-a-kind!
Guerrero Negro is also the site of one of the world’s largest salt production plants and it’s the high salinity of the lagoons that makes them attractive to the whales. One afternoon Steve joined the group for a tour of the massive salt facility and was amazed by the operation.
After our time in Guerrero Negro, we traveled across the peninsula to the sleepy village of Bahia de Los Ángeles (BLA), set on the Sea of Cortez. Our beachfront campsites were the perfect setting for kayaking and beach barbecues.
Steve and his buddies went fishing and caught large, yellowfin tuna that was delicious on the Blackstone.
Fantasy RV tours fed us extremely well, and we are now in detox mode! Fresh seafood and Mexican dishes, along with plenty of margaritas were on our menu most days.
While this was a spectacular trip, our new friends made it even more special. Jay & June and Jim & Yujing were on both of the back-to-back tours, and the six of us became a formidable team. We shared meals, hikes, happy hours, laundry trips, and plenty of laughs.
Travel is always enriching, but it’s the friends you make along the way that truly make it exceptional. We are grateful to have made four, great new friends on this Mexican adventure.
Marnie and Steve Travel 