A tradition of quality ecotourism
to Baja California
For more than 25 years,
the Searcher has conducted
natural history expeditions to
Baja California’s coastal waters and islands. We are one of only a few U.S. businesses
with special permission from the Mexican government to operate natural history
cruises into Mexican ecological
preserves and national parks.
Our Mission:
“To observe marine animals in their natural environment, and to share that
experience with our passengers.
”
Searcher Natural History Tours
Celia Condit and Art Taylor
2838 Garrison Street
San Diego, CA 92106
Tel: 619-226-2403
Fax: 619-226-1332
Email: searcher@bajawhale.com
Web site: www.bajawhale.com
Orca sighting aboard the Searcher
Bahia Agua Verde—February 16, 2009: Sometimes weather drives sailors into port; other times, it beckons them out to
sea. After an early-morning walk, the glassy waters of the Gulf of California
were calling to us. Captain Art decided to forgo an afternoon snorkel because
the weather was perfect for whalewatching. We weighed anchor and headed out
into deep water to look for whales.
We were richly rewarded for that decision, as it wasn’t long before the cry of “orca” rang out. It was the first time in five years or so that we have spotted the
whales on one of our Baja trips. We encountered a group of 13
—three males, two calves and the rest females. What a show!
Orcas (also known as killer whales, Orcinus orca) are the largest of the dolphin family of toothed whales. They are best known for
their status as the ocean
’s top predator, and have been known to eat fish, seabirds, and other marine
mammals including giant baleen whales.
Our incredible, up-close views and the time we spent with the orcas was truly
remarkable. Bow riding and closely following the boat, the whales were
spectacular. A highlight was watching a cow-calf pair bow ride, seemingly
close enough to touch. We stayed with the pod for more than two hours, and
we could have stayed longer, but they were heading north and we needed to
turn south.
Later in the afternoon, we spotted blue whales and the elusive dwarf sperm
whales
(Kogia simus), as well as brown- and blue-footed boobies. We ended the day with a
margarita party and dinner, bioluminescence and star gazing. What a day!
