Baja residents enjoy Front Row Seat To View This Year's Extraordinary Whale Migration This year’s whale-watching season is looking to be better than most. Earlier this month, marine researchers and tour guides off the central California coast reported unusually large numbers of humpback whales and orcas along with increased grey whale caravan sightings. In one report, a researcher in Monterey Bay Aquarium called it "stunning." As the south-bound whale pods reach the northern Baja California coast, Canadian and American residents with ocean-front view homes find themselves with perfect perches from which to view and enjoy the real-life oceanic drama.Lyndie Meissner, a resident of Calafia Condos, Resort and Villas , a gated community just 30 miles south of the border, is effusive. “Coming from Canada, we used to take sightseeing boats to see the grays and killer whales," said Meissner. "It was awe-inspiring and made for a lifetime of memories. We never imagined we’d be able to wake up every morning and witness this spectacular scene right in our front yard.” Tegan Firth of Hornblower Cruises, which operates daily tours endorsed by the San Diego Natural History Museum, says the whale watching season is just beginning. “This year is more exciting than ever. We’re seeing not only more whales but many are traveling closer to shore,” Tegan said. "Every year, thousands of grey whales make their annual 6,000-mile migration from the Bering Sea to Baja California to calf. We expect as many as 25,000 tourists and locals alike will come to see these graceful, gentle giants up close.” To have the experience of actually touching the whales and smell the spray from their blowholes, Baja Ecotours takes avid whale watchers 600 miles south to a remote corner of the Baja Peninsula called San Ignacio Lagoon. Many San Diegans take an annual trip by car to San Ignacio. Others are content with driving along the highway between Rosarito and Ensenada to find lookout  Points from which to scan the sea for the
mammals’ telltale salt mist geysers. With home prices in Baja California still reasonable and financing now available, thousands of Americans and Canadians today enjoy the luxury of whale watching from their living-room balconies, kitchens and sometimes even their master bedrooms. Melinda Bates, a Calafia Resort resident who just published a book about her years in the Clinton administration, has enjoyed watching the migration every year but says this year is special. “We’ve become used to seeing pods of porpoise," she said. "Friends visit and are stunned how we take it in stride. But really, even after living here for three years, you can’t believe the excitement of spotting whale pods. They spout, and flap a fin or tail - it just never gets old to have them as neighbors.”  The
good news for avid whale watchers is that in just a few more months,
they’ll be able to watch the entire show again as the pods, with their
new calves and fast-growing appetites, return north to feed in the
fertile seas off Alaska. Bates is well-prepared for the next chapter of the season, “It’s a never-ending thrill living here.” Calafia Condos, Resort and Villas is a beach community on the Pacific coast of Baja California guarded by 24-hour Security. Immediately
south of the historic city of Rosarito Beach, it is surrounded by
charming shops, restaurants, clubs, art galleries, golf courses and
more. And Baja's famed wine country is only a 15-minute drive away.Spacious condominiums are available at prices from $298,000 for a two-bedroom oceanfront residence to $650,000 for a 15th-floor penthouse. Two- or three-bedroom floor plans are available with reserved parking and a variety of choices for personal finishes. In addition, Calafia Condos, Resort and Villas just released a furniture package that starts as low as $12,000 for a two-bedroom combo. Expert guidance in purchasing Real Estate in Mexico including Title Insurance, performance
bond services and real Estate law is available. Call toll free 1-866-CALAFIA or visit www.calafiacondos.com for details. |
