If you haven’t been on a Whale Watching tour in Baja California you are missing out on a special treat.  One of our favorite times in Cabo is whale season.  We start seeing these fabulous creatures in December and normally most are on their way back north my mid- March.  However, last year we enjoyed a special show of mother and baby whale from our patio across from the Pedregal Beach.

Whale watching tours are numerous in the Cabo area but tours in Guerrero Negro,  San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay are where you can get close and personal with these giants.  Guerrero Negro is the halfway point on the peninsula, San Ignacio is a bit further south and Mag Bay is about a 4 hour drive up the peninsula from Cabo.  I have been on tours in Guerreo Negro, Mag Bay and Cabo and each one was a unique experience.  Though we haven’t had a tour in San Ignacio it is one of my favorite stops along the Baja Peninsula.  The photos in this article are from our Guerrero Negro whale watching trip.

The Gringo Gazette, my favorite rag in Cabo, recently posted the following whale watching rules:
Whale watching is limited to authorized areas and strict speed restrictions are imposed as outlined by federal environment protection laws.  Boats must approach whales from behind diagonally and move parallel with the whales at a distance of at least 65 yards.  The maximum speed is 2 knots or two miles per hour, and must be slower than the slowest whale in the group.  A maximum of 4 boats may observe one individual or pod of whales, with motors in neutral if the whales are not moving and for a maximum of 30 minutes.  Other boats must wait at a distance of 265 yards.  A boat must wait with the motor in neutral if a whale approaches it and leave without rapid acceleration.  Boats should never interfere or cause harm in any way to the whales.  It is forbidden to fish, dive, swim, water sky/fly, use jet-skis, canoes, kayaks, inflatable, or submersible water toys,  ultra-lights and helicopters anywhere near these big mammals.  Fines of up to $100,000 USD ar possible, as well as losing the permit to work and the tour guide can be detained for up to 36 hours.

Whale watching is a must do when in the area and from December through March.  We have a number of Cabo Condos and Cabo Villa Rentals available for your stay.  Next time you plan a trip to Cabo let us help you not only with a fun whale watching adventure but with your Cabo accommodations as well.

Check our site at www.bajasurvacationrentals.com

If you have been on a whale watching tour in the Baja please share your comments.  If you want to share photos send them to me and I will add them to this blog!

Mexico has celebrated the anniversary of its constitution on February 5th every year traditionally but  current Mexican labor law, effective 2006, has established that the Mexican Constitution be honored as an official holiday on the first Monday of February, regardless of the actual date.  It is one of Mexico’s Fiestas Patrias or Patriotic Holidays.  So this year the celebration of Constitution Day is February.  Most everything will be closed for this celebration with the exception of restaurants, activities, and retail.

Mexico has had several constitutions throughout their history since its independence from Spain in 1810.  They are the Constitution of 1824, the Constitution of 1857 and the Constitution of 1917, which is currently in effect.  This constitution was drafted during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1921) and officially adopted as the Mexican Constitution on February 5th, 1917.

Article 1 deals with the rights of the individual to personal freedom and forbids the practices of slavery and personal discrimination.

Article 2 establishes Mexico as a unique and indivisible nation and enforces the preservation of its multicultural heritage.

Article 3 establishes the right of equal and unbiased education for all.

The balance of the articles of the Mexican Constitution figure the establishment of equality for all under the laws of the land; freedom of expression, speech and the press; the right of citizens to petition in a peaceful manner and exercise freedom of assembly;   freedom of religion, the prohibition of monopolies; the protection of the rights of workers; the separation of church and state.

Constitution Day in Mexico is celebrated with parades, festivals, and families getting together. Mexican pride is felt throughout the entire country, and often the president addresses the country on national television.   February 5th is the day that the constitution was signed, and to celebrate, the sale of liquor is stopped from February 2nd until the midnight on the 5th

If you are in Cabo for this holiday enjoy the festivities!

Welcome to Casa Bella, a luxurious condominium available for vacation rental in the heart of the Los Cabos area. Located within the exclusive Cabo del Sol Golf and Tennis resort community, Casa Bella offers you all the comforts of home in a truly spectacular setting.

The pleasures of Casa Bella are numerous-including easy access to fine dining, uncrowded beaches, renowned sportfishing, a host of other water sports, and of course, waking up in the heart of this fabulous golfer’s paradise.

At Casa Bella you are just steps away from dramatic seaside golf at Jack Nicklaus’ famed Ocean Course, ranked in Golf Magazine as one of the ‘Top 100 Courses in the World.

Come to Casa Bella-and realize, maybe for the first time, what true relaxation is.

Sleeping Accommodations:
1 King Bed
1 Queen Bed
2 Twin Beds or King
1 Sleeper Sofa

The Children’s Sheter in Todos Santos, Hogal del Niño needs help.  This Children’s Home  houses abused, neglected and orphaned children and is in need of donations of cash, food, clothing, and school supplies.  All funds donated go directly to Hogar del Niño.  Go to www.PadrinoProject.com

Mexico is rich with culture and tradition.  The custom of putting up a Christmas tree is popular but the real Mexican tradition is setting up a nativity scene.  The scenes are set up throughout the month but the figure of Baby Jesus is not put in the manger until December 24.  The three kings traditionally, are added on January 5.

Here is the nativity currently on display at the town square in San Jose del Cabo and please note Baby Jesus is not there!