Get Up Close With Whales at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, B.C.S.
Islands of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico (PRWEB) October 29, 2014 -- Want to get so close to gray whales that you can literally touch them, or take in the beauty of the blue whale, the world’s largest existing animal? Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, B.C.S., the newest member of the Villa Group resorts, can coordinate a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will help guests commune up close with nature.
“Whale watching excursions like these are not to be missed while visiting Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto,” said Owen Perry, Villa Group co-owner and president. “Where else can you get so close to gray whales that you can reach out and touch them or witness the majestic blue whale spouting near your boat? We’re proud to offer such a unique experience for our guests.”
Guests of Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto have two options for whale watching excursions during their stay at the “million star” resort, known for its star-laden sky, genuine hospitality, and incredible views of the Sea of Cortez and Sierra de la Giganta mountains.
The first option, which costs $131 USD per adult, is a seven-hour excursion that kicks off with a scenic drive in an air-conditioned van across the Baja Peninsula to the Pacific side of Magdalena Bay called López Mateos, the ideal spot to get an up-close view of gray whales. Each year gray whales migrate nearly 4,000 miles on a journey from Alaska to get to Magdalena Bay to bear their young in warm placid waters.
Once there, a knowledgeable guide will lead guests on a two-hour tour of the bay. Aboard an open-air panga boat, guests will learn about the lifestyle and habits of gray whales and interact with them in a safe environment as they play, jump and float nearby, curious newborns by their side.
After the excursion, guests are treated to a delicious, local lunch in López Mateos, a tiny authentic fishing village, before heading back to Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto.
As another option, guests can look for sei whales, sperm whales, belugas, humpback whales, orcas and the majestic blue whale (largest animal to have ever lived on Earth) right in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez, dubbed “The Aquarium of the World” by explorer Jacques Cousteau.
Offered through Danzante Tours (the resort’s in-house tour agency), guests can choose a four-hour island tour with whale watching included to either Coronado or Danzante islands aboard a comfortable APEX boat for $80 USD per adult. The excursion includes a boxed lunch and beverage for a picnic on the beach, with optional hiking, snorkeling and leisure time on the islands, as well as an expert guide who can describe the surrounding habitat and point out exciting sightings of dolphins, sea lions, exotic fish, and of course whales.
Whale watching season in Loreto runs from January to April, though whales are often closest to shore and the most active in February. Guests are recommended to bring comfortable clothes, sneakers, light jacket, glasses, a hat, sunscreen, and mostly importantly, a camera to capture amazing memories, for both excursions.
Complete and customizable packages including accommodations, whale tours, dolphin tours, taxes, gratuities and other features, are available through the resort reservations department. For resort reservations or additional information, please contact the resort at reservaciones.vdpl(at)vgloreto(dot)com or call 800.790.4187. To learn more about Villa del Palmar, visit http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com/.
About Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto: Baja’s First Million Star Resort
Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto is a luxury destination resort on the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula overlooking Danzante Island (one of five in the region). It features 181 new, spacious, beautifully appointed Deluxe Ocean View, one, two and three bedroom Suites with balcony or terrace, stunning ocean views, mountain views, three restaurants offering gourmet dining, an attentive English-speaking staff, five swimming pools, a 39,000 square-foot Sabila Spa and Wellness Center, two tennis courts, beautiful beaches, a private beachfront Danzante Bungalow villa for glamping and a mild and warm climate year-round. The upcoming 7,400-yard Rees Jones-designed Danzante Bay golf course will offer a challenging, yet friendly course that works with the natural beauty and serenity of the surrounding environment.
Guests can enjoy PADI-certified SCUBA diving lessons and snorkeling tours in the protected indigo waters that explorer Jacques Cousteau once dubbed the “Aquarium of the World.” Outdoor adventurers can also experience tours of the nearby Coronado, Danzante and Del Carmen Islands atop an inflatable APEX boat, as well as swimming, world-class fishing aboard the “Mad Dash” tournament boat, paddle boarding, kayaking, whale watching and mountain biking. With complimentary shuttle service, guests can explore the historic town at the Islands of Loreto and visit the 1697 mission that made the town famous. The area is also known for its wildlife, including the 900 species of fish off the coast and in an area that has been declared a World Heritage Site. Hotel perks include a spa and fitness center, massages, salsa dance lessons and movie nights for children. The New York Times lists Loreto in its Top Ten Places to go in 2011. The travel article featuring The Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico ranked first among readers. Travelers can take a short flight from LAX on Alaska Airlines to the Islands of Loreto. With a new service beginning on February 14, 2015, travelers can also fly to the Islands of Loreto from Calgary, Canada aboard WestJet, Canada’s most-preferred airline.
Noelle Ibrahim, Curator PR for Villa Group, 858-776-2401, [email protected]
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