TOLL FREE 877 278 2142 USA
TOLL FREE 844 776 3727 USA & CAN
TOLL FREE 877 278 2142 USA
TOLL FREE 844 776 3727 USA & CAN
Every year Gray, blue and humpback Whales migrate away from the cold, to the warmer waters near Mexico to breed and bear their calves… They begin arriving in November and from December to the end of March each year, there’s an opportunity to catch glimpses of the amazing Whales …
Whale is the common name for marine mammals which belong to the Cetacean order, which also includes Dolphins and porpoises. Whales collectively inhabit all the world’s oceans and number in the millions, with annual population growth rate estimates for various species ranging from 3-13%.
This bay is nestled between the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, so Puerto Vallarta is a good point of departure. As these mighty whales reach 14 meters in length, it is possible to see them from the beach while they’re jumping in the sea, but there’s nothing compared to getting a closer view. A tour is advisable since the agencies are constantly monitoring the whale sighting spots and know exactly where to go. You will see dolphins along the way, so get on board and enjoy a photo safari.
From December to March, it is possible to see 11 different species of these enormous whales. The Mazatlan-Teacapan zone carries out activities for humpback whales. During boat tours, it’s possible to observe dolphins, sea lions, and even killer whales. Mazatlan also has a stunning beach, so take a few days to soak up the sun and visit the “Old Mazatlan,” the Malecon and Isla de la Piedra.
Looking for the right conditions for mating, the gray whales swim along Los Cabos in Baja California from January to April. There are different options of transportation, from a standard boat to a luxury trimaran. For a better view, a boat with a glass bottom will help you get a fuller view of these animals. Relax during the ride by watching the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and photograph the sea lions and exotic birds along the way.
To help you prepare for your whale watching excursion, we have some tips that will improve your experience.
You need to be in the selected spot in Mexico between December and March, which is when the whales can be found in Mexican waters.
Eat a good, wholesome, breakfast; porridge or cereals and fruits are ideal. Don’t go whale watching on an empty stomach; also, you are less likely to suffer from motion sickness if you have eaten than not. Avoid too much greasy food and avoid alcohol before and during your excursion.
If you are experienced with binoculars, bring them along. Most people will not find them much use: it’s an art using binoculars on a moving boat and the field of vision is quite restricted.
A good camera with a zoom or telephoto lens is ideal. If your camera needs batteries, bring additional ones.
Bring rubber-soled shoes that will support your feet and your ankles as the boat moves and the waves hit up against the side of the vessel causing shudders or sudden movements. Flip-flops and heels are not appropriate on a whale cruise boat.
If you have never been on a long boat trip before, you might like to take some motion sickness medicine with you. You could purchase this at home or from any pharmacy in Mexico. You will need to take the medications before you board the vessel; it’s no use taking it once you are on the water.
Be sure you pack a high-factor sunblock and a hat as there is little protection from the sun once you are out on the open waters of the Pacific (besides the boat canopy which may only provide partial cover). Over 50% of the suns rays bounce off the ocean’s surface and hit you – so you can burn even in shade. You can also sunburn under overcast skies as the sun’s UV rays can penetrate cloud. If you are traveling with children, be sure they are well protected from the sun with sunblock a hat.
Most Whale Cruise boats have two decks; an upper deck, which offers better distance visibility and a lower deck, which is closer to the water (and thus the whales, when they appear) but with restricted visibility at distances. It’s impossible to predict when or how the Whales will appear. There are very strict maritime guidelines about how a boat should approach and be maneuver around whales and the skipper may not be able to go in the direction that you think will offer you the best view.
A lot of time on a whale watching excursion can be taken up with waiting for the whales to appear. Children, especially young children, can get bored quickly with nothing to see or do. Bring crayons, coloring pads, books, and small games to keep your children entertained during the day. Also, pack a picnic lunch and bring plenty of bottled water.
If you’ve never snorkeled before, you may have some trepidation about giving it a try. But no need to worry. With just a few simple tips, you’ll soon be gliding among coral, turtles, tangs, angelfish, damsels, crustaceans, and maybe even octopuses and rays.
Since you may already be a bit uncomfortable in the water, it’s important that you feel as comfortable as possible with your equipment. Masks come in different shapes and sizes, so find one that fits properly so it won’t leak. Place it over your face – simply hold it, without putting the strap around your head – and inhale through your nose. If it doesn’t leak air, it won’t leak water.
If you choose to wear flippers (they are optional), try them on to make sure they are not too tight that your feet hurt, or too loose that you’ll lose them in the water.
Snorkels are fairly generic; if you’re using rental equipment, make sure it’s dry with no water inside. If it makes you squeamish thinking about putting something in your mouth that has been in hundreds of other mouths, you might prefer to buy your own. A simple mask and snorkel can be purchased for about $20.
You definitely shouldn’t be in the open sea the very first time you try snorkeling. Practice first in a pool or shallow water. Your mind tells you that you shouldn’t be breathing with your face in the water and you have to get used to this. Get comfortable with the mask and snorkel. Put your face in the water, breathe a few times, and take it out. When you’re comfortable with this, try swimming while doing it. Some water will inevitably get into the snorkel while you’re swimming, so learn how to purge the snorkel by blowing hard to get the water out.
You should do this both physically and mentally. Don’t go snorkeling on a full or empty stomach. Also, avoid alcohol before snorkeling; it will not enhance your experience and may make it more difficult. Your body can react differently to alcohol when in the water. Go with an open mind and a sense of adventure and anticipation too. If you’ve done your preparation and take it slowly, very little can go wrong. Focus on the new world that awaits you.
Choose a calm spot with minimal waves. Relax. Breathe slowly. Float, if you feel uncomfortable in deep water, use a floatation device. And always go with someone else, preferably an experienced snorkeler. It makes the experience more enjoyable, but most of all, it’s much safer. Relax, float, and enjoy the enchanting world beneath the waves!
Source: Beach
Waves gently crashing along the shore. Sunlight streaming from a cloudless sky. Miles of seemingly-endless sand joining the horizon. Sounds pretty peaceful, doesn't it? And for many of us who spend most weekday hours indoors, it doesn't take much persuasion to peel off the layers and catch some sun.
But if you do need more reasons to hit the beach, find out how the surf, sun, and sand can boost your physical and mental health.
Look no further than the experts. In a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, author J. Aaron Hipp, Ph.D., environmental health expert and assistant professor at the Brown School, pointed to the restorative environment of the beach.
"Studies have shown that natural environments like beaches and waterfront parks offer more restorative benefits to people than gyms, entertainment venues and the built urban environment," said Hipp.
His study goes further to suggest that we require specific conditions in that beachside environment to achieve the fully-desired restorative effect.
"Mild temperature days and low tides offer the most restorative environments when visiting the beach," he said.
"Beachgoers visiting on a day nearly 3 degrees (F) warmer than average were 30 percent less likely to perceive the beach or coastal park as restorative, compared with those visiting on average or cooler than average days."
We all know the risks of too much sun exposure. But there are benefits to getting some rays, too.
When our skin is directly exposed to the sun, our bodies make vitamin D, a vital tool that helps with calcium absorption and building strong bones. Some of it comes from diet, but a good portion also comes from the sun. And according to the Mayo Clinic, as little as 10 minutes of sun exposure can provide us with our daily dose. According to the vitamin D council, "your body can produce 10,000 to 25,000 IU of vitamin D in just a little under the time it takes for your skin to turn pink."
In one study, sun exposure was shown to offer other benefits in addition to vitamin D production — including an increase in endorphins and possible prevention of autoimmune diseases.
But despite these benefits, limit your exposure to excessive sunlight to avoid skin cancer risks. When you do head out into the sun for more than a few minutes, remember to wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher.
Did you know that the soles of your feet have more sweat glands and nerve-endings per square centimeter than any other part of your body? And that walking barefoot stimulates them much more than walking in shoes?
Not only are you stimulating nerve endings when you walk on the sand, but you're also strengthening the muscles in your feet, which don't get used nearly as much when you're wearing shoes. And according to Martin Zucker, author of Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?, you may be better connected to the earth when you ditch your shoes, reaping vital mood-boosting benefits. "Earthing," argues Zucker, reconnects our bodies to the ever-present energy of the earth, which modern lifestyles have increasingly diminished.
And in a study focused on running and walking on the sand, researchers found that walking on sand requires 1.6 to 2.5 times the energy than it takes on a hard surface.
"Our muscles perform more mechanical work when running or walking on sand than on a hard surface," said study co-author Dr. Thierry M. Lejeune, M.D.
If treading on the unwieldy sand for too long sounds tiring, try alternating your walk or run on the more compact sand closer to the water, where the surface will be less challenging.
Sea water contains high levels of various minerals — including magnesium, potassium and iodine — which may help fight infection, offer therapeutic effects, and potentially help the body heal and detoxify.
Swimming is linked to decreased stress and increased sense of well-being; studies have shown swimming and water-based exercise help to decrease anxiety and depression.
Aside from its therapeutics effects, swimming provides excellent physical exercise, employing most of our major muscle groups, especially as the water provides gentle resistance.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swimming ranks as the fourth most popular sport activity in the United States. Among other aerobic activities (like running and bicycling), swimming for as little as two-and-a-half hours a week may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and boost heart health.
And since it's a non-impact sport, swimming offers a great way for people with injuries to get some exercise. For sufferers of arthritis, water-based exercise can help improve joint pain symptoms.
Source (Medical Daily)
A weekend city break, a big family holiday, or a last minute business trip: whatever the reason you find yourself stressed out at the airport, here are a few insider tips. From secrets on how to jump the check-in queue to how to get an upgrade.
Figure out where the airport is
and how you get to it in advance. I find Google Maps travel planner useful but
it’s always best to check directly with public transport sites for timetables.
Chris Sharp, Business Intelligence Administrator
If you’re using a boarding pass
on your mobile phone, take a screenshot of it and save it in your pictures
folder on your phone (rather than relying on the airline’s app or on a good
internet connection at the airport).
Jon Thorne, User Satisfaction Manager
Or:
Although we live in an age where
you can check in with your smartphone and email, you never know when your phone
may just run out of battery or pack in.
Sam Ayles, PR Executive
Certain credit cards targeting travellers offer perks like free access to airport lounges. For example, I hold a card which gets me a priority lounge pass for two entries each year at Singapore (no minimum spending on the card required).
Another card I’ve got gives me
free airport limousine transfer from my home to the airport as long as I’ve
booked my travel on the card and I spend the minimum set amount.
Hollie Tan, Accounts Executive
During holiday times airports like London Gatwick can get EXTREMELY busy. You could be standing the check-in queue for ages.
The trick in that case is not to
join the queue but to go and sit in a café and read a book. When the airport is
that busy they call out the flights that are due to depart first and let their
passengers through as a priority. You can therefore sit and relax while you
wait for your flight to be called. When it is you can go straight to the front
of the queue.
Sam Heyman, Test Engineer
If you’re really cutting it fine
for time, a polite word to an airport employee almost always results in a queue
jump at security. Failing that, a plea to fellow passengers in the queue is
your next best option.
Lisa Imlach, PR Executive
At security, if you don't want to
set off the alarms after waving goodbye to your hand luggage, keys, mobile
phone, laptop etc, make sure you remove all the Crown Jewels you are wearing.
Apparently, my watch, earrings, necklace and ring MIGHT set off the alarms. On
a recent visit to the airport, I was subjected to the most intimate body search
of my 50 year-old life (bearing in mind I travelled back and forth to the Far
East from the age of 10). And I was only travelling to the Shetlands!
Alison Stimpson, Executive PA
Take a spare ziplock bag or two
to get your toiletries through security checks – it’s ridiculous and annoying
that some airports will charge you a few quid if you forget one!
Rachel Evatt, Product Director
Go for the one with the ‘suits’.
It will move much quicker.
Alistair Hann, Skyscanner Chief Technology Officer
I make sure I wear socks of the
same colour and don´t look to old! Just in case I have to take off my shoes.
Angel Guirado, Market Development Manager, Spain
Try to fly at a time which means
it’s socially acceptable to taste the whisky samples at duty free - i.e. not
6am.
Chris Sharp
Set an alarm on your phone to go
off at boarding time, it’s easy to get distracted in the departure lounge.
Chris Sharp
If travelling with kids, ensure
you have their game consoles handy (and FULLY CHARGED) to allow you to have as
stress-free a time while waiting to depart. Having three kids myself, it’s
definitely on my MUST DO list for the airport. Each of the kids has a small
backpack containing game consoles, pens, pencils and a pad of paper so they can
draw etc. Plus it saves on the wallet if the kids happen to spy those $1-a-go
arcade machines. I’m now a master at noughts & crosses, hangman etc…
Ronnie Walker, Senior Engineer
Connect to WiFi and get some work
done.
Or:
- read the economist from cover to cover. It's something to look forward to.
- Get your shoes shined
- Buy clothes, and do other things you would have to do anyway, so use the dead
time.
Gareth Williams, Skyscanner CEO
Sit comfortably in departures
where you can see the boarding desk and (assuming you have a pre-allocated
seat) read your book until the last possible minute. When the queue is down to
one person, get up and casually stroll through the departure gate onto the
plane. The plane won’t leave without you until they have at least called out
your name.
Dom Porter, Software Engineer
Always wait until the ‘flight
closing’ announcement before boarding the plane. Then, if you see any empty
seats in Business Class, as you work your way through to Economy, sit in one of
them, on the basis that it must be available, given that the flight was
closing. Hope that the flight attendants won’t question it. Sometimes it works,
sometimes it doesn’t!
Mark Logan, Chief Operating Officer (Mark says this is a tip from a ‘friend’.
He would never do this!)
I’ve had some very varied
experiences arriving at immigration, particularly in the USA, ranging from
being processed quickly in a few minutes to being asked to go off to the
interview room for a secondary interview (that was a fun start to my
honeymoon). Be smartly dressed, polite and well spoken, make good eye contact
with the immigration official and have a clear idea of where you are going next
(name of hotel, car hire). Never ever make jokes and do not use your mobile
phone. Also make sure you have a credit card to hand and if possible local
currency as you may be asked to prove you are able to pay your way If you are
travelling on business, never say “I am here to work” as they will be concerned
that you are going to be working illegally; a better phrase is: “I am here to
have some meetings with business colleagues”.
Robert
Smith, Technical Manager
Whenever you get up to leave
somewhere at the airport - in a café, a bar or at the gate - always turn round
and make sure you haven’t left anything behind - like your tickets.
Suzanne Morrison, Skyscanner Project Manager
That way you’ll gain access to
the lounge as their guest, where you can stockpile glossy magazines, packets of
biscuits and condescending looks.
Lisa Imlach
Either get there
early or know how to get through the airport better than George Clooney in Up in the Air. When you add people
who are unpredictable to a controlled environment, it’s organised chaos.
Matt Smith, Content Partnerships Executive
