Whale counts are down from previous years.
In San Ignacio, guide Theresa noted about 100 whales in the lagoon compared to approximately 300 whales last year within the same ten-day period. It is very difficult for these newborns to swim fast enough to keep up with an adult, so the mothers move very slowly, and are very protective of their young. Once the calves' flukes and flippers have gained strength, they begin to explore the lagoon. Mothers carefully swim with their babies around the lagoon, gradually teaching them how to swim. However, they do this in a very specific manner.