Pachico's Eco Tours is a unique whale and wildlife watching organization that is run by the Mayoral family, the true pioneers of whale watching in Baja! Pachico Mayoral, a local fisherman in San Ignacio Lagoon since 1960, was the first person to have an encounter with a friendly whale. A legend in whale watching, as eloquently detailed in the "Whale Watching Bible," Dick Russell's 2001 book Eye of the Whale, Pachico started running whale trips in the mid/early-seventies, after his first friendly encounter in 1972. Now he runs a tour operation in which his family is involved. Pachico's children were born and raised on the shores of the San Ignacio Lagoon and grew up as fishermen and whale watching guides.

Choose Pachico's Eco Tours to guarantee yourself an unforgettable Baja experience hosted by the recognized pioneers of whale watching. Pachico's family roots in San Ignacio Lagoon date back to the 1800s. The Mayoral family has grown up with the whales, dolphins, turtles, birds, and all other ocean and desert life that makes San Ignacio Lagoon one of Baja's most amazing destinations - and they want to share their profound knowledge and experiences with you. Pachico's Eco Tours provides everything you need to have a fun, relaxing vacation experience that just might change your life!

Pachico, a coastal fisherman for 45 years, became the chosen one. On a winter day in 1972 Pachico was fishing in the Lagoon when a gray whale approached his small 18 foot wooden panga - a typical Baja open boat similar to a dory. Until that day there had been no known contact between gray whales and man without one or the other ending up dead.

Pachico tried to get away from the whale, but with every attempt the whale would surface next to the panga. Knowing little about whales at the time, Pachico knew the large marine mammal double the size of his panga was now in charge. The whale went under the panga, not giving Pachico an option other than staying still. Pachico was surprised that the whale wasn’t showing any signs of aggression; as the old fisherman tales had described. Instead, the whale gently rubbed itself against his panga, raised its head a couple feet out of the water right where Pachico was sitting. Though fearful, he timidly reached out his hand to the gray whale and touched it with his fingers. To his amazement the whale didn’t back away, but instead moved closer to him. Pachico soon realized that petting the giant was OK. The gray whale had chosen Pachico to be the first human to experience a close and friendly relationship. On that winter day, in San Ignacio Lagoon, the gray whale and man began to trust one another.

Returning to the fishing village that day, Pachico told the story of the friendly gray whale. Everyone in the Lagoon thought he was out of his mind. Pachico started taking his friends out in the Lagoon and they soon discovered that what he had told them was true. The word spread and soon visitors and those wanting to have the same encounter arrived to experience this wonderful new relationship between man and the gray whales.

The gray whales, that had been hunted and abused by for so many years, had now forgiven man and had reached out for a new and better relationship.

Pachico has been involved in many different projects related to the whales in San Ignacio Lagoon. He has worked with researchers, scientists, and documentary filmmakers. Pachico's mesmerizing experiences with the whales have also been documented in many different books, magazines and films.

Pachico has resided in San Ignacio Lagoon, (Laguna San Ignacio) since 1960. He is married to Carmen Aguilar, who has lived in San Ignacio for her entire life. Carmen’s father was one of the founders of the Lagoon. Pachico and Carmen have 6 children who were all raised with the shores of the Lagoon as their front yard.

Pachico still drives his panga with the gray whales. He is always willing to share his knowledge, experiences and great stories of over 30 years of watching the gray whales. Today, Pachico and his family organize and lead tours in the San Ignacio Lagoon.

Ranulfo, born and raised at the Lagoon is Pachico’s oldest son. He spent his early years learning from his father and has been leading tours since he was 15 years old.

He guides bilingual whale watching and bird watching tours during the whale-watching season. Ranulfo has developed a great understanding of whale behavior and the relationships between the gray whales and man.

Ranulfo’s vast experience with the gray whales has allowed him to work with numerous researchers, professional filmmakers and photographers. The years of guiding have given him the knowledge to be able to advise the best angle and the best lighting to get an amazing photograph.

Ranulfo graduated from a 3 month Guide Training Program, implemented by RARE, in 1996-97, in Baja California Sur, Mexico. He is now one of the best bird watchers in the area and a great resource, since he keeps data of full year bird observation in the Lagoon and its surroundings.

He is involved with teaching local children about environmental education. He is also involved with a sea turtle research and monitoring NGO named Wild Coast. Which he does once a month in the Lagoon.

Jesus, Pachico's youngest son, better known as “Rana”, started fishing and whale watching at a young age. Now entering his 20th whale watching season at the Lagoon, he brings a respect and understanding of the gray whales natural history, that can only be gained growing up alongside the whales.

Fluent in English, he manages the camp and shares his love for the outdoors and wildlife with all of Pachico’s guests. Jesus has worked with a number of photographers and wildlife filmmakers, always achieving the best angles by drawing upon his extensive whale watching experience.

After graduating from the RARE guide training program in 1995-96 he went on to the Sea of Cortez, where he guided marine mammal, island, and sea kayaking trips between whale watching seasons. Jesus is an American Canoe Association (ACA) certified sea kayaking guide.

Jesus first explored SCUBA diving while he was captaining a dive boat on the Sea of Cortez. He is now an avid diver.

Jesus looks forward to seeing you at Pachico’s camp.

The youngest of the Mayoral team, PJ was born on March 21st 2007 and is already showing an attraction for the sea, just like his dad Jesus and Grandpa Pachico.

For further information contact:

Pachico's Eco Tours

Local Phone Number: 615-103-0384 (from the US dial 011-52-1-615-103-0384)

Please inquire by email for your desired plan!

Email:
pachicosecotours@hotmail.com