Guest Comments

Rita Burke
From: California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 5 day air
Date: Feb. 2009

Dear Johnny,
Thank you for a terrific time in February at Campo Cortez. I went there with my mother to celebrate her belated 60th birthday, and it was her first ecotour experience. We especially appreciated the efforts to sustainably provide comfortable accommodations; my mother raved about the camp and the facilities. Thanks again to Elsa for making a birthday cake for my mom.  She was literally transformed in only a few days with the whales and we both could have stayed for another week. In fact, I would go again if I could stay longer! Mauldo and his family were gracious, patient, cooperative, and diligent in their operation of the camp and the visits to the lagoon. Cuco and Adrienne became my friends within an hour. Congratulations on creating such wonderful memories and bringing the magnificence of the whales to us lucky visitors! I am going to send you a link to the photos I upload onto Snapfish...please feel free to use and distribute any that meet your standards...although they won't come close to Adrienne's!

Peace,
Rita Burke
View Rita’s photo album here 

Dave, Consuelo & Sally
From: Chicago, IL
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: Self arrival
Date: Mar. 2009

Dave, Consuelo and I had the most amazing time at Campo Cortez.  Truly life changing. Maldo and his family couldn't be lovlier - we'd all like them to adopt us.  Caroline was terrific - I'm the science nerd of the bunch and loved her well of information.  The accomodations are perfect, the location is heaven on earth, the whole experience is nothing short of miraculous.  
Thank you.

By the way, I've noticed that on your website you have no "camper diaries" more recent that 2007.  I'm a writer, and I blog.  I'm blogging this trip in 3 installments, and here's a link to the first installment -  http://salgal99.livejournal.com/ - it's in html - even the photos - and you should be able to cut and paste it if you'd like to load it onto your website.  I'll be blogging the time at the camp itself probably by the end of the week, as soon as I've gathered some photos from other people, and then the 3rd blog to follow about a week later.  I'll send you the blogs as I post them and you can do with them what you like.  If they're helpful to you, please use them.

And we'll most DEFINITELY be back.  With family in tow.
hasta
Sally 

Kathy & Michael Heyden
From: French Camp, Ca.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 5 day air
Date:  Mar. 2009

Hi Caroline, 
How are you?  This time last week, we were getting ready to go out on the lagoon. Sigh. 
Michael and I wanted to tell you how much we appreciated everything that you did for us while we were at camp. You were fantastic!!! 

We really enjoyed learning all about the whales and the other wonderful life in the lagoon.   We weren't expecting our stay to be so comfortable and complete.  Maldo and his entire family did such a terrific job.   All of you made our stay such a great experience. My two sons would like to come down next time. Maybe we can all get down there again soon. Do the baby whales become friendlier as they get older?  or are they beginning to leave the lagoon now? I haven't seen any on the count from Coal Point yet. I'm planning a trip over to Pigeon Point in April to hopefully see some cow/calf pairs come by.

If we do make it down, I sure would like to have you as our guide. You did such a great job.   Thank you so much.    :-)

Paul Smith
From: California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: Self arrival
Date:  Mar. 2009

We recently returned from your tour and it was one of the best experiences of our lives! Words such as "amazing" and "majestic" just don't seem sufficient to describe this trip. 
We toured the Copper Canyon the week following our whale watching trip and can say with absolute certainty that Katy's tortillas are the best in all of Mexico!!! Maldo and his crew were wonderful hosts.

Sylvia & Samuel Steinberg
From: California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 5 day air
Date:  Feb. 2009

Just returned home this am from five wonderful days at Campo Cortez. What an unbelievable experience.  Maldo is such a fine man, and we thoroughly enjoyed Adrienne.  We had six different experiences, from mating to petting, each time out.  What a thrill.

With best regards,   
Sylvia "Sunny" Steinberg

Sally Bock
From: San Diego, California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching: 5 day air 
Date: Feb. 2008

Hi Johnny,
I've been meaning to follow up to let you know what a great trip we had at the camp this year. Everything went so smooth with passing the border both ways, the airplane landing, as soon as we arrived at the airport, and great weather. The whales were so friendly this time. I was able to touch two different mama whales, in addition to the babies opening their mouth and letting us rub the baleen. 

Maldo does a great job too. He always looks so content and happy, and the guests adore him. We had a great group. You might remember George, the guy with anxiety issues. He did not need any medication (other than Happy Hour) the entire time he was there. Ed and Eddie were very inspiring people. The others were very interesting and everyone got along and had a great time together. The one child, Ryan that went along with us, was asking what a guy with the name Johnny Friday looks like.

I had a hard time leaving the peace and quiet of the camp to return to the crazy city and work life. The first day back at work, I was told I looked younger.  
Thanks so much for sharing the camp with me.  It restored my energy, and made me remember how much I miss being part of nature. 

Hope all is going well.
Sally 

Eileen Eimermann
From: Fountain Valley, California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching: 5 day air 
Date:  Mar. 2008

I am sure that the grass is always greener, but my husband and I agree that our whale adventure was one of the major highlights of our life.   Especially me.  I've already got an 11x14 poster of me kissing a whale on my office wall. This trip was something I'd always wanted to do and don't ask me why it took me so long to actually do it.  Am sure the small plane had something to do with it. But the flight down was so awesome that I would've body-slammed anyone who tried to get in the co-pilot seat on the way home cause I decided I wanted it before we even landed at the lagoon. I had a unique experience at Campo Cortez that not many others have, I suspect, in that I studied Spanish in school back east, since fourth grade, then majored in Spanish Lit in college and lived in Spain for a semester. Though it's been almost 30 years, I've kept it up somewhat over the years and was able to communicate with Fabian, Roberto, Cuco and Jesus in Spanish and spent a lot of time talking with Cuco and Fabian. The guys liked it, or at least they were kind and said they did, because of their shyness in speaking English and not  getting to talk very much with guests as a result. I was even negotiating with Maldo that I could stay and teach English classes to the whole family.

Anyway, I was thinking at the very least to fly down for one trip and instead of going home with the same group, staying for another "block" of days and flying home with the next group. I have to talk to my husband, because he's talking about wanting to fly into Loreto and combine our time at the lagoon with other stuff, like checking out the Sea of Cortez, etc. I will definitely keep in touch and I also told you I'd send you something to post in the webiste under the guest comments.   Thanks!!

Susan Berta  -  Orca Network
From: Seattle, Washington
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching: 5 day air 
Date: Mar. 2008

Dear Johnny -
We just wanted to let you know how WONDERFUL our trip to Campo Cortez was!!
We didn't think it could be any better than last year, but it WAS!
We had amazing experiences with the whales, & all the people who came along really liked the camp & crew.

The experience exceeded everyone's expectations, and we all made many new friends.
And Maldo giggled so much he was crying by the time we left ; ) 

John and Abby Brunka
From: California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching: 5 day air 
Date: Mar. 2008

We have just returned from Campo Cortez. We expressed to Maldo our complete satisfaction, but wanted to say to you that the operation you guys have is one excellent operation. We will highly recommend it to everyone and hope to return next year (as long as you guys are still handling it!).

Sincerely,
Jon and Abby Brunka

Jim & Debra Gray
From: Elk Grove, California
Trip:  San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching: Self Arrival
Date: Feb. 2008

We just got home tonight from our 4 day whale adventure and I just wanted to let you know that it was a wonderful and unique experience that we just loved. We connected with one particular Mama & baby (I named the baby Katy 2 1/2 after the Katy 2 panga we were in.) and we got to pet, kiss & pet the baby's tongue & baleen. The people at the campo were so very nice & funny & the naturalist, Adrienne, & marine biologist, Christina, were very knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be around. We hope to come back next year. Muchas gracias!!!

(We are from Elk Grove, California and it was a 4 day self-arrival.  I might add that driving through Baja was no problem at all and we enjoyed the beutiful scenery and nice people we encountered.

I'm a librarian at an elementary school and in a few weeks I'm going to do a presentation about our trip & read the book "Angelina's Whales" to the kids to teach them about the wonderful Gray Whales.)

Catharine Cooper
From: Laguna Beach, California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching: Self Arrival
Date:  Mar. 2008

Don't have words yet (and me, a writer) to aptly describe my experience with your wonderful team, facility, whales, etc .. but here's the best compliment i can provide  .. i'd like to book two spaces on your march 15-17 calendar :-)  and if possible, request waterfront cabin .. for my husband and myself ...  he was sad that i went without him, so i said .. okay, let's go back .. and he heartily agreed :-)  

Catalina

Eileen Eimermann
From: Fountain Valley, California
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching: 5 day air with Orca Network 
Date:  Mar. 2008

Okay, I had the best four days of my life and cried when we left.  I tried to negotiate with Maldo to stay.  I am already anticipating returning next season.  Am fairly fluent in Spanish. Don't you need me to go down there and teach English to everyone for room ad baord and whale watching? I am thinking about some marine biology courses and early retirement and you can hire me?   I SHALL RETURN!!!!

Eleanor & Steve O’Hanlon
From: France
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Mar. 2007

Hello Johnny,
We have just returned to France. Still jet-lagged and feeling unnaturally lively at 3am! But we would like to let you know what a wonderful experience it was for us being at the Laguna San Ignacio for eight days. Caroline said that Steve and I hold some kind of record for the number of times we went out whale watching! And yet the time still seemed short to us - every day brought something fresh, something extraordinary: the daily renewal of that intimate connection with the whales, the sheer beauty of the lagoon itself with its great richness of life and magnificent light at dawn and dusk, the black dome of the sky swarming with stars, some vivid conversations with wonderful people over coffee at 7am ... We send a heart-felt thanks to Maldo and to all the staff at Campo Cortez and remember especially Caroline - who is a complete delight to be around - and Cuco who was our companion on some of the most memorable encounters with the whales.

With warm regards,
Eleanor and Steve.

Ron & Cassie Stevens
From: CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Mar. 2007

Dear Johnny,
Just a note to let you know how much we enjoyed our recent trip to Campo Cortez. Maldo and his family were so gracious, the weather was great, and the whales were wonderful. We met your friend Mike and his lovely Britney Spears (dog). He had some interesting insights into expatriate life in Baja. The accomodations were very nice, especially considering the remoteness; which is actually the main charm. The food was excellent. Warm showers even.
What else can I say? I probably wouldn't have chosen you guys except for the "self-arrival option" you offered, enabling me to fly in myself. The landing strip was in very good shape, and I really  appreciated the guard. As it turned out, it was excellent all the way around.  I'm telling all my friends about the trip -- hope you won't be overloaded next year!! Please pass on our appreciation to Maldo,

Thanks again.
Ron and Cassie Stevens

Karen Taylor
From: San Diego, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 6 day bus 
Date: Feb. 2007

Hi Johnny,
Donnie and I are back from our February trip down to see the whales. The Bus trip was a different experience! Once again, I met a great group of people and Donnie had a blast.  She couldn't wait to get home and share her experiences with her husband and family. It was nice to see Caroline again, even though my first trip was in 2005, our group of lady cops apparently made quite an impression. I got out of the van and Caroline was standing there with a big grin on her face, she said, "we were just talking about you guys!" I think she thought I had brought back the original gang. The cabanas are very attractive and the battery chargers for my video camera was really great. Jim Dorsey took an awesome picture of Donnie kissing a whale. I will send it to you. It's definitely a keeper, maybe you can put it on the website.

Anyway, just wanted to tell you that everything was top notch, the staff was wonderful and the whales were beautiful. I recently retired from the PD on a medical and I really felt this pulling at my heart-strings the first time I went down to Baja in 2005. This year just really did it for me, I feel very comfortable and have an "at home feeling" there. 

Take care and best regards from San Diego, 
Karen Taylor

Don Shay
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 5 day air 
Date: Feb. 2007

Dear Jose, Caroline, Johnny, Marie, John ... and everyone else at Campo Cortez -- Many thanks for a fabulous stay at Campo Cortez and for sharing the amazing whales of San Ignacio Lagoon with us. Here are the best of my photos from the trip. Hope you enjoy them. 

Best wishes, 
Don Shay 
View Don’s photo album: here

John & Heidy Boyman
From: 
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Feb. 2007

Johnny --
Heidy and I have been home for almost a week and we have been reflecting on our recent Baja vacation. Months ago you kindly helped me put together a trip for the two of us and six friends.  We followed your advice -- stay in Loreto--bus to Ignacio Springs--overnight at Ignacio Springs B&B--van to Camp Cortez --same itinerary home. Everything went smoothly and according to plan, and everyone raved about the wonderful time we had! We were deeply touched by our interaction with the whales.  All members of the group had at least one hands-on encounter. We are grateful that you are providing ways for folks to have such interactions and become educated about these magnificent creatures. While I am sorry our paths did not cross, I want you to know how impressed we all were with the staff you and Maldo have assembled. Maldo and Caroline provided us with an unforgettable experience. We hope to return sometime.
All the best Johnny.
John Boyman

Tony & Linda Kinninger
From: Newport Beach, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival 
Date: Mar. 2006

Johnny & Marie
We all returned safely from Laguna San Ignacio with many fine thoughts and stories of our expedition. The trip was outstanding and everyone had a great time. Maldo and his family run a perfect operation. The new cabins look great and much nicer than I expected. The new electrical system functioned flawlessly, new toilets, lots of water. The added refinements to the camp were super. The camp was spotless and well organized. You have an excellent partner. You guys make a great team. Keep putting the profits back into the business. That builds a solid company. 

I see you connected with a charter aircraft company. I talked to the pilot for some time. His company is very excited about doing business with Baja Ecotours. They are looking for another aircraft with hopes of you filling the seats. Linda and I will be returning to Newport Beach on Sunday. I hope to have time to take a look at the boat you are interested in buying.

Thanks again for the trip.
Tony

PS. Very thoughtful of you to bring in the NA beer.

Nancy & Dave Kinninger
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Mar. 2006

Thanks for all your work in making our trip to Campo Cortez fantastic! We had a great time!! Looks like you've been working hard to do some upgrades ... I especially like the electric lush toilets!!!!

You and Maldo have a great staff and of course the griendliest whales in Baja. Thank Caroline, Megan, Maldo and the rest of the staff for us. They were super. Your suggestion to visit later in the season was right on. The weather was warmer (notice I didn't say hot) than the last time. It also seemed to me we had more ad longer encounters with the whales.

Hope all is going well.
Nancy and Dave Kinninger

Vickie Hawkins
From: San Diego, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 6 day bus trip 
Date: March 2006

Johnny:  I just wanted to let you know how incredible our trip to the Lagoon was and I'm going to make it a yearly event. Everyone was great and John Bock was a terrific guide. Thank you for everything and I'll most definitely be back!

Vickie

Chris & Viki Wilson
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Mar. 2006

Dear Johnny,
Before too  much time passes, my girlfriend Viki and I wanted to thank you sincerely for an unbelievable life experience. Our time at Campo Cortez with the whales was amazing. It affected us both in a such a positively profound way--simply beautiful! Thanks again for hosting us. You'll hear from us in the future.

Warm regards,
Chris and Viki

Nancy Thornton
From: Schenectady, NY
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 6 day bus trip
Date: Mar. 2006

Johnny,
Roy and I LOVED the trip with your company. The whales..the lagoon...for my forever...whenever I need to feel comfort and the first Eden, I will return in my mind to that lagoon.. 
Maldo and his family and Jim...what beautifully kind people...

Thank you all,
Nancy

Gordon J. Dow
From: Petaluma, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: private air trip 
Date: Feb. 2006

Dear Johnny: 
We had a wonderful time. Maldo and his family and staff were great. Caroline added a great deal of meaning with her knowledge of the whales. It was a trip of a lifetime for all four of us. Thanks for making the arrangements.

Best regards,
Gordon
Gordon J. Dow, Pharm.D.
Founder and Chief Technical Officer
Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences

Bernie & Anna Troth
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Feb. 2006

Hello all our Campo Cortez friends. Here re the pictures Bernie and I took on our visit Feb. 25, 26, and 27. You don't have to be a member to view the slide show. You can add comments or order prints. Thanks for viewing.

Anna Troth
View Anna’s Photo album: here

Michael Martindale
From: Phoenix, AZ
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: private air trip 
Date: Feb. 2006

We had a fantastic time, 7 out of 8 trips we had hands on. Staff, facilities and everything over the top, we will be back and will also send the photos, and have already sent the info to a load of friends....let me know if you need anything from up here!!

See you soon!

Dhyana K. Gehris
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 6 day bus trip 
Date: Feb. 2006

Hi Johnny,  I had a wonderful time on the tour of the lagoon. I loved the people and the whales. I think we were so fortunate to be able to stroke whales five out of six times on the lagoon. I can still see those baby faces as they came out of the water to greet us. It is is very humbling and unforgetable. Alfredo was so sweet and conscientious. We were pleased with his guidance all the way down and back. I keep asking all my friends if they know anyone connected with documentary production, so we can get some of his work published .Caroline and Meghan were good educators and made sure everyone got the benefit of their knowledge. They are real assets and a good team. Of course Maldo is a treasure also. I wished to hear more about the ecological efforts of the camp, and would love to see some specific information on the wind machines. 

I live in a rural community with 8 families and would like to see if I can use a small system here. The large windmills are very expensive. Maldo said you would be able to send me some information. Anything on the smaller solar units would be appreciated also. Please keep me on your mailing list for advocacy for the gray whale and the whole ecosystem at San Ignacio Lagoon. I am attuned to the situation now. I will recommend your ecotour to my friends. Might try to avoid the bus next time I come. Many thanks.  Sorry we did not get to meet you.  

Dhyana
PS Even sharing a tent worked out well.

Margaret Anderson
From: Greeley, CO.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 6 day bus trip 
Date: Feb. 2006

Johnny,  My sisters and I (las tres hermanes) just returned from our trip to Campo Cortez. I just want to let you know how phenomenal it was. Everything about the trip was great, even the 14 hour bus ride! We did opt out of the cave art trip. As more details of the trip were revealed, it became apparent that this was not for us. We spent a very relaxing day hanging out at San Ignacio Springs instead. The entire staff at Campo Cortez was wonderful; accommodating, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful. We couldn't have asked for more. I also give kudos for how well the camp is set up and run. I don't even want to see what the others are like. We couldn't have asked for anything better. 

Our whale watching experience was also outstanding. It still boggles my mind to think that a real, live whale raised her head out of the water right in front of my face! Every single outing was as exciting as the first. I am amazed at how tuned in to the whales Maldo is. I definitely think you will see us again sometime in the future. Keep up the great work.  Please pass this on as appropriate.

Thank you again.  
Margaret Andersen

Ken & Carole Bowman
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 6 day bus trip 
Date: Feb. 2006

Dear Johnny,
We had an absolutely wonderful time at Camp Cortez the week of Feb 15-21. Your staff at the camp was fantastic. I hesitate to mention names since there is the opportunity to inadvertently miss someone and we had no negative experiences. Our time with the whales was just amazing and brought tears to our eyes and joy to our hearts! Everyone was helpful, courteous and so enthusiastic about the work they are doing. But in particular I must mention a few. Maldo, Caroline, Megan and ALFREDO were over the top!!! They simply put forth effort beyond what we could have expected. Alfredo took such good care of the group!! We are hoping that sometime in the future we will have the opportunity to visit again and perhaps even bring a few grandchildren along. Thanks to all of you for the outstanding work you are doing on behalf of the whales and their environment.  All the best to you and your staff.

Regards,
Carole & Ken

Joy Nuell
From: Hollywood, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Feb. 2006

It was an amazing 3 days. You run a good operation. Maldo is worth gold, as you undoubtedly know. It was so good that I plan to return next year to bring my 13-14 year old great nephew/grandson (we're a bit informal on family titles). I have to find out when his spring vacation is and then I'll be back with you. The Stivers and I did self-arrival through Loreto. Can you please write me regarding other ways to get to the Lagoon, like the bus from Tijuana? Other air possibilities...like what flies into Santa Rosalia?  etc.  Thanks.

Loved Alfredo Barroso's work. Must e-mail him about the presentation we saw one night when we were at the Lagoon. Please get better pillows!  Only one complaint?  Pretty good, eh?

Joy Nuell

Robin Shroyer
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Mar. 2005

Johnny,
We had the most incredible visit to the Lagoon. We encountered so many whales that I actually got a little scared!!(they were lifting our panga). Maldo is wonderful, the food was excellent, and we couldn't be happier. If you need a reference please contact me. Also, tell Marie that we rescued a dog from San Ignacio who will soon be sleeping in someone's bed here in the USA.

We hope to meet you both in the future.
Robin

Bill Schramm
From: Monterey, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 6 day bus trip
Date: Feb. 2005

(Monterey Bay Aquarium trip)
Johnny,  I just wanted  to thank you and all the staff at BajaEcoTours for a really great experience. The trip there and back was tough, but connecting with the whales made it all worth while.  Everyone in our group wanted me to thank you for them. Alfredo was great and we all enjoyed having him as our guide. Maldo and his family could not have been more friendly and hospitable. Alfredo took video shots of our visit and will be preparing a DVD in La Paz. I paid him the $75 directly and also loaned him a CD we purchased at camp so he can incorporate the music.

Jean & Bob Daily
From: CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Feb. 2005

Johnny,
What a great time we all had at the whale camp. Our granddaughters saw many whales and even got to pet mother and baby whales on also every trip. Caroline is wonderful. She spent a lot of time with all of us but especially the grandkids. The tides happened to be minus tides so the tide pools were alive with creatures. Caroline and the girls even saw a seahorse and a lot of fish and octopus. Maldo's son also spent time with the girls out in the tide pools. The knowledge they gained while at your camp will stay with them forever. What a great staff you have. The accommodations, food, etc. were all wonderful. Thanks again for all you do.  We did miss seeing you though. We hope to bring our grandson in a few years. Also, my husband Bob wanted for you to tell Maldo he gave him the wrong date for his trip to San Ignacio Lagoon in October.  The date he will arrive at San Ignacio Lagoon will be Sunday 10/23/05 around 1:00p.m. So he would like for Maldo to take him fishing on Monday 10/24/05. My husband will leave San Ignacio Lagoon around 10:00a.m. on 10/25//05 for Magdalena Bay.

Thanks again for a WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. 
Jean

Ross Rice
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival by plane
Date: Feb. 2005

Now for my accolades. The trip was stupendous. The accommodations were great. The staff was attentive and professional. Carolyn was a consummate naturalist. My girls will talk about this for years and that may be the highest praise. It turned out that I did need a bit of fuel and Maldo was most responsive. My girls especially enjoyed playing with Jennifer and we would like to send her something if you could give me an address and some guidelines. Did I mention we saw and touched whales? Oh yea, we did that. Maldo is a national treasure; treat him well. Meals were great. The only disappointment on the whole trip was the Margaritas, which bore little resemblance to the real thing.  So on a scale of 0-10 it was a 9+ trip. What do I owe you for the pangaros for the missed trip? Thank you for your understanding. Please feel free to call upon me if I can offer advice on the aviation thing. We will be great references for the fly-it-yourself group as you really serve that group. 

Thanks for a great trip.
Ross & our girls

Linda & Skip Johnson
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching
Date: Feb. 2004

Hola, Johnny, Maldo, Shamus and Angela,
We want to thank you for our exciting and fun experience at Campo Cortez March 6-9, 2004. We were well cared for especially by the two Canadian naturalists and Maldo. The camp was kept very clean and the staff members were friendly. Your timely responses to our email questions were an important factor in our selection of your camp over others. We are recommending your organization to others. We think you probably have one of the best arrangements for whale excursions and we hope to experience it again soon.

Sincerely,
Linda and Skip

Linda Kinninger
From: Newport Beach, CA. 
Trip: Liveaboard dive trip on the Sea of Cortez
Date: Oct. 2003

Hola Johnny and Marie,
We all had a wonderful dive experience thanks to your perseverance in planning the right trip for us. We truly enjoyed the spectacular diving, the sumptuous food, the fishing, the fine accommodations aboard the Ambar III, and the expertise of Captain Mike and the fine cooking by Sherry. Of course, you and Marie were outstanding as dive guides and videographers. The Orca Whale encounter, the sea lions at Los Islotes, the dolphins bow swimming were mere highlights of an overall fabulous week of underwater and topside exploration of our pristine Sea of Cortez. We looked forward to the trip for many months and it exceeded all of our expectations. Gail, Ron, Tony and I were especially thrilled to share our special place in paradise with our Swiss friends, Pam and Gunnar. We will hold these memories for years to come.

Again, many thanks to both of you.  And for me especially, thank you Marie for giving me confidence by always being close by.

Ron & Gail Waters
From: Laguna Beach, CA.
Trip: Liveaboard dive trip on the Sea of Cortez
Date: Oct. 2003

Dear Johnny, 
Johnny, there are dive trips and there are dive trips, but ours with you was very special. Both Ron and I wanted you and Marie to know what a wonderful time we had with you both on the Ambar lll and to thank you for your labors of love to make it happen. Everything went like clockwork and we were as completely outfitted as possible. We realized how lucky we were to have you locate this beautiful yacht for us when we assessed the competition in the Marina! Hands down, you found the most perfect boat of all for our adventure with you. The hidden joy of it was the owners, Mike and Sherry, who are the hosts plus ultra, making us feel like comfortable guests in their home. Sherry was such a great cook that I teased that she was the Energizer Cooking Bunny...get her up in the a.m. and she starts cooking....and continues all day long! (O.K., maybe with a little diving in between...but that's what its all about!) Mike was a great captain, sharing the fun of his yacht with us all, fixing and tinkering, for which I was most grateful when my hose began to leak. Thank you both for the repairs making it possible for me to dive since it didn't look too hopeful. I now have a back-up hose...who would have ever guessed I'd need that? Ya' never know!!

Marie was a joy...cheerful, knowledgeable, and a fantastic diver, who made our underwater adventures more fun by hunting down hidden critters and watching for our safety. Tho we know she was to be Linda's dive buddy, we all took advantage and enjoyed her every bit as much. Ron apologizes for his part in catching the yellowfin tuna since we know it made her heartsick. Yummy dining, tho, as a result. The food was so healthful and light we all lost a couple of lbs. What a great way to diet. If I could only stay for 10 more weeks!! Keeping at it now, tho, since ski season is coming. You are to be commended for your work and thoughtfulness in arranging, organizing and executing the entire trip...no easy task, as we could see. We were all as comfortable as if at home and the casual and down-to-earth way everyone responded made it very easy going. A really low-key group that played together easily. Thrilling that it all came together so well. The trip will remain in our Favorite Top Ten. Hoping we can join you for whale watching with our family and on Ambar lll for a trip to the Soccorros eventually. We have a couple who are very experienced divers with whom we've dived for years that would go for it because of the big animals and photo ops. Keep us posted.

With our gratitude,
Gail & Ron

Bill Hunt 
From:  Tucson, AZ 
Trip:  San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival 
Date: Feb. 2004

Just want to let you know that every one of us had an outstanding time out on the water. The whales were fantastic, and the staff absolutely excellent. The fish tacos we had for lunch were delicious. You guys run a first class operation.

Heather Sommers
From: Portland, Or.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: self arrival
Date: Jan. 2003

Hi, I have just finished scraping the mud off the truck after a tremendous road trip to Baja. Divine intervention of some kind led me in the dark to Campo Cortez, where I have just spent a couple of the most extraordinary days of my life with his royal coolness, Maldo. To be a saint it takes three miracles, and Maldo came through with hot breakfast for the weary women, hot showers to maintain road glamour, and amazing company and conversation for two days of total chillout. When you talk to Santo Maldo, tell him Heather says hello, and the cowgirls all love him. We will be back! Pictures soon to come. 
Mil gracias, Heather

Paula & Rob Walker
From: Brightwood, Or.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching – self arrival
Date: Apr. 2003

“It is a real pleasure to work with your whole company… You definitely represent a high degree of focus on the naturalist’s desire to be in Mexico and with the whales. You evidence a high degree of integrity in your dealings.”

Bob & Jean Daily
From: El Cajon, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: Self arrival
Date: Mar. 2003

Johnny,
Bob and I had a great time while we were at your camp.  Seeing all the whales and interacting with them was beyond my expectations. All of your staff were kind, helpful and courteous. The accommodations were more than I expected and very comfortable. The meals were great, with plenty to eat. By the way Bob left you a few Corona's. We especially enjoyed  Julie.  Her knowledge about the whales and other sea life and birds was very helpful. We hope to bring our 2 granddaughters to visit your camp within the next 2 years. I hope the season was good for you and that you have a good summer. Tell everyone hello and thanks for us.  Hope to see you next year.

Bob and Jean Daily

Alan Feldstein
From: Los Angeles, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching : 7 day overland excursion
Date: Mar. 2003

My name is Alan Feldstein. During the first week of March, I came down to whale camp with my friend Jim Dorsey. My wife and I had a great time and loved the whales and loved our special lobster dinner that you arranged. I am enclosing several photos that I took while I was down there. I have many more that might be of interest to you and Johnny for your brochures or other advertisements. Since there is a limit on the amount of photos I can send at one time. This will come in 2 e-mails. Thanks again for a wonderful time. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Regards,
Alan Feldstein

Rick Vorhaus
From: San Francisco, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: Private air charter
Date: Feb. 2002

Risa, I just wanted to drop you a note to say THANKS for all your help on pulling this trip together. It was awesome! Aimee and I had a great time, everyone was super nice, and the experience down at Campo Cortez was life altering. Truly! Thanks again for all the help and attention you gave in getting this whole thing organized for us on such short notice. If you guys ever need a reference please don't hesitate to contact me. Hopefully we'll see you all again in the next few seasons.

Best wishes,
Rick

Nancy & Bruce Fountain
From: Monterey, CA.
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: Self arrival
Date: Mar. 2002

Dear Johnny, 
How can I thank you for the wonders that you made available to us?  We still can't believe all the sensations, thrills, amazement...etc. Camp was just great and so were the people. Maldo is super, Julie very nice, and of course the two of you are just part of our extended family!  Thank you for the mugs...they will bring memories each time we use them. A very, very, special thank you for the whale calf…it is so well done and it lives in my hands as I touch it. You just don't know how much it means to me. You gave me a whole new world...and added on the frosting!  Johnny, you are special! I have my journal but how can you write how wonderful and awesome the whales are? Thank you from the both of us...something to always remember. Plan a trip our way when things get quiet! 

Love, Nancy

Doyle & Suzanne Weeks
From: South Carolina - Mar. 2002
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: Private air charter
Date: Mar. 2002

An email to their daughters back home:
Darling girls:  most spectacular thing in the world!!  A desolate place with all of god's grandeur.  Most beautiful.  Have seen the wonders of the world now.  The gentle giants who are so careful and so graceful playing with their bambinos who weigh about two thousand pounds when born and gain approx 150 to 200 pounds a day till mom takes them back to the Bering Sea shortly - about four thousand miles.  It is indescribable. The mom is about twice as long as our boat (ponga) and weigh about 40,000 pounds.  Please send on to Mary, as I don’t know her email address.  Mom is outside reading. This is going by satellite, as there are no electric lines. We are in the desert at Laguna San Ignacio about 450 miles south of San Diego. Going back Friday - takes about three hours by charter plane. We love yall.  Will call on Friday.  Mary has Risa’s phone number if you need us by then. Wish you were here. Mary K. would really be wowed!  Maybe we will bring her. Everyone is so friendly and just great. Learning a little Spanish. Bringing back videos as pictures just don’t do these magnificent creatures justice.  

We love you, mom and dad from Mexico.

Howard Bjornson
From: Los Angeles, CA. - Feb. 2002
Trip: San Ignaico Lagoon whale watching: Self arrival
Date: Feb. 2002

Thank you for the wonderful experience of your whale camp." Profoundly" is not to strong of a word to describe how we have been affected by what we experienced. The video Maldo made for us is very special and we thank him. The meals were delicious the best we had in BCS.
The Bjornson family

Will Sharp
From: New York, NY.
Trip: San Ignaico Lagoon whale watching: 7 day overland excursion
Date: Feb. 2002

Dear John and Marie - It was a surprise and delight to receive your video. Nice to watch and be  reminded of the wonderful time spent with both of you and your special introduction to the lagoon, the whales, and the Baja. When I returned from my trip, I reread Dick Russell's book and spent a lot of time thinking about the gray whale and how peculiar it is that we humans can get so out of balance. The efforts you have endured to share the saga of the gray whale is very appreciated.  Jeff and I both had a very special time. If you are proceeding with your project to build a house in Baja, do let me know. I would like to send you some books on rammed earth building, etc. If there is any other info/help that you need, please let me know. What is the best address to send books?  I trust that you are both doing well and hope that you are spending lots of time in the water.

Kind Regards-
Will

Jeff Sharp
From: East Coast
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 7 day overland excursion
Date: Feb. 2002

Greetings Johnny and "Oui-Oui"--First, my apologies for not getting in touch with you two sooner.  No valid excuse other than the routine demands of life. I received your video in the mail last week. It brought quite a few smiles to my face; I loved it. Let me know how much I owe you for it, and where I should send the payment. FYI:  The opening sequence, showing the campsite from the lagoon, was a nice touch, capturing a sense of the place. Then, of course, the footage of the whales, above and below the water, was awesome. A vivid reminder of a very powerful week.

I also received your E-mail to Will about your upcoming plans. I'd love to join you on another outing, although I can see that it's not in the cards in the immediate future. I'll hang on to your address, website, and vibes, and who knows what will happen down the road. I have given your catalog/booklet to a few families who I think would love what you're doing, and I've talked to dozens of people about what a moving, inspiring experience I had. You two deserve tremendous credit for what you're orchestrating in conjunction with la gente de la laguna.

Saludos y Abrazos-
Paco

Trevor and Anne Elliot
From: Tucson, AZ
Trip: Snorkeling on the Sea of Cortez     
Date: Dec. 2000

Hi Johnny,
Thank you for the great photos and an unforgettable day in the Sea of Cortez. We're back in Tucson now and yesterday we had our photos developed - there are some really good ones on your boat, so when we get a chance to get them scanned I'll forward them to you. We had one of the best times of our lives in La Paz and the highlight was definitely the sea lions and dolphins. We may come back for the whales in March if so we hope we can meet up with you again.

Best regards,
Trev & Anne Elliott.

Georgene Horn
From:  Elkton, Maryland
Trip: San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching: 7 day overland excursion
Date: Feb. 1999

Dear Johnny and Maldo:                                        
Nancy and I are hoping to see you again this Feb./March.  Our travel agent, Cynthia Kemner will probably be in touch with you (she was good enough to handle arrangements for us last time with no fee). Both Nancy and I received a brochure from you a few weeks ago and I have forwarded it on to Cynthia. But I'd love to have another one to give to my daughters-in-law. They want to visit the whales too, but have to work out time and money. My husband Bob and I just returned from a month in Paris and Turkey. 

It was a great trip but I am still ready for lovely San Ignacio Lagoon! We will be spending Christmas in Charleston, South Carolina. So I will be in touch with you after the holidays. Nancy and I are eager to hear what adventures you have had since we last saw you. I can't tell you how memorable and wonderful our trip with you was last February. Nancy and I can't thank you enough.

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