Tours offer a walk, swim or ride on Mexico’s wild side

Sure, Africa’s the place to go if you’re hoping for a safari experience with even an iota of the drama shot in the YouTube legend (over 35 million views and counting) “Battle at Kruger.” But far closer to home, Mexico offers interesting wildlife-viewing options that let you get up close and personal with the animals (without having to fear for the lives of yourselves and your kin).

In Mexico, see natural wonders including dolphins and monarch butterflies. If you’d like someone else to lead the way, consider a six-day trip offered by tour operator Natural Habitat Adventures; following are a few samples of their tours, featuring whale sharks, sea turtles and big gray whales; monarch butterfly trips, not listed below, begin in January 2009.

Whale sharks and birds: In the Riviera Maya, snorkel with whale sharks, mingle with all manner of birds including flamingos and pelicans, and hand-feed rehabilitating wildlife at a zoo. When: Trips are scheduled July 27-Aug. 1, Aug. 3-8 and Aug. 10-15, 2008.

Sea turtles: In Huatulco, Mexico, on the Pacific Coast, you can see natural wonders while simultaneously lending them a hand. You’ll visit a turtle camp to learn about sea turtle conservation; come nightfall, you’ll patrol beach habitats and help turtle hatchlings find their way to the ocean. When: The next scheduled trip is Aug. 25-30, 2008. There are also three trips in September and three in October.

Gray whales: A boating trip off Baja California will take you within arm’s reach of the impressively large gray whales. You’ll spend your nights in thatched-roof “whale cabanas.” When: Trips are scheduled Feb. 15-20 and Feb. 18-23, 2009.

Costs: Rates for these trips range from $2,195 to $2,995 (pre-tax), and generally include accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic drinks, excursions, transportation, and other tour-specific fees, but check the website for information on the tour that interests you. Rates are based on double occupancy; a single supplement is charged, where applicable.

— Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

[Photo: Monarchs at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary near Morelia, Mexico; Jerry V. Haines / For the Los Angeles Times]

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This entry was posted on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 10:08 am by Susan Derby and is filed under Acapulco, Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel, Eco-Travel, Family & Kids, Los Cabos, Mexico, Oaxaca City, Outdoors & Adventure, San Jose del Cabo, Tours & Cruises. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.