“I’ve never touched a whale before,” said Fred, my guide on a recent whale watching trip in Baja. I thought I’d misheard! The tour brochure had several pictures of people touching grey whales. How was it possible that an experienced guide hadn’t gotten close enough to touch a whale? “Usually I’m on the other side of the boat, balancing it when people rush to one side to see the whales,” Fred continued. Instantly, I knew my trip was going to be great because my guide was focused on his clients’ experiences.

Unfortunately, there are many situations where a guide wants to be in the center of the action. They take the best seats or have the best photo-taking angles. I’ve never understood; do these guides think their worth depends upon being front and centre, or are they so carried away with enthusiasm that they push everyone to the side? Regardless, the result is often frustrated customers, and that’s bad for business.

My recent experience with Baja Airventures was memorable because of the quality guiding. Fred, and the other guides, Scot and Andrew, were safety-minded and customer-centered. Travelers expect the first and demand the second. With more people traveling independently, convincing them to pay for a guided trip means guides must know customer service, not just flora and fauna. Companies with guides like Fred, Scott and Andrew are ready for adventure seekers, the others? They can expect complaints, and few referrals.

Carol

Paean to Our Guide Fred

I remember Fred saying that! Fred was an exemplary guide (and pilot). Since I had always been afraid of deep water (never went over my head in small boats), I was not rushing to the side of the panga to touch a whale! I was holding back, snapping photos of whales and other people trying to touch a whale.

Fred was important to my entire Baja Reinventure. On the Sea of Cortez side, I faced a long ride in a panga boat - in stiff winds - on very choppy seas! Fred explained that riding in the bow would be drier but rougher; riding toward the rear would be wetter but smoother. My husband, an old Lake Superior sailor, took a seat up in the bow. He would not be holding my hand, reassuring me! I chose a seat in the back. I was joined by Fred. Once we left the Bay, the swells in the open sea were 3-4 feet. It was a rough ride, like a roller coaster on water! I was grateful for Fred, his calm demeanor and attentiveness really helped assuage my anxiety. We talked about whales, the biosphere reserve, and the effort to preserve the whale breeding ground from industrial development.

I had always been afraid of heights, too (never thought I would fly in a small plane). From our first meeting, Fred exuded confidence and elicited trust. My trust in Fred was the first step in conquering my fear of flying. Distracting myself with my camera glued to my face taking photos through the windows also helped!

My recent experience with Baja Airventures was memorable because of the quality manual. Fred, and other guides, Scot Andrew, security minded and customer focused. I trust in Fred was the first step in conquering your fear of flying. I myself helped me cope through the windows to take pictures with the camera glued to the distraction.

This awesome and very interesting thanks for sharing this.

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