From January to early April, the Pacific coast of Baja California becomes a sanctuary for the awe-inspiring gray whale. These gentle giants, measuring up to 52 feet and weighing 36 tons, embark on an epic journey from the frigid waters of Alaska's Bering Sea to the balmy lagoons of Mexico. This migration offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the whales up close, engage in touching encounters, and observe the nurturing bond between mothers and their newborn calves.
Each November, over 10,000 gray whales commence their 10,000-mile roundtrip migration to the Baja California Peninsula. They travel at speeds of up to five miles per hour, with pregnant females leading the way. This four-month journey is one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth.
Upon reaching the Mexican coast, these whales engage in mating rituals, bask in the warm lagoon waters, and give birth to their young. This period, from January through early April, is considered the prime time for whale watching. Tourists can take boat excursions to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, witness the playful antics of the calves, and experience the spectacular sight of whales spouting water through their blowholes.
Gray whales are known for their friendly behavior, often approaching boats and allowing human contact. In the early spring, after the males have begun their journey back north, the mothers and calves linger, with the mothers being less protective and more permissive of their young interacting with tourists.
The majority of whale-watching activities occur in three primary lagoons along the Baja Peninsula:
Located in Guerrero Negro, this lagoon is about 440 miles south of the US-Mexico border. Once a hub for commercial whaling, it is now a popular destination for tourists who can arrive by car or fly into the nearby national airport.
Situated 100 miles south of Laguna Ojo de Liebre, this lagoon is accessible mostly by charter air service from international airports such as San Diego and Tijuana.
Increasingly popular for its proximity to La Paz and Loreto International airports, Magdalena Bay offers exceptional whale-watching opportunities.
Visitors can reach these lagoons by charter plane or by road. Loreto International Airport is the nearest international airport, with flights provided by carriers like Aeromexico. La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, has a larger airport with more flight options and is situated between Loreto and Cabo San Lucas.
There are a variety of whale-watching tours available, ranging from half-day trips to multi-day packages and cruises. Some of the major tour operators include:
Operating out of La Paz, Baja Expeditions offers all-inclusive packages and combined kayaking and whale-watching programs in Magdalena Bay and San Ignacio lagoon, with charter flights from San Diego.
With over 20 years of experience, this operator provides all-inclusive services from San Diego International Airport, including transportation to Tijuana, charter flights to San Ignacio, and accommodations at the San Ignacio camp.
Offering nine-day cruises that feature whale-watching at Magdalena Bay among other activities, with groups meeting in Los Cabos.
Provides three-day excursions to Ojo de Liebre lagoon, with tourists arriving by car.
For those preferring a more independent experience, quaint villages like Puerto Lopez Mateos or Puerto San Carlos at Magdalena Bay offer boat rentals for around $50 a day, including a skipper.
While gray whales are the stars of the show, Baja California also offers opportunities to see other marine life. Sea Kayak Adventures, for example, provides kayaking and camping adventures out of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez, where visitors can spot finback and blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, and a variety of exotic fish.
Gray whales were once on the brink of extinction due to commercial whaling. However, thanks to international protection efforts initiated in the 1940s, their numbers have rebounded impressively. From a few hundred individuals, the population has grown to over 20,000, leading to their removal from the endangered species list in 1975. These whales have graced our planet for approximately 30 million years, making them one of the oldest mammal species.
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) is a collaborative effort between government entities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism internationally. Established in 1999, the MTB has a presence across the globe, working to showcase the country's diverse attractions.
For Press Inquiries: For more information, story assistance, or general travel and tourism details about Mexico, journalists can contact the MTB’s North American Press Room at 1-800-929-4555, via email at northamericanpress@visitmexico.com, or visit the press website at www.visitmexicopress.com. For downloadable b-roll footage, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/visitmexicopress.
Contact: Erick Laseca Mexico Tourism Board 312-228-0517 erick.laseca@bm.com
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