Baja California Sur is one of the best world destinations to see whales. The Sea of Cortez (“the world’s aquarium,” as it was referred to by the famous French explorer Jacques Cousteau) and the Pacific coast of the peninsula have 80% of all marine mammals found in Mexican waters.
During the winter, Mexico is not only a great place for people to escape the cold weather but for whales as well, Whales undergo seasonal migrations from higher latitudes (where they feed during the summer) heading south to the waters of Baja California Sur to mate and give birth.
HUMPBACK WHALES
The whale watching season officially starts on 15th December with February being the peak month for sighting whales and of course some of the world’s best whale watching tours happen in Los Cabos, every year the humpback whales migrate thousands of miles from the frigid Bering Sea off of Alaska’s coast to the warm, protected waters of the Baja Peninsula. This journey is the longest known mammal migration in the world and draws nature and whale watching enthusiasts.
There are daily excursions to give a chance to see these magnificent giants in their natural environment, whether you’re a snorkeler, observer or a passionate photographer, you will fall in love with the marine life that is spotted at Los Cabos every year.
Imagine yourself on a boat spotting Humpback Whales and other amazing creatures like dolphins and rays, while breaching into the Ocean, Hear and discover the meaning of their songs with hydrophones, along with Marine Mammal Specialists.
Watch these enormous mammals splash into the water from a very close and safe spot. You might end up wet too, but the sighting and the pictures will be worth it.
BLUE WHALES
You can come and watch the Blue whale as well, the largest animal that has ever lived on the planet, is one of the species found in this area. During their southward migration, they often follow a direct route along the Californian and Mexican coast. During the months of March and April, Blue whales are often sighted in the deep central basins and along its western side of the Gulf of California.
During their northward migration Blue whales sometimes hang out in the coastal waters of central and northern Baja California. For a short time in the months of February and March we offer the opportunity for a short “migration” from Cabo San Lucas up north all the way till Loreto for an incredible encounter with the biggest living mammal on the planet as well as to explore the Baja peninsula a bit more in depth.
GRAY WHALES
The Gray whale is another specie that appear in these waters. Their population in the North Atlantic waters have bome extinct, however, it’s still possible to sight them in the North Pacific waters. They are known for their long annual migration, 15.000-20.000 km (roundtrip) every year starting in the fall, with females, in late pregnancy appearing first. By mid-February, most of them have arrived having already given birth to their calves around or within the lagoons and Magdalena Bay region.
The gray whale migration back to the feeding grounds is divided in two phases: the first consists of newly pregnant females who go first to maximize feeding time, followed by adult females and males, then juveniles.
The second phase consists of mothers and calves. It should be noted that Mexico has recognized the importance of the breeding lagoons to the recovery of the gray whale. Mexico is the only nation to provide important habitat protection for the eastern population.
The gray whale has a curious behavior for approaching boats and people letting whale watchers pet them. Because of this temperament they are known as “friendly whales”. This results in a unique opportunity to visit an area of the beaten trek, submersed in almost untouched nature, where fisherman turn into skilled whale watchers and guest are blessed with close encounters with gray whales that are to be found only along the Mexican coast.
WHALE SHARKS
Now, if you are into adrenaline and would like to appreciate something bigger and closer, the Whale Shark Encounter is a one-of-a-kind experience that not only allows you to swim along with such majestic creatures, but to also connect with nature in a very different way.
The Whale Sharks are known to be the largest sharks in the world, this mesmerizing title is due to its imponent length of 40 feet or more. Luckily their favorite meal is plankton, they’re very docile and, you can get approach to swimming nearby them.
Whale Sharks are usually found around La Paz from December through April, and we have the perfect tours to take you there to live a one-on-one experience just a 2-hour drive road trip from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz.
There are other species, such as fin whale, Bryde’s whale, sperm whale and dolphins that are also possible to sight in Baja California. Whale watching is very important. It not only provides great educational and social benefits but it makes an important contribution to the economy of many countries promoting further whaling education and research.
