A Seasonal Guide to the Best Whale Watching in Baja California Sur

A complete guide to Baja whale watching season, including how, where, and when to see whales in Baja California Sur.

A breaching humpback whale falling backwards into the water.

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Baja whale watching season is the best time of the year to visit this stunningly diverse peninsula on Mexico’s west coast. A wildlife lover’s paradise, every year the Baja California peninsula is home to a variety of migratory whale species. The Gulf of California (otherwise called the Sea of Cortez) provides protected waters that are favoured by huge blue whales from Loreto to La Paz. The southern tip of the peninsula, Los Cabos, sees a mixture of whales but mainly humpback whales who put on dazzling acrobatic displays. And, nestled on the Pacific Coast, three whale sanctuaries offer visitors the unique opportunity to encounter ‘friendly’ grey whales who get so close to the boats you can actually touch them. If you’re looking for the best whale watching in Baja, Mexico, we’ve got you covered with tours, times, and tips in this ultimate guide to Baja California Sur‘s best whale experiences.

Baja whale watching at a glance

  • Where: Los Cabos, Loreto, La Paz, Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon, Ojo de Liebre Lagoon.
  • What: Blue whales, grey whales, and humpback whales are the three main species spotted.
  • When: December to April with the peak between February and March.
  • How: Take a whale watching tour with a SEMARNAT-licensed company or spot them from the shore.
  • Who: We’d recommend these Baja whale watching tours with responsible companies.
  • Average cost: Day whale watching tour: $75 to $200 USD / Grey whale camp: ~$350+ USD a day.
  • Time: Tours take between 1 and 6 hours and can include transportation and accommodation.
  • Language: Spanish but English-speaking tours are common.
  • Currency: Mexican Peso ($MX) but the US Dollar ($) is sometimes accepted.
  • Good to know: Tours are sometimes cancelled due to weather and there’s no guarantee you’ll see whales on your first tour. Allow spare time in your itinerary for rescheduling and aim to go out multiple times on different days if possible.
The wide tail of a blue whale rising above the water as the whale begins a dive.
Whale watching in Bajaa is some of the best in the world

What type of whales can you see in Baja California?

The Baja California peninsula is home to a variety of species of whales throughout the year. The three main species of whale which are commonly found in the waters around Baja are:

  • Grey whales
  • Humpback whales
  • Blue whales

Other whale species can also be spotted in Baja, although less frequently. They are:

  • Fin
  • Sei
  • Sperm
  • Minke
  • Bryde’s

Orca are also found in Baja. Despite the name ‘killer whale’, they’re actually a dolphin. Other dolphin species that can be seen in Baja also include common, bottlenose, Pacific white-sided, striped, and Risso’s.

Whale sharks are another popular marine animal to see in Baja. Again, despite their name including the word ‘whale’, they’re actually a type of shark and the biggest fish in the sea.

Read our other Baja Whale Watching Guides:

A whale sticking its barnacled head out of the water, spotted on a whale watching tour in Baja.
There are many species of whale in Baja

The best Baja whale watching tours

Whale watching is always a better experience, for you and the whales, when done with a licensed company that follows local regulations and respects the whales. We’ve shortlisted the best whale watching tours in Baja with responsible companies that offer various pick-up points around the peninsula:

Loreto – Blue Whales
Los Cabos – Humpback Whales
Magdalena Bay – Grey Whales
Multi-day Baja Whale Tours
Two grey whales move their long shiny bodies above the water's surface in the calm waters around Baja California Sur.
Grey, blue, and humpback whales are the most common species

When to see whales in Baja California

  • Whale watching season in Baja generally runs in winter between December and April.

Some people like to put dates on it and will say that whale watching season in Baja California is between the 15 December and 15 April. While whales do arrive in mid-December and have left by mid-April, in reality, the whales arrive and leave at slightly different times each year. With the acceleration of climate change, these dates are only changing further.

There’s also a variation in timings between the species due to their different migration patterns and preferred destination. Blue whales have the shortest period, arriving and departing within three months. Whereas, some years humpback whales can arrive in early December and hang around until May.

A blue whale tail disappearing under the water. In the background are the colourful mountains of Loreto Bay National Park.
Baja’s whale season runs from December to April

The best time to see whales in Baja California

The best time to go whale watching in Baja California is between February to March. This is when most whales have arrived and before most whales leave again, meaning the highest numbers.

Whales arrive at the Baja California peninsula anywhere between mid-December to mid-January and begin to leave again by late March. So this window between February and March is the only period when they are resting in Baja without migrating.

A close up view of a humpback whale showing its nostrils open as it comes up for air in Cabo.
January to March is the best time for whale watching in Baja

Baja California Whale Watching Season

We put together this Baja California Whale Watching Season Calendar to better visualise the whale watching seasons for each species.

A table showing the three most common whale species spotted in Baja California Sur - blue, humpback, and grey whales - and in which month they are most likely to be spotted.
February is the best month to see all species of whales in Baja

What is the best month for whale watching in Baja California?

February is the best month to go whale watching in Baja California. This is right in the middle of the migrations of grey whales, humpback whales, and blue whales so you have a good chance of spotting all three species on one trip (which is what we did).

March is another good time for whale watching in Baja. However, a few species of whales begin their migration during this month so sightings might not be as high as in February.

When is the best time to watch whales in Baja?

The best time of day to see whales in Baja really depends on the species and location.

In general, we think going out early in the morning is best for a number of reasons. It’s usually the quietest time on the water as it’s before all the day tours and other boat traffic go out. It’s usually when the sea is its most calm.

These factors can really maximise your chances of sightings or of a whale feeling comfortable enough to approach your boat. Staying overnight in the whale watching location and booking a morning tour is the best way to ensure you’re out first thing.

A close look at a grey whale's tail in Magdalena Bay. It has a multitude of unique patterns and scars that make the whale identifiable.
Early morning tours are best for whale activity

Where to see whales in Baja California

Baja is a place that goes by many names. Factually, it is a peninsula split into two states, Baja California (in the north) and Baja California Sur (in the south).

  • Baja California: The northern state that extends from the Mexican-American border to halfway down the peninsula.
  • Baja California Sur: The southern state that extends from the border with Baja California to the southern tip of the peninsula.
  • Baja California Peninsula: A peninsula in northwestern Mexico that separates the Gulf of California from the Pacific Ocean.

We use ‘Baja’ and ‘Baja California’ in this article to refer to the whole peninsula unless we otherwise specify the state. Most of Baja’s whale watching occurs in the southern state (Baja California Sur), as we go into in the next section.

Every year, whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to the warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean each year. They can be found throughout the ocean along the coast of America’s California state to Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.

  • Pacific Ocean – The largest and deepest of Earth’s five oceanic divisions and home to a number of whale species.
  • Gulf of California -A marginal sea separates the Baja California peninsula from the Mexican mainland.
  • Sea of Cortez – Also called the Sea of Cortés, this is the same body of water as the Gulf of California.
A large blue whale at the water's surface in Baja.
Whales are spotted all around the Baja California peninsula

Where is the best place to see whales in Baja California?

  • Baja California Sur is without a doubt the best place to see whales on the Baja California peninsula.

It is possible to go whale watching in Baja California (the northern state). Bahía de los Ángeles is a good location to see blue whales on the east coast while Ensenada on the west coast is also home to a couple of whale watching companies. The Alto Golfo de California Biosphere Reserve (Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Río Colorado) also sometimes gets whale sightings.

But these places are harder to access, more expensive to reach, and have fewer whales than in the southern state, which is why we’ve focussed on Baja California Sur whale watching locations in this article.

A humpback whale jumping high out of the water.
Baja California Sur is the best place to see whales

While whales can be spotted in the northern state of Baja California, they are found in far greater numbers in the southern state of Baja California Sur. Most whale watching in Baja is done with tour companies based in this southern state too.

The best places to see whales in Baja California Sur depend on the species you’d like to see. There are a few cities in Baja California Sur that are popular bases for whale watching trips:

  • Blue whales – Migrate to the protected waters of the Gulf of California and are best seen from Loreto and its National Marine Park.
  • Humpback whales – Migrate to the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula and are best spotted from Los Cabos, but can also be seen from either side of the peninsula in Cabo Pulmo and Todos Santos.
  • Grey whales – Migrate to three protected lagoons on the west coast of the Baja California peninsula: Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, and Ojo de Liebre.

All of these whale watching locations lie in the southern state of Baja California Sur. San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre are the furthest north and lie on the border with the Baja California state. Los Cabos is the furthest south, at the end of the peninsula. La Paz and Loreto lie on the peninsula’s east coast, in the protected Gulf of California.

Whale Watching Baja California Sur Map

We’ve put together this map to show where whales in Baja California Sur are most commonly spotted.

A map of Baja whale watching locations. Little whale icons show where to see whales around the Baja California peninsula marking Loreto, La Paz, Los Cabos, Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, and Ojo de Liebre.
A map of whale watching locations in Baja California Sur

The best places to see whales in Baja California Sur

Each whale watching destination in Baja is different, offering you the chance to observe a variety of species and behaviours. Here are the best places to visit to see whales in Baja California Sur.

1. La Paz

The charming capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz is home to a wide variety of marine life. Perhaps the bigger pull to La Paz is actually the chance to swim with whale sharks and cheeky sea lions, which were both experiences we loved.

While it’s not the best spot for whale watching, it does receive a variety of whales in the winter months as blue, grey, humpback, fin, and sei all make their way past La Paz’s bay and there are a couple of whale watching companies operating here. It’s worth taking a boat trip out to the stunning Espiritu Santo Island and visiting Mexico’s most beautiful beach, Balandra Beach.

2. Loreto

Loreto is one of the best places for whale watching in the world. We specifically visited here after watching an amazing documentary scene on blue whales and discovering it was filmed in Loreto. As well as blue whales, fin and sei whales are sometimes spotted in the waters here, which are backed by the stunning, cacti-strewn Sierra de la Giganta mountain range.

3. Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is the most easily accessible whale watching spot in Baja with a variety of tour operators running from the central marina. Humpback whales are the most commonly spotted whales here. Besides whale watching, Cabo San Lucas is a real party town with lots of bars, shops, and luxury resorts.

4. San José del Cabo

Cabo San Lucas’ older, more sophisticated sister, San José del Cabo is also a great base for humpback whale watching in Cabo. It’s also one of the most authentic towns in Baja with a vibrant art scene and colourful colonial centre.

5. Magdalena Bay

Magdalena Bay is the most accessible and affordable of Baja’s three grey whale lagoons. An easy drive from La Paz and Loreto, it is popularly done on a day trip. It can also be visited from Los Cabos but is a longer drive so most tours stay overnight.

6. San Ignacio Lagoon

San Ignacio Lagoon, also called Scammon’s Lagoon, is rumoured to be the best lagoon for touching a grey whale as it’s said to have a higher number of whales. While it’s not proven, it does receive fewer visitors than Magdalena Bay which can make for a more intimate experience, although it can be more expensive to visit.

7. Ojo de Liebre Lagoon

Both San Ignacio and are situated in the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a special protected area near the border with the northern Baja California state. The third of the grey whale calving sanctuaries, Ojo de Liebre is close to the town of Guerrero Negro and is one of the best places for seeing grey whales in Baja.

8. Cabo Pulmo

Nestled in Baja’s East Cape, Cabo Pulmo is a secluded village known for its world-class diving and snorkelling. It also receives whale bypasses in winter but there aren’t really any dedicated whale watching tours – it’s all about the underwater world here.

9. Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a sleepy beach town on Baja’s west coast. It has a colourful, artistic vibe, with boutique shops and galleries. Its position on the Pacific coast means you have a high chance of spotting migrating whales (mainly humpbacks) in the winter months.

Water cascading off the tail of a large humpback whale.
Nothing beats whale watching in Baja California Sur

How to see whales in Baja

Whale watching in each part of Baja works slightly differently in each location and depends on the target species.

To get the full experience you really need to get up close to these gentle giants on a whale watching boat tour in Baja. This allows you to get up close to individual whales, witnessing displays of behaviour like tail slapping and breaching in their natural habitat.

Can you see whales in Baja without a tour?

It’s totally possible to watch whales without a tour. The best way to see whales on your own is from the shore of the Baja California peninsula. We’ve listed the best locations in the section below.

The only other way you could see whales without a tour in Baja would be if you had your own boat. This would only be possible in places without Marine Protection status like Cabo.

However, it is forbidden for unlicensed boats to engage in whale watching and private yachts are usually some of the main culprits in whale harassment cases as tourists are ignorant of the laws and standards. You may be an experienced boat captain, but we wouldn’t recommend seeking whales yourself. Instead, we’d recommend taking a tour with a responsible whale watching company that will put the whales first if you’re keen to see whales out on the water.

A grey whale diving below the surface against an endless, clear horizon. Water is cascading off its tail.
You must take a licensed tour with a responsible company

Where can you see whales from the land in Baja?

The best places to see whales from the land in Baja are around the bottom of the Baja California peninsula. It’s easiest to spot humpback whales from the shore as they come in closer and are more active than other species.

Some great towns for land-based whale watching include Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, Todos Santos, and Cabo Pulmo.

On a bus journey from Loreto to Cabo, we saw six humpback whales from the road. We also saw countless humpback whales swimming by and breaching from the balcony of our beachfront hotel in Cabo, including two whales breaching at the same time right in front of the iconic El Arco rock formation.

It’s not really possible to see grey whales without a tour unless you spot one randomly from the coast of the peninsula. The three grey whale sanctuaries are protected areas so you can only go whale watching with licensed guides. However, you can spot grey whales from the land if you stay in a camp. Overnight camps are offered by tour companies in Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio Lagoon, Laguna Ojo de Liebre, and Guerrero Negro. We had the best time watching grey whales swim by our camp from the patio of our tent in Magdalena Bay Whales Camp.

Again, it’s very difficult to spot blue whales without a guided tour as they’re often found further away from the shore in deeper waters. But it’s always possible you could spot one randomly from the coast of the peninsula. Loreto would be the best place to look but we didn’t see any from the shore during our visit.

If you’re keen to spot whales from the shore, we’d recommend taking a good pair of binoculars – we use Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 Waterproof: Browse UK | Browse US.

Two whales breaching in front of the Arch of Cabo making large splashes.
Whales can be spotted from the shore, especially in Cabo

Blue whale watching in Baja

  • Where: Loreto Bay National Marine Park
  • When: January to March
  • Who: Loreto Sea and Land Tours, Blue Whales Loreto, Wild Loreto

The best place to see blue whales – the largest whale on earth – in Mexico is the sleepy town of Loreto. A popular vacation town on the east coast of the Baja California peninsula, Loreto is home to blue whales from January to March each year, with the peak being around mid-February.

Blue whales are attracted to the calm waters of Loreto Bay National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto), which is protected by five large, uninhabited islands. The bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also home to other cetacean species including fin whales, sei, whales, and dolphins.

Whale watching tours depart from the Loreto Marina in the centre of town. Some companies also use Marina Puerto Escondido, which lies south of the city. Here are the tour companies we’d recommend for blue whale watching in Baja:

Loreto Sea and Land Tours – a locally owned, fully licensed company with many years of experience offering guided whale tours. All of their guides and captains have the utmost respect for local wildlife and are incredibly knowledgeable. Many of their trips also give you the opportunity to visit the islands of Loreto and see other species of wildlife too.

Loreto Blue Whales – a family-owned local operator that specialises in private whale watching trips for a more intimate experience.

Guyacara Adventures – a local company with knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the local environment, ensuring that each tour is both educational and enjoyable.

Baja Mia – a local family business with beachfront suites offering eco-friendly tours on the land and at sea.

Wild Loreto – a larger tour company offering a range of local experiences with the option to create customizable packages.

Blue whales can also be spotted in the Gulf of California from towns including Mulege and Santa Rosalía, just north of Loreto, but there are not really any whale watching tours on offer there. You could also see blue whales around Cabo and along Baja’s Pacific coast as they migrate to or from the Sea of Cortez.

Water cascading off the end of a blue whale's tail in the sunshine. Purple mountains reflect the sunlight in the distance.
Loreto is best for seeing blue whales in Baja

Humpback whale watching in Baja

  • Where: Los Cabos, Todos Santos, Cabo Pulmo
  • When: December to May
  • Who: Whale Watch Cabo, Cabo Trek, Salty Cabo Excursions, DipExpeditions

The best humpback whale watching in Baja California Sur occurs in Los Cabos. Cabo San Lucas, at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, is the best place to take a whale watching tour as it is home to the most number of operators. San José del Cabo also offers whale watching tours, although with more limited options.

Humpbacks begin to arrive in Baja in December and have completely left by May each year, with January to March usually having the highest number of sightings.

You can easily spot humpbacks breaching from the shore in Cabo. They can sometimes come in super close and can often be seen in Cabo’s Bay by The Arch.

Here are the tour companies we’d recommend for humpback whale watching in Baja:

Whale Watch Cabo – The first and only dedicated Whale Watching Company and have been heralded as TripAdvisor’s #1 Conscious and Eco-Friendly Whale Watching Company, their speedy Zodiac boat can search the waters faster than traditional boats and is allowed to approach 20 metres closer to a whale. Plus, they include free professional photos with every tour!

Cabo Trek – Winners of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Cabo Trek operate tours in both Cabos are the first ecotourism company in Mexico to obtain the official recognition of ‘Responsible Whale Watching Operator’ assigned by the World Cetacean Alliance.

Salty Cabo Excursions – Offers intimate, crowd-free, and personalised experiences from San José del Cabo, with sunrise and sunset whale watching options.

DIP Expeditions – With a focus on sustainability and the respectful observation of marine life, DIP advocates for shark conservation and responsible tourism practices, offering whale watching in San José del Cabo.

Kraken Divers – Based in La Paz with tours in La Ventana, this diving company is committed to ethical and sustainable interactions with marine life.

Todos Santos is another great place to see humpback whales from the shore, although it has fewer whale watching operators than Cabo.

To the east, Cabo Pulmo also receives whales during the migration period. Rather than dedicated whale watching, Cabo Pulmo is actually the best place in Baja to enjoy snorkelling and diving. Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy some SCUBA diving in Cabo.

Two humpback whales break the surface simultaneously. Their black bodies are a stark contrast to the bright town of Cabo San Lucas in the distance.
Cabo is best for seeing humpback whales in Baja

Grey whale watching in Baja

  • Where: Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, Ojo de Liebre Lagoons
  • When: December to April
  • Who: Magdalena Bay Whales, Sea Kayak Adventures

Grey whales begin arriving in Baja in December each year and have left by April. The peak is between January and March, depending on the year. Males leave first so, if you visit later in the season, you’ll be more likely to see mothers with their calves.

Baja California Sur is home to three protected grey whale sanctuaries, Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, and Ojo de Liebre. Each lagoon offers day trips from nearby towns or multi-day tours with a stay in an overnight camp right on the shore of the lagoons.

Day tours for Magdalena Bay depart from the small coastal towns of San Carlos, Adolfo Lopez Mateo, and Puerto Chale and can be arranged with transport from La Paz, Loreto, and even Los Cabos.

Day trips for San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre Lagoons run from the towns of San Ignacio and Guerrero Negro.

The best way to experience grey whales really is to stay in a camp. This means you’re the first out on the water each day and gives you plenty of opportunity to meet a ‘friendly’, a grey whale who initiates physical contact.

Here are the tour companies we’d recommend for grey whale watching in Baja:

Magdalena Bay Whales – The original whale watching company in the region, they are locally owned and offer whale watching tours, snorkelling with marlin safaris, and have an amazing island whale camp on Isla Magdalena.

Sea Kayak Adventures – Offers fully guided and catered sea kayak tours in remote parts of Baja, including Magdalena Bay.

If you have limited time or budget, day tours can be taken to Magdalena Bay from the below locations:

A whale tail disappearing into blue waters. Behind it lies the orange mountains of Baja California Sur.
There are three grey whale lagoons in Baja

How much do Baja whale watching tours cost?

Taking a whale watching tour to see humpbacks in Cabo is the cheapest tour as it’s most accessible with lots of operators to choose from. These tours cost between $80 and $120 USD per person for a small-size group tour. A private whale watching tour in Cabo costs about $300 to $500 USD per group. It may be possible to find cheaper prices for whale watching in Cabo but these operators are usually unlicensed and break the rules to get you close to whales.

Blue whale watching tours in Loreto cost about $80 and $120 USD. Combo tours can be booked to include the surrounding islands in the marine park. Due to its remote location, very few companies offer day tours to Loreto to see whales.

For grey whale watching, a day trip is the cheapest option at about $70 USD per person, but they only last about 2 hours and you have to make your own way to the port.

Day tours with transportation from La Paz or Loreto cost about $170 USD per person while the 2-day tours from Los Cabos with transportation and an overnight stay cost about $800 USD per person.

Multi-day whale tours which include accommodation, food, and transportation start at about $350 USD a day. The more days you stay, the cheaper the nightly rate becomes. An overnight camp package, for example at Magdalena Bay Whales Camp, costs per person about $600 USD for one night, $800 USD for two nights, and $1200 for three nights. Transportation is usually extra depending on where you’re coming from or going to.

For San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre, tours often include transportation from San Diego in the USA and can exceed $1000-2000 USD per person for s couple of nights with transportation and accommodation. If you have your own car and organise your own accommodation, you might be able to secure a cheaper rate directly with the company just for the tour.

Baja California whale watching holidays are also a popular way to experience the magical whale watching on offer here. These are often packages that include your transportation, accommodation, and tours in various places around the peninsula. A 5-day Whale Safari costs about $2000 USD per person while a 7-day Whale Safari costs about $2500 USD per person. While it’s a lot of money, it’s a great way to see a variety of species and experience all the best whale tours in Baja in one trip.

A lone whale sticks its head out of the water at sunset. The golden light is illuminating buildings in the background.
Single-day and multi-day tours are available
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Other marine experiences in Baja

It’s not just whale watching that lures wildlife lovers to the Baja California peninsula. The convergence of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California is a great place to experience large pelagic species like sharks or the migratory phenomenon of groups of hundreds of jumping mobula rays. Here are some more marine encounters you might like to experience in your time off from whale watching.

A blue whale diving beneath the calm waters of Loreto Bay National Marine Park.
There is so much marine life in Baja California Sur

Dolphins in Baja

A variety of dolphin species are found in Baja California, including common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and striped dolphins.

We saw a super pod of hundreds of common dolphins in Magdalena Bay and a couple of small pods of bottlenose dolphins in Loreto.

Dolphins are most commonly spotted on whale watching tours. But, unlike whales, they are found in the waters here all year round. You can take a wildlife watching tour out of whale season for a chance to see dolphins. Here are a few great options:

Orca (also known as killer whales) can also be found in Baja. Despite their name and size, they’re actually the largest of the dolphin family. They can be found in similar locations to whales throughout the year but winter is the best time to see them.

Swimming with orca in Baja has become an increasingly popular activity. While not specifically illegal, there is no legislation specifically for swimming with dolphins in the wild in Mexico and the activity is not regulated.

We’d suggest booking with a responsible tour operator who puts the animals first if you’re interested in seeking dolphins in the wild.

  • There are some places in Baja that offer the opportunity to swim with captive dolphins. While these experiences may be appealing, they are incredibly cruel. It’s totally possible to see dolphins in the wild in Baja and to swim with them ethically in other parts of the world.
The sun shining on the orange mountains of Magdalena Bay. In the waters of the bay, common dolphins are swimming gleefully.
Dolphins can also be seen in Baja California Sur

Swimming with whale sharks

  • Where: La Paz
  • When: October to May
  • Who: La Paz VIP Tours

Again, despite their name, whale sharks are not whales but a kind of carpet shark. They’re the largest fish in the ocean and it’s possible to swim with them in a protected area in La Paz.

Whale sharks migrate to the shallow waters here from October to May. Swimming with them is highly regulated in a special zone, making La Paz one of the most ethical places in the world to experience these endangered creatures. Here are the tour companies we’d recommend:

A small fish can be seen 'hitching a ride' on the top of a whale shark's head as it swims by an observer.
La Paz is the place to ethically swim with whale sharks in Baja

Swimming with sea lions

  • Where: La Paz
  • When: October to May
  • Who: La Paz VIP Tours

Although not as popular as whale sharks, sea lions also inhabit the waters of the Sea of Cortez around La Paz and Loreto. La Paz is the best place to get in the water with these cheeky creatures as it has two colonies where swimming with allowed and well-regulated.

The best time to swim with sea lions is from October to April. It is forbidden to swim with them between July and September during their breeding season.

Of the two locations in La Paz, Isla Espiritu Santo is by far the best. You can join a group tour, combo tour to include other iconic spots nearby, or a private swim with sea lions excursion to encounter these incredible sea-puppies in their natural habitat.

Underwater with a sea lion in Los Islotes, La Paz. The sea lion swims very close with a playful curiosity.
La Paz and Loreto offer swimming with sea lions

How to photograph whales in Baja

The most important things to have when photographing whales are patience and respect. Photographing whales in Baja is much easier with a camera and interchangeable lenses. A zoom lens is useful so you don’t need to change lenses quickly, but also because it allows you to shoot a whale at varying distances from the boat – and they can spring up on you quickly. Here are some of the key pieces of gear we’d recommend.

  • Camera body and (zoom) lenses
  • Atteleconverter for extra zoom
  • Extra batteries and memory cards
  • Polarising filter to reduce reduces glare
  • Waterproof housing or camera bag to keep your equipment dry

We recommend shooting in Manual mode to get the most out of your camera, but some photographers also like Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes. Here are the camera settings we recommend:

  • Shoot in Raw (+ JPEG if preferred)
  • Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s or faster depending on behaviours observed.
  • Set a wide aperture to f/2 or higher.
  • Choose a low ISO of 200-1000 according to light conditions.
  • Shoot in continuous autofocus mode.
A baby humpback whale slaps its tail on the water's surface.
You’re going to want a camera to capture the magic!

Is whale watching in Baja ethical?

Mexico is one of the best places for whale watching in the world and the activity is highly regulated, which usually corresponds with it being carried out ethically.

Whale watching rules are set by Mexico’s Ministry of Environment, SEMARNAT, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources in NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010. All tour companies in every location must adhere to these rules. Specific legislation also exists for protected areas like El Vizcaíno’s grey whale lagoons and Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

The core principle of this whale watching law is that harassment, which is defined as an act that interferes with the natural behaviour of whales, is strictly prohibited.

Rules specify restrictions on the speed, distance, and number of whale watching vessels, as well as the angle they can approach a whale, the distance they must keep from a whale, and when they need to turn their engines off.

A variety of vessel sizes are allowed to engage in whale watching in Baja, depending on the location. For example, any kind of boat can go whale watching in the area of Los Cabos whereas only small boats, called pangas, can take tourists whale watching in protected zones like the grey whale lagoons.

A infographic showing the approach zones allowed for whale watching in Baja.
Whale watching in Baja is highly regulated

Can you swim with whales in Baja California?

swimming with whales in Baja California is generally not permitted. Unlike in other destinations including Australia and Tonga, there are no legal ‘swim with whale tours’ in Mexico.

It’s always possible that you can have an underwater encounter with a whale when snorkelling or diving during the migration period. In these instances, the curious whale initiates the encounter by approaching swimmers. However, it’s still best to try to keep a distance.

With grey whales, you could stick a waterproof camera in the water when a whale approaches you and get underwater footage without disturbing the whale.

A grey whale swimming underwater. The face and part of one of the fins is visible, both covered in barnacles.
You cannot swim with whales in Baja

What is it like to whale watch in Baja?

Whale watching in Baja is an unforgettable experience that everyone should have on their bucket list. Watching these gentle giants behave naturally in the wild, in front of scenic landscapes is like falling into a scene from a National Geographic documentary – which isn’t surprising as they’ve filmed many of their whale scenes right here in Baja.

Your experience will vary depending on a number of factors, including time of year, time of day, location, company, and whether you book a shared or private tour. But this is typically what it’s like to whale watch in Baja:

  • Meet your guide and be briefed on the excursion, including safety information, the importance of respecting the whales and local conservation initiatives.
  • Head out in search of whales. You’re most likely to spot their blow first – the plume of mist created as they breathe at the surface. This step needs patience and can take anywhere from a minute to an hour depending on your luck.
  • The captain will navigate the boat to the designated distance from the whale. Then you hope it’s interested in you and approaches your boat. If it does, the engines of the boat must be in neutral and you float about with the whale until it chooses to leave. If it’s travelling, the captain will navigate alongside the whale at the designated angle and distance.
  • Most of the time, you’ll see a whale during its time at the surface before it dives back into the deep. Depending on the species and individual nature of the whale, this can be anything from 3 to 15 minutes. Then you hang around in the same spot, or where your guide predicts the whale will next appear, for it to re-surface.
  • If you get lucky with an active whale, you may see behaviours including spyhopping, slapping, and breaching. As Baja is home to calving mothers and mating adults, it’s also possible to see baby whales too.
A fin whale breathing at the water's surface. The clouds are making streaks across the sky.
Whale watching in Baja is a magical experience

Our experience whale watching in Baja

Our entire trip to Mexico actually started with Baja specifically to go whale watching. We visited Cabo, Loreto, and Magdalena Bay on one trip and were successful at seeing all three of the main species of whale found in Baja.

In Magdalena Bay, we spent a couple of nights at Magdalena Bay Whales Camp, saw countless grey whales, and enjoyed a relaxing few days in the camp. Several times, whales came right up to our boat, rubbing against the underside or chilling alongside us. We saw spyhopping and tail flicking, as well as logging (sleeping).

In Loreto, we saw several blue whales, as well as a couple of fin whales. Blue whales dive deep for food so would stay under longer than other species but we got lucky with one that chilled at the surface for a while. We even saw a fluking (when a whale lifts its tail out of the water) which is rare for blue whales.

In Cabo, we went on several trips in the morning and evening. The morning was our favourite time to go out as there was a lot less boat traffic. We saw several baby humpbacks learning techniques like head slapping and breaching. We also encountered a heat run – where males compete for a female – which involved consecutive breaching from the adults.

Overall, we had the most epic time whale watching in Baja. With such strict regulations and local interest in conservation, it really is one of the best places in the world for it and, if you choose a responsible company, you’re bound to have the most amazing time.

Dan sitting at the front of a small boat in Magdalena Bay. He is filming a nearby grey whale on his GoPro.
We saw so many whales on our trips

Baja California whale watching FAQs

Hopefully, we’ve answered all your questions in this guide to whale watching in Baja California Sur, but we’ve listed some frequently asked questions below in case we’ve missed anything.

What to pack for a whale watching in Baja California

To ensure an enjoyable whale watching experience in Baja, it’s important to pack the right gear. Don’t forget to pack your:

  • Drybag – to keep your belongings dry.
  • Camera and lenses – to capture the magic.
  • Waterproof camera – for snorkelling.
  • Reusable water bottle – to stay hydrated and reduce plastic pollution.
  • Layers – mornings can be chilly and the sun is strong.
  • Eco-friendly sunscreen – to protect your skin and the environment.

What to wear for a whale watching in Baja California

When going whale watching, it’s essential to dress comfortably and practically for a fun and safe experience. Here’s a suggested packing list:

  • Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
  • Breathable jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable boat shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat, cap, or visor – just be careful it doesn’t blow off your head!
Two humpback whale swimming side-by-side. The mountains of Baja can be seen in the distance.
Wear layers and protect your skin from the strong sun

Is whale watching in Baja California worth it?

Yes, whale watching in Baja is absolutely worth it! The region offers some of the best opportunities in the world to observe whales up close in their natural habitat. From friendly grey whales to acrobatic humpbacks and the largest whale in the world, blue whales, so many species converge on Baja in winter it’s like whale soup!

What whales migrate to Baja Mexico?

Several whale species migrate to Baja California’s waters, including grey, humpback, and blue whales. Fin and sei whales are also spotted during this time and other species, like sperm, bryde’s, and minke, may also be spotted occasionally too.

Can you see orcas in Baja California?

Yes, orcas (killer whales) can be found in Baja. They are not as commonly encountered as whales but sightings do occur, especially during winter.

When is whale watching season in Baja?

Generally, Baja’s whale watching season runs from December through April. Humpbacks can be seen throughout this period, while the best time to see grey whales is between January and March and the peak of blue whale season in February.

When to see whales in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez)?

The best time for whale watching in the Gulf of California (also called the Sea of Cortez) is in February and March. During this time, multiple species of whale are present.

Lucy sitting on the front of a panga, wearing a life jacket and holding a camera, whale watching in Magdalena Bay.
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