Whale-Watching Spots in Baja California Sur

This winter, take your family travel to Baja California Sur, located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, for the ultimate whale watching experience. Every winter, more than 20,000 gray, humpback and blue whales travel from the cold waters of Alaska to the nutrient-rich waters of Baja California Sur to mate, socialize and give birth. This annual migration offers the ultimate opportunity to experience the beautiful mammals up close.

The city of Loretto is known for its natural beauty and is home to whales from early January to late March. These shy creatures migrate south along the western side of the Baja Peninsula and live within the serene waters of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Loreto Bay Marine National Park for a few months each winter. With only 11,000 blue whales remaining in the world, the Gulf of California is one of the only places to see these beautiful animals, making the experience truly unforgettable. Book an expert-guided tour with operators such as Tours Loreto and Wild Loreto Tours for chances to observe the whales.

The coastal town of Mulegé offers a gateway to the lagoons of San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre in the Pacific Ocean, where gray whales migrate to breed and give birth from early February to early April. As part of the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, the shallow waters have served as the perfect breeding ground for gray whales for thousands of years. Take small boat rides with companies such as Magdalena Bay Whales, Baja Eco Tours and Kuyimá to see where gray whales are, and maybe even get up close as they often approach the boats.

Other areas in Baja California Sur also offer unique opportunities to spot humpback, finback and sperm whales on small tour groups led by marine biologists and local whale experts. Also, starting in 2025, Baja Luxury Sailing introduces a unique catamaran adventure with overnight stays and an immersive way to explore the coast and its marine life.