Baja’s Whale Season
Every year, from December to April, the waters of Baja California Sur become a whale sanctuary, hosting thousands of majestic cetaceans who migrate from the Arctic to give birth in the warm, protected lagoons of Mexico.
If you’re visiting Cabo or anywhere in Baja, here’s everything you need to know about witnessing these gentle giants ethically and responsibly.
What Makes Baja’s Whale Season Special?
One of the longest whale migrations – Gray whales travel nearly 12,000 miles round trip, one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth.
Whale “nursery” waters – The lagoons of Baja (Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, Ojo de Liebre) are where whales give birth and raise their calves.
Up-close encounters – In some lagoons, whales are known to approach boats voluntarily, a behavior seen almost nowhere else in the world.
More than just gray whales – Baja’s waters host humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, sperm whales, and even the elusive Bryde’s whale.
DO’s: Responsible Whale Watching
Choose an Ethical Tour Operator – Look for companies that respect marine life, follow distance guidelines, and don’t chase or corner whales.
Best spots for whale watching:
Cabo San Lucas – Humpbacks are the stars here, often seen breaching.
Magdalena Bay & San Ignacio Lagoon – The best places for gray whale encounters, where curious whales sometimes interact with boats.
Loreto & the Sea of Cortez – If you want to see blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, this is the place.
Respectful Photography – Use a zoom lens instead of getting too close, and avoid flashes or drones that may disturb them.
Be Patient – Whales move at their own pace. Enjoy the experience without expecting a perfect Instagram shot.
DON’Ts: How NOT to Disturb the Whales
Don’t touch or feed them – Even if a whale gets close, let them initiate the interaction without reaching out.
Don’t chase, surround, or cut them off – Boats should never block a whale’s path or separate a mother and calf.
Don’t swim with them – Unlike dolphins, whales are protected species, and swimming with them in Baja is strictly prohibited.
Don’t play loud music – Sound travels far underwater and can stress marine life.
Whale Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Humpbacks have unique "songs" – Males sing long, complex songs that can last up to 30 minutes and travel across oceans.
Whales don’t drink seawater – They get all their hydration from the food they eat, like krill and plankton.
Gray whales used to be called “devil fish” – In the past, they had a reputation for fiercely defending their young, but now they’re known as the most “friendly” whales in Baja.
The blue whale’s heart is the size of a small car – It weighs about 400 pounds and beats so powerfully it can be heard from two miles away.
Whales help fight climate change – Their poop (yes, really!) fertilizes phytoplankton, which absorbs CO₂ and produces oxygen for the planet.
Visiting Baja? Make It a Whale-Watching Trip You’ll Never Forget.
Whether you’re in Cabo, La Paz, or Magdalena Bay, experiencing whales in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just remember – the best way to enjoy them is with respect, awe, and appreciation for their role in the ocean’s ecosystem.
