Baja California – The Largest Natural Aquarium in the World
Anyone who has been to Baja California will know that it’s an incredibly special place. Impossibly turquoise waters contrast with the rocky desert landscape and the seas are teaming with wildlife. It’s undeniably one of the best places in the world to see Gray whales because a significant majority of the world’s the Gray whale population will migrate here from the Arctic, travelling southwards before the Arctic ice starts to form. This annual journey brings them to shallow lagoons of the Baja Peninsula, where they will birth and nurse their calves, enjoying the warmer waters.
The Baja Peninsula is part of Mexico but is separated from mainland by the Sea of Cortez, with the Pacific Ocean on its western coastline. The seas surrounding this thin finger of land are some of the most biodiverse in the world and, for many, the Gray whales are the stars of the show. Every year, hundreds of pregnant females lead the migration south to Baja’s Lagoons, where they will remain for several months. What’s extra special about the Gray whale’s is their charismatic and inquisitive nature, and it’s not uncommon for the whales to approach visiting boats to present their barnacle-marked faces for a stroke, sometimes even pushing their calves forwards as if to show them off.
Should we get close to the Gray Whales?
Understandably, any conscientious traveller will have questions about whether physical contact between humans and whales is ethical. The Gray whales are closely monitored, and researchers have concluded that there are no indications that these interactions are affecting their normal habits or distressing them in any way. Most importantly, any close encounters must be instigated by the whales themselves. Boats can only access certain zoned areas, so the whales always have the freedom to keep their distance.
The Official Mexican Standard enforces a strict set of guidelines that visiting boats must adhere to. When on site, this is overseen by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas. All boats must display a flag and follow the stipulated rules.
San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre Lagoon
If you’re interested in visiting Baja California, there are three lagoons where large numbers of Gray whales can be found. The are: San Ignacio Lagoon, Ojo de Liebre Lagoon (these are the best) and Magdalena Bay. We would always advise having multiple whale-watching boat trips . You can’t predict what you will see, but you can increase your odds if you give yourself several chances. There is so much sea life to enthral you on each trip out.
Best time to see Gray Whales of Baja California: February to March
You can never fully predict animal habits. However, Gray whales generally start arriving into the lagoons of Baja California in December, departing around April. As such, its best to visit somewhere in the centre of that cycle. We would advise going in February and March. These are generally considered the optimum months.
Being in the vicinity of these beautiful creatures is such a special experience. Why not join our exclusive whale watching holiday: The Big Three Whale Watching Trip
The 2025 Dates for our exclusive whale watching holiday: Monday 10th February until Friday 21st February.