magdalena bay whale watching tours

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Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Experiences

See Gray Whales in the Bay

Explore Dunes & Mangroves

Support the Local Community

One of the Top Spots for Baja California Whale Watching

Embark on a Magdalena Bay whale watching adventure and visit one of the best places to see gray whales interact with each other . Mag Bay is an annual breeding ground for the magnificent California gray whales and with us, you will have the opportunity to witness extraordinary scenes and behavior . Choose the itinerary that fits your schedule, from one day to an overnight trip or the full 3 days and 2 nights . Whatever the length, you’re guaranteed to see a wide variety of wildlife and spectacular landscapes . We work with local islanders and ensure that our tours benefit the community.

The Extra Special Moments

See gray whales up close in their annual breeding ground

Witness calves learning to breathe, breach, and dive

Visit different ecosystems: sand dunes, mangroves, and beaches

Sample fresh, local seafood such as fish and lobster

Observe a variety of sea birds and enjoy opportunities to spot sea lions, eagles, dolphins, and coyotes

Stay overnight in Magdalena Island, and feel the sensation of being in nature and an isolated fisherman town.

Full-Day Trip Details

Overnight trip details, 2-night trip details.

$5,000 MXN ($270 USD*) per person

*USD prices are approximate and final checkout will be in Mexican pesos (see book now button for details)

Departure time

Meeting point.

Pick up from your Todos Santos, Pescadero or La Paz accommodation or the Todos Santos Surf Shop

Availability

Monday to Sunday, January 15th to March 15th

10-11 hours (3 hours whale watching)

4 to 8 people

Good to know

• The ideal tour for people who have one day to see whales in Baja California.
• February is peak season.
• The drive from Todos Santos is 3-4 hours one way.
• We respect wildlife, hire local people and support local culture.  
• 3 hours whale watching
• Optional beach walk (weather permitting)
• Round trip transportation from Todos Santos to Puerto Chale

Not included

What to bring.

• Warm clothes
• Hat & sun protection
• Water bottle to refill

About your guide

Certified Driver Expert bilingual guide Certified local captain

Magdalena Bay Day Trip Itinerary

Support local businesses while eating fresh and delicious food from ranchers and fishermen’s families. By running these tours, it allows fishermen a new form of income and means that they reduce the amount of time they spend fishing, which helps replenish the ecosystem.

We abide by all procedures to protect the whales and other wildlife.

$17,000 MXN ($919 USD*) per person

Departure times

2 days and 1 night

• Please book this tour at least two months in advance in order to ensure your hotel reservation.
• Magdalena Bay is a 3-4 hour drive from Todos Santos each way.
• Conscious experience respecting nature and supporting local community.
• We respect wildlife, hire local people and support local culture.
• Round trip transportation from todos Santos area to Puerto San Carlos
• 1 night in a hotel in San Carlos
• 2 whale watching experiences
• Beach walk on pristine sand dunes and a Pacific beach
• Breakfast, 2 lunches, and dinner
• Alcoholic beverages

Magdalena Bay Overnight Trip Itinerary

This overnight whale watching experience gives you two opportunities to spot the beautiful gray whales in their breeding grounds. We’ll drive from Todos Santos to the bay through desert landscapes where you will spot different types of cacti and desert wildlife. On one of your days here, you will head out in Bahía Magdalena from Puerto San Carlos and the other expedition will be in Puerto Chale. See young gray whale calves learning to breathe, breach, swim against the current, and dive as they accompany their mothers through the waters of the bay.

Explore the impressive sand dunes on Isla Magdalena and sail through the mangrove channels – you’ll be amazed by how many ecosystems have evolved in such a small area. Your meals will consist of fresh local seafood such as fish and lobster, caught by local fishermen. You’ll spend the night in a hotel by the bay and be treated to dinner under the stars.

$26,000 MX ($1,405 USD*) per person

3 days and 2 nights

• Round trip transportation to Puerto San Carlos
• 2 nights in a house on Magdalena island
• 3 whale watching trips
• A walk on pristine dunes and Pacific beaches
• Guided visit to mangroves & seabirds
• 2 breakfasts
• Snacks throughout the whole trip
• Drinks (beer and wine with dinner)
• Extra alcoholic beverages
• Hat & sun protection (the boat is shaded)

Magdalena Bay 2-Night Trip Itinerary

You’ll embark on three whale-watching expeditions with no time limit. Over the three days you can expect life-changing encounters with the majestic California gray whales that congregate in the sheltered bay which is one of their breeding grounds. Watch mothers teach their calves how to breathe, breach, and dive, and you may be treated to the spy-hopping phenomenon.

As well as sunrises and sunsets over the bay, you will explore the area with visits to the beautiful mangroves, walks over the sand dunes, strolls along the Pacific beaches peppered with sand dollars, and sightings of various wildlife that live in the area.

Explora Baja are dedicated to working hand in hand with the islanders and ensuring that the tours we provide leave no impact on the environment and can provide livelihoods for the local community.

Read What Our Guests Have Said...

Tripadvisor reviews.

We were very fortunate to encounter friendly whales who swam up to us and let us pet them… The credit for our fabulous and memorable time goes to Carlos. Unfailingly cheerful, kind, knowledgeable, helpful, he arranged everything. Speaking perfect English, he answered all our many questions about whales, geography, and himself. He was particularly engaging with my friend’s 10-year-old grandson who was never left to feel excluded.

Susie Farrar

Our Explora Baja whale watching trip was everything we dreamed it would be. Guides, Carlos and Paula, are accommodating in every way, have great personalities, good driving skills, and tons of knowledge to share from their experiences and MS degrees in Oceanography and Marine Biology.

Awesome experience, best thing ever. Service was outstanding. We had a great time with friends, whale watching is one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve ever had.

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LOCATED IN THE SMALL FISHING VILLAGE OF LOPEZ MATEOS

Whale watching in magdalena bay, lopez matoes, a guided tour, you can pet a gray whale, and the baby calf too..

Exclusive to Magdalena Bay , is the whale watching tours , in Lopez Matoes , minutes away from "The Whales Tale Inn" . If you visit our social media, you'll notice that this is a busy time of year, for guests, family and friends. Our respect and knowledge grows with each passing year, and we continue to be amazed with our extended family,  " The Majestic Gray Whales ". , 

Trip Advisor

Reviewed February 22, 2018 

Weekend with Mag Bay Outfitters staying at Whale Tale Inn

We flew into Loreto Thursday and had an easy drive to Lopez Mateos. Here we stayed at the Whale Tale Inn , which was very clean, comfortable, friendly service and family atmosphere. The next morning Diana drove us to the pier where we spent the morning petting the friendly whales with Jimmy from Pirates. It was a life changing experience.... Next morning went fishing with Francisco and caught 5 yellowtail and a yellowfin tuna - not to mention we were surrounded by approx. 50 male grey whales which put on quite a show for us. Who would have thought that all this could be in our backyard as we live in San Diego and had the weekend of a lifetime!!

Trademark & Copyright © 2023-2029 Mag Bay Outfitters 

- All Rights Reserved 

760-250-7593 Owners, Bob and Diana Hoyt

Magdalena Bay Whales

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Magdalena Bay Whales - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay

Watching the whales inside of Magdalena Bay is perhaps one of the most majestic things I have experienced in my lifetime.  It sounds odd, but unless you have done it, it is hard to understand.  Seeing whales in the ocean is one thing, but creating a personal relationship with these giant creatures inside the bay is entirely different.  Its like watching a movie vs actually doing what the movie is doing.

Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay  is Awe Inspiring.   Let us help you have the greatest experience possible.  Our whale Watching Tours run Jan-March and fill up very fast.

We take 6 people maximum to visit the whales for a full day adventure.  The adventure includes whale watching, a visit to some incredible sand dunes and then a hike to a pacific beach completely untouched.  An experience of a lifetime.

We also offer all inclusive lodge and whale watching combo packages.  Please contact us for details.  There is  nothing better than relaxing in Mag Bay for a day or two during whale watching season.  So many tourists rush in and rush out like a Disneyland tour but we highly recommend spending a little time in this quaint town of San Carlos often referred to as called Magdalena Bay.

Click Here to Visit Our Booking Page Book Now

Or Call 805.757.4999 to reserve your spot today.

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• WHAT SETS US APART
• JOIN OUR TEAM – BIOLOGIST GUIDE
• INTERNSHIP / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
• NO TO PLASTIC
• ZODIAC ADVENTURE TOUR
• CABO GROUP TOUR
• CABO PRIVATE TOUR
• 2 DAY GRAY WHALE VAN TOUR
• RESORT TRANSPORTATION
• BEST TIME TO SEE WHALES
• WHALE SIGHTINGS GUARANTEE
• CABO WHALE WATCHING REGULATIONS
• TERMS & CONDITIONS
• HUMPBACK WHALE
• BRYDE’S WHALE
• SPERM WHALE
• BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
• PANTROPICAL SPOTTED DOLPHINS
• COMMON DOLPHINS
• ORCAS – KILLER WHALES
• SPINNER DOLPHINS
• ROUGHTOOTHED DOLPHINS
• FALSE KILLER WHALES
• SHORT FINNED PILOT WHALES

Check out the video below to learn more about Gray Whales and see stunning footage of encounters in Magdalena Bay on our tours.

Each year in October the Gray Whales start their 7.000 miles long migration from their summer feeding grounds near the arctic to their winter mating and calving grounds off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. A total of 3 lagoons are used along this coast by the gray whales to give birth and nurse their young, Magdalena Bay being the most southern of the three. These Lagoons shelter mothers and babies from the rough Pacific Ocean Waters and it’s predators, and provide shallow warm waters giving their young a better chance of survival.

Over a century ago Gray whales were hunted to near extinction in these very lagoons and were known as Devil Fish as they fought viciously to protect their young when attacked. However nowadays, Gray Whales are known as the Friendly Whale as they often approach whale watching boats in these same lagoons.

During our 2-Day Van Tour guests will spend a total of 6 hours whale watching, providing them with the best chance for an up-close and personal encounter with the Gray Whales. Each tour will be led by a Marine Biologist guide, explaining in detail the biology and history of these gentle giants. The guide will also takes photos during the tour, which are provided to our guests free of charge.

Because of it’s location and ecosystem, Magdalena Bay is home to many other species, including dolphins, turtles, many sea and migratory birds. The lagoon is sheltered by the sandy barrier islands of Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita from the Pacific Ocean where coyotes can be spotted occasionally while whale watching in the bay. The mangrove swamps offer sea birds shelter and food, making it a perfect habitat for them.

If an intimate encounter with mother and baby Gray whales is on your bucket list, you will be sure to love this tour!

TOUR RESTRICTIONS

Guests with recent surgery or injury. Guests that are pregnant.   Guests with very limited mobility, guests need to be able to board the boat with minimal assistance.

A minimum of 6 guests is required to confirm this tour.

$ 595 USD Adults*

$ 575 usd kids 8-12 yrs, tour only suitable for ages 8 and older.

* Prices are based on double occupancy. For single occupancy an additional $50 USD is charged

Private tours available upon request

* A minimum of 6 paying guests is required for this tour to depart

Day 1 – The tour departs at 6am from our office in the Cabo San Lucas Marina. From there we start the 6 hour drive up north to Magdalena Bay, during which we pass through Todos Santos, La Paz and Constitucion. Around 12:00 noon we arrive in the small fishing town of Lopez Mateos, check-in to the hotel and get ready for an afternoon of whale watching. Lunch will be enjoyed in a local restaurant, options include fish tacos, quesadillas and other Mexican dishes.

After lunch your guide and captain will take you out on a private panga to find the most receptive gray whales. You will spend a total of 3 hours out on the water, looking for the friendly giants, dolphins and different sea bird species. Your guide share with you information about Magdalena Bay and it’s history related to whaling and whale watching, the marine life species that can be found here and why these lagoons are of such importance to sustain whole ecosystems.

Once returned from the tour, you will have some time to relax, freshen up and spend some free time to explore the village of Lopez Mateos before heading out for a sea food dinner with the rest of the group.

Day 2 – After a Mexican style breakfast at 7am, we will head out for our second whale watch experience. An early start to the day gives us the best opportunity to encounter mother and baby gray whale pairs without other boats around. Giving our guests a very intimate experience.

Around noon we start the drive back to Cabo San Lucas, making short stops along the way to take some photos of the beautiful Baja scenery.

We expect to return to Cabo San Lucas around 6-7 PM.

QUICK TOUR OVERVIEW

Departure at WWC office

Arrival Magdalena Bay

Lunch at local restaurant

Check-in Hotel

3 hr Whale Watching Tour

Return to Hotel

Dinner at Restaurant

Hotel Check-out

Drive back to Cabo – Lunch along the way

Arrival Marina Cabo San Lucas

Magdalena Bay is located 6 hours driving north of Cabo San Lucas. We recommend traveling light and packing only the minimum as cargo space is limited in the van. The climate in Lopez Mateos can vary quite a bit from day to day, bringing clothes to keep you comfortable in different temperatures is important. Once the sun is out and there is little to no wind it warm up fast. Being on the water gives us double exposure to the sun, therefore we strongly advice our guests to bring a hat or ball cap, a thin long sleeve shirt, sunglasses (polarized is best) and sunscreen with high SPF. Unfortunately the boats in Magdalena Bay do not offer any shade. Other days it can be more windy and chill on the water and a wind breaker and fleece or light padded jacket is the way to go.

The guide will take photos of the whales and the scenery, which are included with your tour at no extra charge. We recommend people to bring their own cameras as well to get the best chance of not missing out on those special moments. If you own a GoPro or similar camera, you’re welcome to bring it to get some amazing underwater video footage of the whales as they approach the boat. Please be advised we cannot be held responsible for any valuables you bring on the trip with you.

TOUR PREPARATION OVERVIEW

What to bring.

Light jacket and/or fleece

Sunglasses (polarized is best)

Hat or ball cap

Own camera (if you like)

A sense of adventure and a smile!

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Roundtrip transportation from Cabo Marina to Magdalena Bay

6 hrs Whale Watching (2x3hrs)

1 Night Accommodation

1x Breakfast

Non alcoholic drinks

Tour photos

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Travel Insurance

Alcoholic Drinks

Transportation to and from our office

Tips for restaurants, captains and guides

Magdalena Bay Whale Watching

Baja Gray Whale Watching

Experience one of the most incredible close-up wildlife encounters on the planet from our exclusive base camp situated on a secluded island beach at the very heart of whale activity in Magdalena Bay, one of the major calving lagoons for gray whales. See these magnificent, gentle giants at the height of their calving season from the safety of motor skiffs operated by local fishermen. These are amazing whale-watching trips and sometimes the whales exhibit "friendly" behavior, swimming very close to the boats and apparently seeking interaction with humans. Whether the whales come close, or keep their distance, we promise you a superb whale watching experience.

Magdalena Bay is one of three bays in Baja that is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean and like the other two, San Ignacio and Guerrero Negro, Magdalena Bay is a world-renowned winter nursery grounds of the California gray whale. Thousands of gray whales migrate from arctic waters to Baja every year, arriving from January through March. Dozens of these enter Magdalena Bay to bear their young and give their first couple of months of life a protected start. The mother's are not feeding during this time and experience a large weight loss as the calves nurse, drinking many gallons of milk each day. After about three months in the lagoons, the whales begin their northward migration, the longest of any marine mammal in the world. 

The gray whale lagoons in Baja enjoy strict federal protection, and one can only whale watch with a licensed tour operator. You can watch the whales and their newly born calves up close from the safety of motorized skiffs. Sometimes the whales are calmly swimming, other times they are spy-hopping and fluking, and at times we see males courting females, breaching and other fascinating behaviors. Being in proximity to these beautiful animals will captivate your attention and remind you of the incredible diversity of nature's creation.

You can observe gray whales and discover Magdalena Bay's diverse, fascinating ecosystem of windswept sand dunes, vibrant desert flora and mangrove-lined estuaries on one of our Baja whale-watching tours. Only Sea Kayak Adventures has exclusive permission to camp on an island at a spectacular location where deep waters allow the whales to swim directly in front of us. Our three-day and four-day gray whales of Magdalena Bay whale watching tours include accommodations at our safari-style base camp situated on a secluded beach at the center of whale activity very close to the mouth, or passageway that connects the bay with the open Pacific Ocean.

Each day motorized skiffs take you out to the deeper waters of the bay, where "friendly whales" may swim up to the skiffs for a closer look and often invite us to interact with them. Other days the whales may stay farther from the boats and we watch their swimming and other behaviors from a distance. Often we also offer the option of spending an hour or so in the mangroves next to the bay for birdwatching where you may identify many species of migratory shorebirds. Shore time is also an important part of our whale camp experience.  We offer a guide-led walk across the dunes to learn about the island's ecology and the various animals and plants that make this place their home. There's time for beach-combing, watching whales in the open Pacific, and simply enjoying our waterfront camp.

The camp provides all the gear and amenities you need for a comfortable wilderness experience. Your guides will give entertaining, informative presentations on whale natural history. There's also an extensive library with books on whales. 

*Note: First and last days for any Baja tour are arrival and departure days. You might consider arriving a day or two early to enjoy one of our skiff/snorkel tours in the Sea of Cortez or a visit to the mission town of San Javier.

Images & Videos

Arrive in Loreto

Upon arrival at the Loreto Airport take a quick cab ride to your hotel.  After checking in (Not included in the tour cost) you are on your own to explore Loreto, take a walk down the malecon, or relax by the hotel pool before your evening orientation meeting.  At the orientation meeting you will meet your guides who will give you details about the plan for the next morning and answer any questions you may have.

Please see our   Baja Travel Guide  for full details on travel to and from Baja.

ACCOMMODATION : Not included

Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay

After a good hearty  breakfast be ready to depart 7:30am sharp for van transportation two hours to the Pacific coast, to Puerto Lopez Mateos on Magdalena Bay. Your first whale watching session will start immediately upon arrival. You might even see whales right from the dock! At the end of the two-hour session, the boat driver will ferry you across the bay to our exclusive base camp on a sand-dune barrier island. You’ll have a chance to unload your gear and settle into your pre-assembled tent before a hearty lunch. This afternoon, your guides will lead a hike across the dunes to the Pacific Ocean. You can meander back to camp along the beach in the sunset, just in time for happy hour and a dinner under the stars.

ACCOMMODATION : Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Tea and coffee greet you with the morning sun, and you’re welcome to stroll along the beach  and watch the whales wake up while your guides prepare a hot breakfast.  Your day is filled with whale watching, hiking along the sand dunes and beachcombing the Pacific beaches. In the morning and afternoon we will take a motorized skiff into the bay for two hours of close encounters with gray whales (included in price), leaving the afternoon free for swimming, dune walking, whale watching from shore and exploring.  We can also lead skiff birding tours into the mangrove areas, or part whale watching, part birding sessions.  Learn more about the common birds of Magdalena Ba y! Our bilingual naturalist guides include marine biology graduate students from the University of La Paz. Be sure to board the skiff as soon as it arrives, as the clock starts ticking on the strictly 2 hour whale-watching session.

ACCOMMODATION : Magdalena Bay Whale Watching

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to Loreto (3-day trip) or Another Day at Whale Camp (4-day trip)

Guests on a 3-day trip will enjoy one final whale-watching session after breakfast in the morning before you are returned to Puerto Lopez Mateos by panga.  On arrival we transfer to a restauarant operated by the local fishing cooperative.  After we enjoy a hot seafood lunch we then return to Loreto, usually arriving between 3-4 pm. Check into your hotel for a shower or take a stroll along the malecon before a farewell dinner (no-host) with your group where you can reminisce about nature's wonders.

Guests on a 4-day trip will enjoy a morning whale-watching session, perhaps with 3-day trip people, or in a separate panga, depending on trip numbers.  Lunch is again at camp.  After lunch we go out for another whale watching adventure.  Then we return to camp to enjoy a rest, a walk, or simply to watch the bay where we often see dolphins swimming by camp, as well as whales in bit further away from shore.  Appetizers are served, and with luck we watch a gorgeous sunset.  Dinner and a relaxed evening round out a perfect day.

ACCOMMODATION : On 3-day trip, not included.  On 4-day trip, another night at whale camp.

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch.  Also dinner for those on a 4-day trip.

Depature Day

This morning finalize your packing, relish a final breakfast at whale camp surrounded by the fresh sea air, and then board a panga for one final whale-watching session.  We spend two hours whale watching as we travel south back to the town of Lopez Mateos.  On arrival we go to lunch at a restaurant run by the local fishing cooperative.  Then we drive back to Loreto to arrive sometime between 3 and 4pm.  Check into your hotel, take a shower and perhaps a walk to explore Loreto.  We then meet for a farewell dinner (no-host) with your group where you can reminisce about nature's wonders.

ACCOMMODATION : Not Included

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Featured Accommodation

Camping in Magdalena Bay

Dates & rates, supplementary information, departure details.

Please note: We require a minimum of four guests to confirm trip departures. Please call the office if you have questions reguarding this. 

3 - Day Magdalena Bay Tour (Loreto departure) 

• 4 - 6 Guests $1470 per adult, $1390 per youth
• 7 - 18 Guests $1290 per adult, $1210 per youth

 Single Supplement -  $120 per person per night

4 Day Magdalena Bay Whale Camp Departures (Loreto) :

• 4 - 6 Guests $1760 per adult, $1630 per youth
• 7 - 18 Guests $1590 per adult, $1490 per youth

Single Supplement :  Solo travelers can have their own tent at whale camp, for an additional cost.  However, we are unable to guarantee individual tents at whale camp due to limited tent capacity.  If you are asked to share a tent at our whale camp, rest assured that tents are very spacious, full-height canvas wall tents, with two cots and plenty of room to stand and maneuver around your tent-mate without difficulty.

If you're looking for the ultimate Baja experience, add one of our many Day Trip Extensions to the beginning or end of your Whale Camp tour! 

Tour Includes:

• Full services of our Adventure Consultants
• Professional naturalist and bi-lingual guides
• All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary
• All transportation while on tour
• All camping equipment
• Whale watching sessions by Panga
• All National Parks & Biosphere Reserve access fees required by itinerary

Tour Does Not Include:

• Transportation to and from the airport
• Hotel before and after activities
• Items of a personal nature

All prices in US Dollars.

Each whale-watching session is two hours in length.  We cannot guarantee the presence of whales, nor mother whales with calves, during our trips.  We have set the dates for our whale watching season to conform to the date range that the whales are usually in Magdalena Bay.  However, we cannot control their movements, or when they might arrive at the bay, or leave to swim north towards the end of the season.  We have chosen conservative dates to improve the odds of seeing whales.  Tides are also a factor as during low tide, any whales that leave the bay cannot enter again until the tides are higher.  We end our season at Magdalena Bay around the third week of March and move trips either north to San Ignacio Bay or sometimes south to Puerto Chale.

We do our best to adhere to the itineraries and trip descriptions listed on our website. However, we reserve the right to change the itinerary should we feel we can improve your whale-watching experience or for any other reason.  Also, tour itineraries or subcontractors (such as taxi, cruise boats or hotels) may change slightly due to reasons beyond our control including, but not limited to, Acts of God, wind, waves, inclement weather or other factors. We always welcome you to call us to clarify any concerns or questions you may have.  We provide all our guests with a pre-trip email with the most current details within a month of your tour.  It is your responsibility to read all communications that we send you.   We will always do our best to provide you with the best possible tour and to fully meet your expectations to the best of our ability.

Life-changing experience

The four-day gray whale camping trip with Rafa was particularly well organized. We so valued Rafa's commitment to responsibly enjoying all the gray whales that we saw that day. Rafa’s enthusiasm for seeing these magnificent creatures was almost as fun as seeing the animals themselves! His late afternoon lectures on whale conservation and the history of whaling were particularly interesting. Being so close to gray whales was a life-changing experience that all of us will remember forever. We cannot recommend this tour and these two guides highly enough.

Core Memories Made

I had the honor of taking this trip with my mom and it was simply incredible. Our guides, Diego and Rafa, were knowledgeable and dedicated to ensuring we would experience what we came for. They even relocated our group at a moment's notice to Puerto Chale where there would be more whales to guarantee satisfaction...and that choice did not disappoint! We saw an abundance of whales each time we went out! Diego and Rafa were incredibly kind, fun, patient, and have I mentioned knowledgeable? They responded with elaborate detail to every question about any topic. They taught us, of course, about whales, but also local birds, the landscape, the bodies of water, the towns we passed by and stopped in, the country and state, the foliage, the wildlife....they knew it ALL! We would do it all again in a heartbeat!

Beyond expectation!

This trip was amazing and exceeded our expectations. The four guides were fantastic (Amaranta, Lorena, Naythan and Rudolfo). They were entusiastic and fun, knowledgeable and hard-working. Their respect for the land/environment/people was evident throughout the trip. The food was incredible. It was a real adventure and truly memorable. We highly recommend this kayaking and whale watching package.

Add your review

Faq & more, how do i get to loreto, do you provide transportation to and from the airport.

Airport transfers are not included in your tour package price.

Are your tour prices in USD?

Yes, all of our tour pricing is in US Dollars.

What’s included in this whale watching package? What’s not included?

Packages Include: All camping equipment, all meals and beverages once the tour begins, all National Parks & Biosphere Reserve access fees required by itinerary, bi-lingual certified guides and the full service of our Adventure Consultants. Dates provided reflect your arrival date; all packages include a arrival and departure day.

Packages do not Include: Airfare, Hotel accommodations before and after the tour, transportation to and from airport, gratuities, and items of a personal nature.

What’s the difference between San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay?

Visit this page for a better understanding of which whale watching tour is best for you: San Ignacio Lagoon vs Magdalena Bay .

When is the best time to see whales?

We design our wilderness adventures to provide you with the best whale encounters imaginable. Magdalena Bay is a whale-watchers' paradise and we GUARANTEE gray whale sightings on this tour! The whales migrate down from their Alaskan home waters to calve in Magdalena Bay  from January through mid-March, so this is the only window to see them in Baja.

How long are the whale watching sessions?

You will spend two-hour sessions on the water in motorized skiffs (called pangas) whale watching. Be ready to go immediately when the boat arrives to maximize your time out whale watching, as the 2-hour session starts promptly.

How many people are in a panga during the whale watching session?

All whale watching excursions are in open fiberglass 22-foot motorized boats called “pangas” that hold a maximum of six passengers each, plus a guide and driver. Each panga is equipped with life jackets, radio, first aid kit, and piloted by an experienced, government-licensed Mexican “pangero” who will allow us safe and proximate viewing of the California Gray Whale.

Can I kayak with grey whales?

No kayaks or private boats are allowed in the nursery lagoons of Baja’s Pacific Coast including San Ignacio. Only licensed Mexican whale watching boats are allowed in the lagoons when the whales are present.

Are there any physical requirements?

It is important to understand that this is a camping trip and we want to be sure that you are prepared, both mentally and physically, for the challenges it will present, and have clear expectations about the trip. During the day, we'll spend two hour sessions on the water in motorized skiffs (called pangas) whale watching. While whale watching from a boat is not strenuous and the water is usually calm, the bay can be choppy when it is windy, so if you are susceptible to seasickness, bring medicine or whatever you need. The hiking could best be described as leisurely. We do require that anyone over 70 or with any health or weight concerns consult us before signing up to make sure you are up to fully participating.

What is whale camp like? Are there toilets and showers at camp?

A roomy full-height wall tent with two cots, night stand, rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet, small pillow, and comfortable self-inflating pad are provided for your convenience at camp. There is also a washroom tent with a portable toilet. We recommend packing biodegradable shower wipes to freshen up with as there is no fresh water at whale camp.

What common space is available?

We have a spacious 30’ wide dome tent that serves as an evening gathering space if it’s too cool or rainy outside (rare) or just a place to get out of the sun during the day.  There are also miles of beach and sand dunes to explore!

How big are the tents at whale camp?

Our tents are 8’ x 12’ and about 7’ tall.  They are made of canvas and have a nice big window on one side.  They are equipped with cots, comfortable sleeping pads, sleeping bags and pillows.

What gear do I need?

Sea Kayak Adventures will provide you with a detailed packing list prior to your trip. We provide all of the necessary camping, paddling and snorkeling equipment, which you will need to fully enjoy your adventure. If you have any questions, or need help deciding what to bring, you can call or e-mail one of our friendly Adventure Consultants at any time for some extra advice!

Who will my guides be?

We know your Guide will make the biggest difference on your trip! Which is why we pride ourselves on employing only the best local guides for all of the incredible locations that we visit. Part of this is to support our eco-tourism efforts, but we also believe that there is no better way to experience a new destination than through they eyes of a local! We find talented and skilled local guides, train and certify them, and provide a positive and consistent source of income to them and their families. Most of our guides are with us for the long-term, despite the seasonal nature of the industry.

What kind of food will I eat? Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Our renowned wilderness meals are prepared daily by our guides using local, fresh, healthy ingredients. In Baja you can expect an authentic dining experience, with savory dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole. We even serve delicious desserts like brownies and pineapple upside-down cake! Each morning, we serve up freshly brewed coffee or tea. Throughout the day we provide an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and other snacks. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d’oeuvres each evening for happy hour.

We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which we operate. If you have a very strict diet, we recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.

How many guests per tour?

To keep our group size small and our impact minimal, we typically limit our tours to 14 people or less. Our standard minimum to confirm a departure is 4 guests for our Magdalena Bay whale watching tour.

Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?

Solo travelers will typically have their own tent at whale camp, at no additional cost.  However, we are unable to guarantee individual tents at whale camp due to limited tent capacity.  If you are asked to share a tent at our whale camp, rest assured that tents are very spacious, full-height canvas wall tents, with two cots and plenty of room to stand and maneuver around your tent-mate without difficulty.

What’s the weather like in Baja?

Please check out this great website Weather Underground for temperature averages in Baja.

Where can I store my luggage while I’m on your tour?

You can leave your luggage at your hotel while you are on tour. We recommend getting a luggage lock if you are leaving any electronics in the bags. We’ve never had any issues with guests leaving their bags at the hotel but it’s always better to be safe just in case. Be sure to confirm at check in.

What are your Terms and Conditions?

Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.

Do I Get to Touch the Whales and What is a "Friendly" Whale?

Some of the gray whales in Baja exhibit what is known as "friendly" behavior.  While they have the entire sea as their home, some whales choose to come very close to our boats to interact.  When this happens, there are times when it is appropriate to touch the whales.  In fact, if we don't interact they will sometimes swim away in search of another boat of humans to play with.  We can't know the emotion that the whales are experiencing, but clearly they have a choice to approach the boats or not.  Equally fascinating is the fact that often these friendly whales bring their babies up close as well, sometimes even pushing the calf closer to the whale-watching skiffs.  On some tours the whales choose not to get close to us and it's important to remember that these are whale watching trips, not whale touching trips.

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Grey Whales in Magdalena Bay Mexico (2024 Guide)

This post will share everything you need to know about grey whale watching in Magdalena Bay Mexico. Find out how you can have an up-close encounter with Baja’s friendly whales.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links, that may earn me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. For full information, please see our disclaimer here . While all efforts have been taken to ensure the information included in this post is correct and current, travel information such as opening hours, business operations and prices change frequently. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers.

Table of Contents

Grey whale watching in Magdalena Bay Mexico

There is a magical place on the west coast of Baja California Sur in Mexico, where humans and whales meet in one of the most unique wildlife encounters on earth.

This place is Magdalena Bay.

Each winter, grey whales migrate south to mate and give birth in the warm, shallow waters of the bay. But something else happens here, that draws animal lovers from all over the world.

The grey whales of Magdalena Bay are like no other, and these curious, friendly creatures love to get up close to humans. Allowing us to touch, scratch, and even kiss them and their newborns in the bay.

This experience was one of the main things that drew us to Baja Sur in the first place.

I adore whales and had never seen or heard of any opportunity to interact with them in this way. To touch, and even kiss, a wild whale ethically was mind-blowing to me, and I knew that it was an experience we had to have.

In this post, I’m going to share a complete guide to grey whale watching in Magdalena Bay Mexico, covering everything you need to know to plan your own experience in this special place.

Grab a copy of my Baja California Sur Travel Guide!

After falling absolutely in love with Baja, I decided to put together a Baja California Sur Travel Guide Ebook to help anyone planning a trip to Baja California Sur.

This ebook is designed to be a go-to quick reference guide for the best places to visit around the state, allowing you to be confident you’re hitting all the highlights without needing to do hours of research.

This 125-page ebook covers 13 top destinations across the state, with recommendations for where to eat, stay and play, as well as regional information about climate, transport, and tour recommendations.

It’s filled with all our best tips and advice, and beautiful photos to excite and inspire you ahead of your trip to this incredible part of Mexico!

There is also the option to add a customised Google Map that has over 200 locations pinned by category, allowing you to easily visualise our recommendations across the state.

Find out more about the guide here .

About grey whales

Grey whales (or ballenas grises in Spanish) are a species of baleen whale.

Baleen whales don’t have teeth, but rather a ‘baleen’ which is a bristly plate, made of keratin like our hair and nails. The baleen is a filter system that allows the whales to intake large amounts of water, trap their food and then expel the water. Grey whales are bottom feeders and they eat small shrimp-like crustaceans.

Grey whales can grow anywhere from 12 – 15 metres (40 – 50 feet), and can weigh up to 40,000 kgs (90,000 lbs). On average, grey whales live for around 55 – 70 years.

There are two distinct populations of grey whales, the Eastern North Pacific and the Western North Pacific. The eastern population is a larger, more stable population and is the group that migrates to Mexico annually.

Grey whales are migratory animals, and every year they complete the longest recorded migration of any mammal.

The eastern population travels south for over 16,000 km (10,000 miles) from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to the protected waters of the lagoons on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur in Mexico to give birth, mate and raise their calves.

The warm, shallow waters of the lagoons are free from predators such as orcas and sharks, providing safety for new calves. Although it seems hard to believe they would need protection, being born at an average size of 4 metres (15 feet) and weighing around 900 kgs (1,900 lbs).

Friendly whales?

Grey whales inhabit multiple destinations in the Pacific Ocean. From their summer feeding grounds around Russia and Alaska to the west coast of Canada and the United States on their southern migration route.

But in no other place do the whales exhibit the same friendly behaviour they do in the lagoons of Baja.

For reasons unknown, a portion of the grey whale population that visits Baja seeks out interactions with humans.

Known for their curious and playful nature, the whales approach the boats and hang around for hours on end. Scratching along the pangas, spy hopping their heads out of the water for a look at the humans on board, and spouting and splashing.

New mums are even known to push their calves towards the boat, to introduce them to humans and teach them how to interact.

In any wildlife-watching experience, touching the animals is usually a no-go. But in the case of the grey whales, if they approach your boat and you don’t give them a good scratch, or even a kiss, they appear disappointed and disinterested, and will move on to another boat that will!

Scientists can’t really confirm why the whales exhibit these behaviours in Baja. It’s thought the behaviour is generational, passed from one mother to the next. The calves that are born in the bay, and nudged towards the boats, will do the same for their newborns and continue the cycle.

Local fishermen think that because the whales are born in Baja, they are Mexicans and they’re just happy to be on home soil!

History of grey whales

It is remarkable that grey whales so willingly interact with humans considering the troubled relationship between the two species in the past.

Grey whales were hunted to near extinction in the 1800s, with the lagoons in Baja being specifically targeted by European and American whalers.

The grey whale was once known as the ‘devil fish’, for its fierce reaction to the harpoons. The whales used their tails to destroy the boats and left many men injured.

The International Whaling Commission did not start protecting whales until 1946, and there were only 5,000 grey whales left in the Eastern North Pacific.

Despite becoming a protected species, their reputation as the ‘devil fish’ lived on in the lagoons of Baja.

Local fishermen were fearful of the whales and would try to dissuade them from approaching their boats by banging large wooden planks in the water. They were scared the whales would attack and destroy their boats.

However, in the 1970s, the relationship shifted.

The first documented friendly encounter between a grey whale and a human was with a local fisherman in the San Ignacio Lagoon. Don Pachico was trying to get away from a grey whale, who was persistently chasing his boat. No matter which way he turned, the whale was there.

The whale gently rubbed against the side of the panga, and raised its head out of the water right next to Pachico. He apprehensively reached out to pat the whale, and it nudged even closer, looking for more contact.

From this day on, the whales of Baja have maintained close and friendly contact with humans. Their days as the ‘devil fish’ are over, and a healthy and peaceful relationship has flourished between humans and whales.

The dramatic shift in the relationship between these two species is remarkable, and despite the unspeakable actions of our ancestors, these special animals now choose to interact with us.

Where to see grey whales in Baja

While this post will focus primarily on grey whale watching in Magdalena Bay, there are actually three lagoons that the grey whales visit in Baja:

• Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, also known as Scammon’s Lagoon)
• Laguna San Ignacio (San Ignacio Lagoon)
• Bahia Magdalena (Magdalena Bay)

Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio are both located in the northern part of the state.

Ojo de Liebre is close to the large town of Guerrero Negro, whilst the San Ignacio lagoon is more isolated, near the small town of the same name.

They are both part of the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaino (El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve), a UNESCO World Heritage protected terrestrial and marine reserve.

Magdalena Bay is located much further south than the other two lagoons. This makes it easily accessible from the state’s capital, La Paz and the popular tourist destination, Loreto. It’s even possible to visit from Cabo on an overnight trip.

There is a perception that San Ignacio is the ‘best’ lagoon for grey whale watching in Mexico. But there isn’t really any evidence to support that the whales there are friendlier.

Although it is confirmed that the whales arrive earlier and leave later in the northern lagoons, being closer to their summer home in the Arctic.

Unless you’re driving the entire Baja Peninsula from the US border, Magdalena Bay is the most accessible lagoon.

We personally visited Magdalena Bay and felt that we got the magical Baja grey whale experience, and didn’t miss out on anything by not going to San Ignacio.

About Magdalena Bay

The southernmost of the three grey whale lagoons, Magdalena Bay is a 50 km (31 mi) bay, sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by two sandy barrier islands, Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita.

The protected waters and mangrove ecosystem are a haven for a variety of marine life, offering a calm and sheltered refuge from the ocean, rich with nutrients and food sources.

Magdalena Bay is located in the central-southern area of the state of Baja California Sur.

Driving distances from other destinations:

• 🚗 Loreto to Magdalena Bay: 2.5 hours
• 🚗 La Paz to Magdalena Bay: 3.5 hours
• 🚗 Cabo to Magdalena Bay : 5.5 hours

There are a handful of port towns along the bay, providing a jump-off point for boats:

• Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos: this is the most northern port town in the bay, and is one of the busiest. A number of tour operators use this town as the departure point for their whale watching tours.
• Puerto San Carlos: this port town is in the central area of the bay, and is the departure point for the popular tour operator, Magdalena Bay Whales. This is where we departed from.
• Puerto Chale: the southernmost port town, generally much quieter than the other two ports, but some tour operators do use this port as their departure point.

Which port town you end up in will depend on which tour operator you choose.

If you’re taking a day or overnight trip from somewhere like Loreto, La Paz or Cabo, the port town will be arranged for you, and it’s not really important which one you’re departing from.

But if you’re transporting yourself to the bay for a multi-day experience, you’ll need to understand where your chosen tour operator is based.

How to get to Magdalena Bay

You can get to Magdalena Bay several ways:

• 🚐 As part of your whale watching tour : if you book a tour departing from a neighbouring town (most commonly Loreto, La Paz or Cabo), transport will be included. If you’re coordinating a tour with a local operator in Magdalena Bay (like Magdalena Bay Whales) you can choose to add on transport if you need it.
• 🚗 By rental car : if you’re driving yourself around Baja, it’s a relatively easy drive from neighbouring destinations. However it is quite a long distance from anywhere, so we would suggest allowing for a couple of nights in the area, rather than trying to cram in a very long day trip.
• 🚌 By bus : it is possible to get to Mag Bay via the Aguila bus that runs around the peninsula. You’ll need to work out which port town you want to head for (usually Lopez Mateo or San Carlos), as this will dictate where you get off the bus. Each of these towns has a ‘twin’ city along the main highway. For Lopez Mateo, take the bus to Ciudad Insurgentes. For San Carlos, disembark at Ciudad Constitucion. It’s around an hour from either city to its respective port town. There should be local colectivos or taxis around, or you can coordinate transport with your whale watching company.

When can you see whales in Magdalena Bay?

The whales migrate south from the Arctic for the winter, and they usually arrive in Magdalena Bay in late December or early January. Pregnant females, and females looking to mate at the first to arrive, with males following a bit later.

February is considered the best month to visit, with the highest number of whales present, and also when the babies are usually born.

We visited in late January and into the first day of February. We saw plenty of whales, but there were no babies just yet.

The whales generally hang around until March, or sometimes April.

It’s important to remember that these are wild animals, and they don’t necessarily run on the same schedule each year!

Grey whales are reliable in their migration, but it’s always best to keep an open line of communication with the operators on the ground. They are closely awaiting the arrival of the whales, and keeping an eye on how many are around the bay.

For the best chance of seeing whales (and babies!), plan your visit for February .

This also coincides with blue whale season in nearby Loreto , and humpback whale season in Cabo , so you can easily combine all these whales!

Tour operators in Magdalena Bay

As I mentioned above, the tour operator you choose will depend on the type of experience you’re looking for.

👉🏼 A PRE-ORGANISED DAY OR OVERNIGHT TRIP FROM ANOTHER DESTINATION (LORETO, LA PAZ, CABO)

💡 FOR YOU IF:

• You’re short on time and only have a day or overnight to spare on seeing the grey whales
• You don’t have a rental vehicle
• You’re based in one destination and aren’t really moving around the state

💰 Single day tours from Loreto or La Paz starting from $180 USD, overnight tours from Cabo starting from $600 USD

In this case, the operator provides the convenience of transporting you to and from the bay.

Generally, these operators are based in other cities and will contract local boatmen in Magdalena Bay to facilitate the tours. 

Being based elsewhere, it’s important you select an operator that advertises the use of local captains for the tour, so you get the benefit of local expertise from someone who is in the bay, day in and day out.

🐋 TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS

• From Loreto: Magdalena Bay Day Tour from Loreto with Loreto Sea and Land Tours
• From La Paz: Grey Whales Day Tour from La Paz with Choya Tours
• From Cabo: Gray Whale Watching 2-Day Experience in Magdalena Bay with Cabo Trek

👉🏼 A SINGLE OR MULTI-DAY TOUR WITH AN OPERATOR IN MAGDALENA BAY

• You have a few days to dedicate to whale watching in Magdalena Bay
• You want an extended, deep and meaningful experience with a local company
• You have your own transport or are using the Aguila bus to travel the peninsula
• You’re already travelling around the state on a road trip or multi-city itinerary

💰 Single day tours departing Mag Bay starting from $100 USD, multi-day inclusive packages starting from $650 USD

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, it’s best to book directly with a local operator in Magdalena Bay.

In most (not all) cases, the tours run by operators in town are much more customisable, and in many cases private.

Most companies in town will offer inclusive experiences, with whale watching, accommodations and meals.

This option works best for people travelling around the state with their own rental car, or via bus on a multi-city itinerary. If you’re moving around already, you may as well make Magdalena Bay a stop for a few days!

This is the option we went with. We had a rental car and were travelling around Baja Sur on an extended road trip. It worked for us to stop in Magdalena Bay between La Paz and Loreto .

We really wanted an extended, multi-day experience with the whales, that felt more than just a side trip from another destination. This was such a highlight for us, that we felt it deserved a dedicated stop on our itinerary.

• Magdalena Bay Whales

We can personally vouch for Magdalena Bay Whales . We had an incredible experience with them, and think they are the best option for grey whale watching tours.

They’re a local, family-owned business that has been offering whale watching tours in Magdalena Bay for 45 years, so you know you’re getting unparalleled expertise and experience.

They’re more than just whale watching boats, and have a dedicated and talented staff, offering a comprehensive tour experience with transport, accommodation and meals included.

Their tours are completely customisable, and most of the time, completely private. You choose if you need transport, how many days of whale watching you’d like to do, and if you need accommodation at their hotel in San Carlos or at their whale camp on Isla Magdalena in the bay. Multi-day packages usually include all meals too.

We did a three day / three night customised tour with Magdalena Bay Whales, staying at their island whale camp in the bay. The entire experience was incredible, and we wrote a detailed post about it

Day trip or stay?

I’ve already touched on this a little, but there are two options when it comes to a grey whale watching tour in Magdalena Bay Mexico:

• A single-day tour
• A multi-day tour

🗓️ SINGLE DAY TOUR

You’ll get one boat tour out on the bay looking for whales. Generally, these run for 2 – 6 hours.

🗓️ MULTI-DAY TOURS

You will spend one or more nights in Magdalena Bay and have multiple opportunities to go whale watching in the bay.

These tours are generally packaged up by local tour operators and include your accommodation and meals.

If you’ve got the time, we 100% recommend a multi-day tour. For so many reasons I’ve already mentioned, but also because the whale’s behaviour is so unpredictable.

On our first day out in the bay, we saw tons of whales, but none of them were really interested in interacting with us. But on our second day, it was a completely different story and we spent hours patting, kissing and playing with whales.

By doing a multi-day tour, you’re giving yourself more opportunities to have those close encounters most of us are seeking!

HOTEL 🏩 OR CAMP ⛺️ ACCOMMODATION?

In the case of Magdalena Bay Whales, you have the choice to stay at their hotel in San Carlos, Hotel Isabela , or their whale camp on Isla Magdalena in the bay.

We spent two nights at the island whale camp, and one night at Hotel Isabela.

The camp is AMAZING! As if the whales weren’t special enough, staying in a glamping tent on a virtually uninhabited island in the bay was the cherry on top. We saw fiery sunrises, dolphins jumping in front of camp, blankets of stars at night, and even the sound of the whales blowing while we slept.

👉🏼 Read all about our experience staying at the Magdalena Bay Whales camp here

The whale watching experience in Magdalena Bay

The exact experience you have will depend on your tour operator, the style of tour you’re taking, whether it is shared or private, the departure point and of course the whales on the day.

You can expect to board a panga which is the local term for a small, skiff-style boat with an outboard motor. Most comfortably seat 6 – 8 passengers. Some have shade covers, others are exposed.

Once on board, your captain will take you to the area of the bay the whales have recently been sighted in. This could take 30 + minutes.

On the way, you’ll most likely stop at Isla de Patos (Duck Island), an island in the bay home to an astounding number of sea birds. We also stopped by a colony of sea lions lazing on a floating buoy. It’s not common to see large pods of dolphins around the bay too.

Once you arrive in the whale watching area, you might see whales instantly, or you might be waiting a while. They are wild animals, operating on their own schedule.

Given their reliable migration and concentration in a relatively small space, it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait too long. But keep your expectations managed!

Your first sighting of a whale will most likely be a tall plume of mist and water spouting from its two blowholes. Grey whales can spout over 3 metres (12 feet), and it is easy to spot in the calm waters of the bay.

The captains will slowly and safely approach the whale, stopping with plenty of distance to respect the whale and its space. Now, it’s up to the whale!

Pretty soon you will determine if the whale is curious and interested to interact with you. Not all the whales are ‘friendly’ or interested in that moment. Some will continue on their way, fluking their tail indicating a deep dive down.

No one can force an interaction with the whales. They are completely free to move along as they please, and the tightly regulated program prohibits captains from chasing the whales.

If you’re lucky enough to encounter a whale that shows interest in the boat, you need to get their attention! The grey whales respond to splashing on the surface, singing, whistling and waving. Your captain will guide you on how to interact.

The friendly whales approach the pangas, scratch alongside them, and give you a gentle nudge. They ‘spy hop’ sticking their head vertically out of the water to get a good look at you! If one comes right up to the boat, you should lean over to give it a pat or plant a kiss on its head.

If you don’t give the affection and attention they’re looking for, they will appear disappointed, swim away and find another boat that will give them the human love they are seeking!

You might have one whale hang around your boat for hours, or you might continually move around the bay watching and interacting with different whales.

🐋 Read all about our whale watching experience here

Once your time is up, your captain will head back to port. Usually, you will make a stop at the sand dunes on Isla Magdalena, before having lunch either on the island or back on the mainland.

If you’ve got a multi-day tour lined up, you get to do the same thing all over again the next day!

Is touching a grey whale ethical?

Usually touching an animal on a wildlife-watching experience is off-limits. It can stress, frighten or even cause serious harm and disease to animals if they physically interact with humans.

I was hesitant myself when I first heard about the chance to touch and kiss wild whales, and ethical alarm bells went off in my head.

However, the grey whales of Baja are different.

Once you have experienced a whale willingly approaching your boat, sticking its ginormous head out of the water mere centimetres from you, and gazing directly at you, you know it’s by choice.

So long as your captain adheres to the strict regulations set out by the government, does not chase the whales, and the contact is initiated by the whales, touching them is completely ethical.

It’s important to remember that not all the whales, all the time, are seeking physical interaction from humans. You shouldn’t go with the primary motivation of touching or kissing a whale, because it may not happen. They are wild animals, they don’t exist solely for our entertainment, and some days they don’t feel like interacting.

Avoid wearing any sunscreen or other creams or lotions that could transfer from your skin to the whales. Although the risk is low, it’s better to avoid any contamination of the whales or the water.

Another thing to note is that whilst touching the whales is fine, picking barnacles off their skin is not. This can hurt the whales and is not necessary for them. Whales have been living just fine with barnacles and other parasites on their bodies without humans helping to remove them. Please don’t do this.

Final thoughts on grey whale watching in Magdalena Bay Mexico

Having the opportunity to get up close to these incredible creatures is an unforgettable experience and something that I simply can’t put into words!

Interacting with a wild animal, that  chooses  to approach and connect with you is pure magic, and something everyone should experience once in their lives.

Magdalena Bay Mexico is a special place, and I hope this guide has helped you plan your own grey whale watching adventure.

If you have any questions or I’ve missed anything please drop me a comment below and I will do my best to answer it.

And don’t forget to read our other post, recounting our three-day experience with Magdalena Bay Whales for a more personal insight into what you can expect grey whale watching.

🐋  Looking for more whale encounters? Baja is blessed with rich seas full of whales and other marine life. We have a dedicated guide to  whale watching in Baja California Sur , and you can also read more about  seeing blue whales in Loreto ,  humpback whale watching in Cabo  and  swimming with whale sharks in La Paz.

OUR BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR TRAVEL GUIDES

Sally Rodrick

Sally Rodrick is the voice behind Sally Sees. She has spent 12 months travelling in Mexico and Central America, and has her sights firmly set on South America. Sally helps thousands of readers discover the magic of Latin America. Sharing detailed guides to inspire and equip them with the knowledge they need to plan their own epic adventures in this incredible part of the world.

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EXPEDITIONS & PRIVATE GROUPS AT MAGALENA BAY

Unique, eco, & family-friendly baja california sur tours, choose the private tour that interests you.

Choose between our 4 private tours and get ready to have the adventure of your life in Magdalena Island. We have a 3-day or 4-day package so you can decide which one fits better to your times and needs. You just need to choose your tour and we will take care of everything, ensuring you a trip of a lifetime.

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We want you to experience all that Mag Bay has to offer so we provide a wide range of activities.

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We are locals and we work with local fishermen and invest back into the community.

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We welcome all ages and abilities and have family-friendly activities.

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Marlins, sharks, whales, ocean encounters and more.

Every year we have our seasonal special expeditions. Water fanatics can experience unique activities such as swimming with marlins, dolphins, mobulas, sharks and more! Enjoy the friendly grey whales in their protected sanctuary or the amazing humpback whales out in the Pacific. Be prepared to not want to leave Magdalena Bay by the end of the trip.

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During our last expedition, we had the luck of encountering these couple of coyotes. With our drone sent from the boat we were able to capture this crazy video. After some chasing between them, both went back to the mangroves, leaving us with an unforgettable moment in our memories and a couple of great videos from Magdalena Island 📹🦊🦊 ...

Sometimes, you are the 🎯 of two playful grey whales 🐋 🐋 that just wanna play with you and your boat 🛥️ We had an amazing time during our private grey whale expedition in Magdalena Bay. After 30 min playing with the boat, the whales decided to come and take a closer look to the people on board of our boat. Minutes that will last forever in our memories. ...

Stay to the end and watch what the Gray whale did 😅🐋 💦 Every year, grey whales come to Magdalena Bay and other areas of Baja California Sur, place where they give birth or mate before migrating back to the north. ...

The “Sardine Run” is real. When you get a POV of the haunting and chasing of the sardines. Hundreds of Mahi mahis behind the sardines, looking for a bite. 📸: @carlosmaf_ during our Magbay Extreme Expedition 2023 ...

The striped marlin haunt is always fascinating to watch. This one cut the sardine in half and then came back to finish the job. @claudiabahamon watching the action really closely 🌊👀 📸: @marcosalasl during our last expedition of 2023! #Mexico #BajaSur #Marlin #Striped #Underwater #Ocean #Nature #Action #Expedition #Travel #Haunt #Animals ...

El mar nos sorprende siempre. Durante uno de nuestros saltos al mar en la Magbay Extreme Expedition, un visitante se unió a la acción. De un tonelaje mucho más extenso que el de todos los demás, la Ballena Bryde surca entre todos en busca de sardinas, dejando perplejos a todos los presentes. Pocas veces puede uno observar tanta vida y acción en un instante, pero afortunadamente, esta vez nos tocó a nosotros 🐋😍 @visitaloscabos_mx #LosCabos #Magbay #Bryde #Whale #GoPro #Sardine #SeaLion #Mahimahi #Nature #Travel #Trip #BajaSur #Ocean #Underwater ...

Look closely at the Mahi-Mahi’s mouth 👀 A feeding moment during the Mexican Sardine Run in the Pacific Ocean! 📸: @photographer.saa during the Baja Extreme Expedition 2023! #Mahimahi #Sardine #Mexico #BajaSur #Ocean #Underwater #Nature #Baitball #Sea #Travel #Expedition #Experience ...

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DAY AT THE WHALE SANCTUARY

Magdalena bay tour.

THIS TOUR IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE SEE OUR WHALE WATCHING TOURS

• Hotel Pickup and Dropoff
• Round-trip Air-Conditioned Transportation
• English-Speaking Tour Guide
• Water and Soft Drinks in the Van
• Light Snack in the Morning
• 2 hours on a small boat with Gray Whales
• Lunch at a local restaurant in mid-afternoon
• 1 Beer or Soft Drink with Lunch

Don't Forget:

• Biodegradable Eco-Friendly Sunblock (SPF 30+)
• Camera or Video Camera
• Windbreaker or Sweatshirt
• Long Pants suggested for boat ride
• Munchies and Entertainment for the Drive
• Extra Money for Souvenirs

APPROXIMATE ITINERARY

  7:00 AM - Arrival to La Paz   7:30 AM - Light Morning Snack 10:45 AM - Boat Registration 11:00 AM - Boat Tour   1:00 PM - End of Boat Tour   1:15 PM - Lunch   2:00 PM - Depart from La Paz   6:00 PM - Head Back to Town

OUR ADVICE:

If you can take the time, this is an experience the whole family will never forget.  Nowhere else can you see gray whales this close, perhaps even getting to pet them, and also to see baby gray whales!

Customer Feedback:

"My husband and I really enjoyed our trip from Cabo San Lucas to Magdalena Bay. Luis and Elias were excellent. They made our trip great. We enjoyed them very much. We found their driving to be very safe and their friendliness and professional attitude to really enhanced the whole experience.  We will definitely tell all of our friends about this tour. Both of these men should be very much appreciated and compensated accordingly for the fine tour they provided!" - Ed from Centennial, Colorado

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Thoroughly Travel

The Thorough Guide to Magdalena Bay Whales’ Grey Whale Camp

A complete guide to magdalena bay whale camp in baja california sur – the best place in mexico to see grey whales.

(Updated 2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission on anything purchased through these links at no extra cost to you. Learn more on our Disclaimer page .

Discover everything you need to know about meeting Baja California Sur’s friendly grey whales in Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, with the original whale watching company Magdalena Bay Whales . In this thorough guide, we will give you a run down of what to expect at Magdalena Bay Whale Camp, including the accommodation, logistics, facilities, activities, hikes, meals, and of course the whale watching. We have also included details on how to get to Magdalena Bay from La Paz or Loreto with an interactive map, as well as information on when grey whales visit the bay so that you can perfectly plan your trip for grey whale season in 2024. Let’s get started.

Time needed: 2-4 days.

When to go: December-April for grey whale watching, but February-March for the highest numbers of whales.

Weather: Sunshine is common all year round, with temperatures of 16-23°C in (60-73°F) the winter and 21-32°C (69-89°F) in the summer. The bay can be windy and evenings in winter can be especially chilly.

Language: Spanish, but English is widely spoken too.

Currency: Mexican Peso.

Grey Whale Watching in Baja California Sur

Baja California Sur (BCS) is home to several species of whale, making the peninsula a popular filming location for broadcasters like BBC and National Geographic. Whales can be found up and down both of BCS’s coasts – in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. On the west coast of Baja California Sur sit 3 lagoons, which provide sheltered birthing and breeding grounds for grey whales. Here, between the months of December-April, whales can be found in abundance as they migrate from the cooler waters of the Arctic to the warm waters off the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Magdalena Bay Grey Whales

The most accessible lagoon, Magdalena Bay, lies a 3 hour drive from the peninsula’s capital La Paz and a 2 1/2 hour drive from the popular vacation town of Loreto. By far the best and most intimate Magdalena Bay whale watching tour includes staying in the Magdalena Bay Island glamping camp. The owners, Magdalena Bay Whales , are the original Magdalena Bay whale watching tour operator with over 45 years experience operating in the bay. Their camp boasts panoramic views of Magdalena Bay and all the captains are local fisherman who work as guides during whale season. As a small locally-owned company, Magdalena Bay Whales really care for the protection and conservation of grey whales and we’d highly recommend choosing them for your next grey whale watching trip in Baja California Sur.

Interactive Magdalena Bay Map

Hotel isabela, puerto san carlos.

For most people, a trip to Magdalena Island Whale Camp starts at Hotel Isabela . Situated in the small town of Puerto San Carlos, Hotel Isabela is a small but charming hotel with a traditional Mexican style. There’s not much to do in San Carlos, it’s a tiny town full of dogs with not much else, but the hotel’s palapa-style restaurant is a lovely place to relax with a glass of wine or tequila and the food is delicious. The bed is one of the comfiest we’ve ever slept in, so you can get a good night’s sleep before an early morning boat ride to the island (unless you make friends with other visitors who buy you too much tequila for your birthday and therefore stay up far too late, like we did – thanks Greg and Sheila!).

Magdalena Bay Whales have their office located within the hotel so you’ll likely stop here to meet the team before you head out to the island. It is possible to skip the first night in the hotel and head straight to camp. Just mention this in your communication with Magdalena Bay Whales and they’ll tailor your itinerary to suit you.

The Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

Magdalena Bay Whales’ Camp is situated on Isla Magdalena – the outer island of Magdalena Bay, which lies on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur. The bay is a popular breeding and birthing spot for grey whales, who come here every year between January-March.

The camp itself is set into the hillside and built around a big palapa-style restaurant, where your all-inclusive meals are served. The restaurant features a fire oven, which is the perfect spot to warm up at night with a hot chocolate, as well as lots of seating areas and traditional Mexican blankets. It’s position at the base of camp gives you the perfect view of the sea for whale and dolphin spotting while you eat. There’s also a bar in the restaurant offering local beers and wines (which can be paid for when back on the mainland) and the toilet block is situated just behind the restaurant too. The WiFi in the palapa is excellent and there are lots of charging ports for all your tech so you can go out on the water every day with full camera batteries.

The Glamping Tents in Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

There are two types of glamping tents, some with wooden decks and some situated right on the beach. Each tent has rocking chairs, a camp shower (bag of water heated by the sun), an emergency toilet and some tents have sun loungers too. One of our favourite things to do in camp was sit on our deck watching whales in the bay. We’d highly recommend getting up early each morning and watching the sunrise from your deck. If you’re lucky you may be greeted with a pod of dolphins or the odd whale too!

Inside the tents you’ll find two double beds, a table with map of Baja California Sur, antibacterial gel and spray and a bin. The beds are kitted out with the fluffiest blankets and are super comfy. The temperatures at Isla Magdalena drop considerably at night but you won’t notice because you’ll be snug as a bug in a rug. If you don’t fancy emerging first thing in the morning, you can unzip the window flap and watch the waves lapping at the shore from the comfort of your bed.

There are two washed up grey whale skeletons in camp which have been reassembled, demonstrating the sheer size of a grey whale. During our visit an osprey couple had chosen one skeleton to be their nest and they had 2 babies, which we enjoyed watching from our deck too. Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars and a zoom lens for your camera as these can give you a much better view of the local wildlife!

The Food in Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

All 3 meals a day are served in the restaurant. You’re provided with a menu and order whatever you want to eat – it’s all included in the price of camp! And it’s all delicious so you can be assured you’ll be well fed. We’d recommend getting chilaquiles for breakfast, totopos and ceviche for lunch and fish tacos for dinner. At lunch time, snacks are left out in the buffet area so if you fancy something lighter you can help yourself to totopos, salsa and fresh ceviche. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu too and the staff are nothing but helpful, if you have any specific requests.

The Sunsets and Sunrises at Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

Magdalena Bay Whales’ Camp offered us some of the best sunrises we’ve ever seen. This one in particular was like waking up to the sky being on fire! In February the sun rose at about 6:50 and set about 18:30 but you can check the times online. We’d recommend getting up about half an hour before sunrise, sitting out on the deck with some blankets and taking it all in. You could even pop down to the restaurant for a cup of coffee or tea to warm up while you watch the sun appear over the horizon. Sunrise and sunset are also the best times for wildlife watching, as this is when most animals are active, and is the time you’ll most likely see dolphins in the bay. We saw a pod of dolphins from our tent on both of our mornings in camp.

What is there to do in and around Magdalena Bay Whale Camp?

There’s plenty to do in and around camp. There are kayaks and paddleboards for use in the bay, or you can walk up the beach and visit Puerto Magdalena. This little village is only home to around 70 people and all the residents earn an income through fishing in the bay. There’s a little shop (more of a shed with a few products) if you get caught short, bar and restaurant.

You can also explore the sand dunes and mangroves that lie around the bay, many of which are home to some of the 100+ species of birds that call the bay and the surrounding area their home. Your captain will be able to take you out on the boat if you wish to do any of these activities.

Hiking to the Pacific Ocean from Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

We’d also recommend making time to hike to the Pacific Ocean. The trail can be found 5 minutes from camp and is marked with a small sign (pictured below). The hike takes about half an hour each way and follows a dried up river bed. Wear sensible shoes and take lots of water because it’s a little rocky in places and can get very hot. The path is an easy-moderate hike and is uphill on the way there and downhill on the way back.

At the Pacific, you’ll be met with stunning panoramic views. You can take the steep path down to the ocean where you’ll find a little rocky beach. Keep a look out towards the sea as we also spotted a whale swimming past the headland when we were there.

The Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Trips

On each day of camp you get a private whale watching tour. You’ll be assigned a Captain who takes you out into Magdalena Bay to watch the grey whales for about 6 hours at a time. We were there in the peak of the season and there were roughly 60-70 whales in the bay. Due to how still the water was, you could see them blow from miles away. If you’re lucky you’ll also witness behaviours like spy-hopping (bobbing head out of the water), breaching (jumping from the water), tail slapping, fluking (showing tail as the whale dives) and sleeping at the surface. It’s also possible to see other species of whale within Magdalena Bay and around the area where the bay meets the sea. We twice saw humpbacks in Magdalena Bay, including a mother and small calf.

Grey Whale Watching at Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

Baja California Sur is the only place in the world where you can actually touch grey whales, due to their friendly nature and unusually curious behaviour. The grey whales in Magdalena Bay may actually approach boats, seeking human interaction. It’s said that the whales forged a special relationship with the local fisherman, coming to recognise and trust them. The whales became so comfortable that they would come up to the boats and even introduce their young to visitors.

During our visit, we had whales come right up to our boat, swimming underneath the boat, spy-hopping and showing playful behaviour like tail flicking. To experience this you need to find a quiet spot in the bay where the whales feel safe, which is why choosing a licensed company with respectful captains is very important. A wildlife experience built on trust, respect and consent will be better for tourists and whales alike.

Read next: Should you touch a Grey Whale in Baja California Sur?

The Magdalena Bay Whale Camp Guides

Magdalena Bay Whales’ guides are local fishermen who know the bay like the back if their hand. Our guide spoke great English and was incredibly knowledgeable about the whales and the surrounding area. We learned so much about grey whales and their habits, as well as other wildlife in the bay and its history.

What we appreciated most was our guide’s obvious care for the whales. He would drive slowly towards a spot where a whale had blown, turn off the propeller and use the oar when around a whale, so as not to bombard it with sound. He would never join a group of boats or crowd the whales. We learned he served as the Director of Tourism and Ecology in BCS for 3 years and still regularly attends meetings about protecting the grey whales. When we noticed boats that were unlicensed or displaying unethical practices (like driving too fast or crowding around a whale) he would film and take photos to report back to the government. These reports hopefully put pressure on the government to regulate the bay better, or tighten the restrictions further.

Can you touch Grey Whales in Magdalena Bay?

For unknown reasons, grey whales are some of the friendliest cetaceans on earth. Usually touching animals in the wild is a big no. It can disrupt them, stress them out, transfer harmful bacteria and put you at risk of injury. But the grey whales are an exception (and we researched this endlessly to be extra sure it was ethical). Some grey whales are super curious and will rub against boats, display playful behaviour, pop their heads out of the water and actually enjoy human contact. It’s for this reason that tourists flock from all over the world for the chance to touch and kiss a grey whale in Baja California Sur. Not every whale is like this and you have to wait until an interested whale approaches your boat. There are quite tight regulations within the bay too. Whales are a bit like buses, you wait for a while for one and then three come along at once! There was nothing more exciting than watching a whale slowly make it’s way towards your boat, wondering if it wanted to play.

Read next: Let’s Talk About Ethical Wildlife Tourism

Are there other animals in Magdalena Bay?

Yes there are lots of other species which you’ll probably see when out on the boat.

As if grey whale watching couldn’t get any better, on our final day we came across this massive pod of common dolphins on our way back to camp. It was difficult to count how many there were, but we think at least 100. We actually tried to take trips out to see common dolphins twice in 2021. Common dolphins can be found off Pembrokeshire and Dartmouth (UK) but both times our boat trip was cancelled due to bad weather. So we count this as third time lucky!

Below is a picture of a Brown Pelican, the smallest of the 8 kinds of pelican. It feeds by diving head first into water and it eats small fish. You can tell this one is a juvenile due to its plain brown colour. As it grows it will develop a white and yellow neck and head as well as red on it’s pouch and beak. The different colours indicate whether the bird is a nonbreeding, pre-breeding or breeding adult. They can be found all over Mexico in coastal areas.

And of course we can’t not mention the cheeky sea lions. They hang around Magdalena Bay in clusters (colonies). They’re very curious creatures and enjoy playing in the wake of a boat. When they are not playing, they are generally lazy and enjoy sunbathing on the surface of the water.

Read next: Snorkelling with Sea Lions in La Paz

How does the Magdalena Bay Whale Camp work?

Every Magdalena Bay Whales itinerary is adjustable and fully personalised to you. You can contact Magdalena Bay Whales via email or by phone and work out a plan to suit your needs and interests. We had transport included, different pick up and drop off locations and could specify how many nights we wanted in camp. You also get a 6 hour private whale watching tour on each day with a knowledgeable captain so you can get up close and personal with the friendly whales of Baja.

Magdalena Bay Whales Contact Details

Book your stay at Magdalena Bay Whale Camp now!

Website : https://www.magdalenabaywhales.com/

Email : [email protected]

Mexico phone number : ( 613 ) 117 7045

Toll free phone number within U.S. & Canada : 1 855 594 2537

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• 1 – 5 DAY WHALE TOURS
• CAMP IDEAL PACKAGES
• ISLAND CAMP MENU
• SNORKELING PACKAGES
• HOW TO GET HERE
• MAGDALENA BAY HISTORY
• TERMS & CONDITIONS

45th SEASON ANNIVERSARY

About the staff.

Magdalena Bay Whales! Local family owned and operated, “Proudly creating life-long memories.” for more than 23,000 people in the past 40 plus years. You will have the privilege to embark on an interactive adventure through the majestic ever glade waters of Bahia Magdalena, with father Crispin M. (Whale king) or one of his three sons, that passionately follow in his footsteps.

The Whale King

Since 1976, Magdalena Bay (Mag Bay) Baja Mexico has blessed us with the opportunity to commercial fish & guide whale watching tours. We are intimately familiar with and have learned to care for and respect our long time friends “The Majestic Gray Whales” and deep blue waters of Baja California’s best-kept secret Magdalena Bay. From Puerto San Carlos, Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, South to Isla Magdalena, Alcatraz & beyond.

About Our Boats

Originally made for commercial fishing, able to hold up to 2,500 lbs, she provides a smooth ride. Equipped with a Spot Satellite Tracker, Marine VHS Radio, life jackets and first aid kit. And years of providing many great whale watching & eco tour memories, we can get her customized to your comfort needs. It’s equipped with factory made back support and wide, comfortable, clean cushion seats. Clean ice chest with plenty of sealed bottled water, sodas, Coronas (beer) if you prefer, and lots of snacks. We limit the number of passengers we carry, in an earnest attempt to make each tour satisfying and comfortable. The good news is that its all included in the cost.

Three Reasons Why

Our personal touch.

We will personally make contact through email or a phone call & give you all the info, facts & tips that you must know about your whale Magdalena Whale Watching Tour.

Our Personal Passion

It will be a privilege for my dad (Whale king), myself or one of our licensed & certified guides to share our passion and knowledge about the majestic gray whales & world class Magdalena Bay.You will have a great experience, allowing us to be your experienced local guide.

Our 100% Whale Guarantee

And last but not least, we will not charge you a dime (peso) until you “SEE” a whale at a minimum of 30-35 meters from our boat…

Meet The Magdalena Whale Team

Capt: Crispin M

Mother Maria E.

Capt: Juan Ramirez

Capt. C Marco Antonio

Capt: Cristepher Mateo

Capt: Miguel Ramirez