Gray Whale Sighting tour in Mag Bay
Experience a unique encounter with the gray whale in magdalena bay
Gray whales in Magdalena Bay are known world-wide as one of those ocean giants that are sociable and friendly. During the months of January-April, they travel from the north to the protected bays and lagoons of the Mexican Baja coasts. Here, they give birth and breed, giving us the amazing opportunity to encounter them from really close.
Magdalena Bay is one of the few places in the world where these gray whales come close to scratch themselves with the boats, making it possible to touch them and even hug them. Getting to know these ocean giants in the company of a marine biologist is, with no doubt, a bucket list experience.
Description
This adventure takes place in the coastal lagoons of Baja California Sur, where we will navigate for around two hours looking for that magical encounter that will live in our memories forever. With a bit of luck, we will enjoy tens of gray whales, and marvel at the playful behavior displayed by the young ones. We depart from Puerto Chale. We recommend booking this gray whale sighting tour in Magdalena Bay during February, because even though it can be done during January and March, the highest abundance occurs during February. To top it all off, we will also see sand dunes, desertic islands, and mangroves that make this adventure even more unique and special.
Itinerary
We will rise early in the morning to board the panga boat for our gray whale watching adventure in Magdalena Bay, departing from Puerto Chale. We usually begin at 9 am. For 2 hours, we will navigate the waters of the bay, where we will have the chance to witness the incredible sight of these majestic animals in their natural habitat. As we cruise through the bay, we may be lucky enough to see the whales breach, tail-slap, and spy hop, making for an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the whales, we can also make a stop at the breathtaking dunes, where we can take in the stunning landscape and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. This is in the case the group prefers it over continuing to look for whales.
Gallery
Duration: 2 hours.
Requirements: Respect the rules of the protected natural area.
Difficulty: Easy.
Minimum number of participants: 3 people.
Included
Permits for the protected natural area.
Marine biologist guide
Not Included
Alcoholic beverages.
Lunch.
Transportation.
You must bring
Environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Cap and sunglasses.
Clothing according to the weather. It is usually cold in the lagoon.
Reviews
Antonio
Incredible moments
Having the whales so close is an incredible experience! I highly recommend it!! Fantastic memories that I will never forguet!
Jimena Parra
An incredible day trip with the Grey Whales
I went on this tour with my 5-year-old daughter. Everything was excellent!! It lasted the whole day but went smoothly, comfortably, and was super safe. On the day of the tour, they were very punctual and we felt comfortable.
jane nathan
Kiss a whale
Absolutely stunning… I will do this tour as many times as I can in the coming years!! Simply wonderful in every way.
Alfonso Nuñez
Awesome!
A spectacular day sharing the sea with these incredible creatures, we were fortunate to have close contact for almost half an hour. The information provided by the guide was very good, as well as the communication and organization of the company. I highly recommend it, it’s an experience you can’t miss!
Grey Whale Sighting Locations
Along the coast of Baja California Sur, there are numerous sighting points where visitors can observe the majestic gray whale. These sites offer a unique experience to admire these ocean giants up close in their natural habitat, providing unforgettable moments and the opportunity to learn about their behavior and migration. Among these places, Magdalena Bay stands out, a natural heritage that serves as a sanctuary for these impressive creatures that come between January and March to mate and give birth.
It is along the various fishing ports and islands that make up this bay where you can experience interaction with the gray whale in a way you could have never dreamed of. As a general rule, we conduct our gray whale tours in Puerto Chale, and they last for 2 hours. However, if you’re looking for an extended experience or a multi-day adventure in other parts of Bahía Magdalena, please contact us, and we will organize a customized itinerary for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the grey whale and why is it special?
The grey whale is known as one of the friendliest and most social marine giants. They are notable for their migration from the northern seas to the warm, protected bays of Baja California Sur between January and April for birthing and mating, offering visitors unique and close encounters with these majestic creatures.
Where is the grey whale watching tour conducted and what is the departure port?
The tour is conducted in Magdalena Bay, a privileged spot for close interactions with whales. Most of our tours depart from Puerto Chale, as it is the closest whale-watching harbor to La Paz, making it the most convenient option for day trips.
How do I get to Puerto Chale? Is transportation included?
Ground transportation to Puerto Chale is an optional add-on and is not included in the base tour price. We can arrange private transportation for an additional fee depending on your group size:
- 2–3 guests: Comfortable Sedan
- 4–20 guests: Mercedes Sprinter van (or similar)
Please note that the drive is direct with no scheduled breakfast stops along the way, but restrooms are available upon arrival at Puerto Chale.
How long does the grey whale watching tour last?
The tour lasts between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the contracted modality. During this time, you sail around Magdalena Bay in search of memorable encounters with the whales.
What is the best time to take the grey whale tour?
While sightings are possible from January to March, February is recommended for the tour. During this month, there is higher activity and a greater concentration of grey whales in the area.
What should I wear? Are there amenities on the boat?
Winter on the Pacific coast can be cold and windy. We highly recommend dressing in warm layers (windbreakers and fleeces). To help keep you comfortable, we provide a large thermos of hot tea and cups for all passengers to enjoy during the excursion.
What else can be enjoyed during the grey whale tour?
Besides whale sightings, the tour offers stunning landscapes like dunes, desert islands, and mangroves. There are also opportunities to stop at the dunes and enjoy these unique environments.
Is it safe to interact with the grey whales?
Yes, the grey whales in Magdalena Bay are known for their friendly behavior towards humans. However, it is always necessary to follow the instructions to ensure the safety of everyone and respect for the animals.
What is the booking and cancelation policy?
For day tours, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 7 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 7 days notice, full payment is required.
For packages that include multiple activities, a 40% deposit of the total payment is required to complete or secure the booking if the reservation is made more than 60 days in advance. If the reservation is made with less than 60 days notice, full payment is required.
If we cancel the activity due to “unforeseen circumstances” such as weather, mechanical difficulties, or insufficient participants, you will receive a 100% refund. For all cancellations requested by clients, any amounts paid in advance are non-refundable and non-transferable.
We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover unforeseen personal emergencies, such as illness or accidents.