Whales in Baja California: Part 2

Magdalena bay is on the West side of the Baja peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean about an hour from the city of Constitución. The closest town is San Carlos and about an hour up the coastline lies another small town named Lopez Mateos. Mangroves ring the bays and lagoons dotted along the coastline. These areas form productive habitats for a variety of marine life and birds. There is not much to do in this part of the peninsula. The only places to stay or eat are small, simple and not aimed at Western tourists. But there is a good reason why more and more people are making the trek to this off the beaten path location. In recent years the area has become somewhat famous because of the incredible interactions that take place here between Gray whales and Humans.

Gray whales have held a place in folklore for many generations. Whalers used to call them the ‘Devil-fish’ because of their propensity to put up a massive fight when being hunted. But here, in a place where they are treated with respect, they show their character differently. Forget ‘Devil-fish’, these are the friendliest whales in the world! Picture 45ft (13m) long behemoths and their calves approaching to within touching distance of small boats. Imagine looking into their blow-holes, examining their baleen or finding yourself eye-to-eye with a giant who is observing you back! This is one of the most intimate experiences human beings have had with any other animal. The best time to experience it yourself is in February and March each year.

The Bay of Angels is one of the most remote places on the entire peninsula. It is located almost exactly half way between San Diego and Los Cabos in the Sea of Cortez. It is at least a 10 hour drive from either place, alternatively there is a small airstrip for charter flights. There are a number of islands in the bay that can be visited on day trips. The largest island, Isla Angel de la Guarda, is over 100 km (60 mi) long and contains two endemic species. The small town here takes its name from the bay and has a vibe of happy isolation. Say goodbye to cell reception and prepare to enter a twilight zone where there are no days of the week and the Ocean seethes with life.

Sperm whales, the world’s largest predator, can be found here in the winter months. Orcas visit the area throughout the year and Fin whales are also a relatively common sighting. It is not unusual to see very large pods of Common dolphins and their are various other dolphin species to encounter. Playful and curious California Sea lions have colonies on the islands and islets and are great source of entertainment. This also quite possibly the best place in Baja to swim with the Ocean’s biggest fish, the Whale shark. In the Bay of Angels there are hardly any other tourists – meaning swimmers get lots of time and great photos with the gentle giants. The best months to see Whale sharks are in the summer from July to September.

There are a number of other places in Baja California that offer great chances to encounter whales. The lagoons of Vizcaíno near San Ignacio, just South of the border between the two Bajas, are another fantastic spot for close-up encounters with Gray whales. These waters actually attract even more Grays than Mag Bay and Lopez Mateos further South! The Vizcaíno biosphere reserve is one of the largest in Mexico. It has three distinct Eco-zones and was home to the earliest human settlers on the peninsula.

The place with the highest concentration of Humpback whales anywhere in Baja is the East Cape region, between Los Cabos and La Paz. This area will soon house the first sanctuary of its kind in Mexico. It will be a place where whales will not just be protected, but completely free from human activity. Head to areas like Barriles, Ventanas and Cabo Pulmo to see them from shore and enjoy the amazing beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving available in the area.

One of the most amazing things about the waters around Baja California are their ability to surprise. No matter where you are or what time of year it is, something spectacular can happen at any moment. There is something for everyone here. Enjoy the beach and comforts of Los Cabos while still having access to world class whale watching and other ocean activities or trek to remote parts of the peninsula in search of experiences that few people will ever have. Baja is waiting for you…