Whale Watching Trips In and Around La Paz
Whale watching in La Paz during the winter months is a must-do, “bucket list” kind of activity. We’re blessed to be one of the few locations in the world to have so many different kinds of whales in the same place at the same time!
FYI, technically, whale sharks don’t count, because they are actually fish, not whales. You should still totally check them out though! If for nothing else, just for the look on your friends’ faces when you tell them you snorkeled with SHARKS on your vacation.
Really, they’re the world’s friendliest, durpiest fish, without any teeth to speak of and big ol’ mouths for sucking up tiny plankton and krill. Not at all scary (even though they’re huge!) and 100% awesome - ask us how to reserve your experience with these gentle giants, here.
To the point of this article, in addition to swimming with the world’s biggest shark, if you want to go honest-to-goodness whale watching, read on!
Between January and March each year, thousands of whales of various species make their winter migrations south: humpbacks, gray whales, blue whales (the world’s largest mammal!), fin whales, sperm whales, Bryde’s whales….somebody, stop me!
Mexico has taken their role as host seriously, putting in place strict regulations for the protection of the animals and preservation of their marine environments. In most places, tour operators must be trained, certified, and licensed, and maintain a good reputation, in order to keep working in the whale watching industry.
The experiences team at Trip&homes work with only the best marine biologist guides and responsible boat captains, in order to offer their guests an exciting yet educational experience that is equally safe for both you and the whales you’re there to see. Contact us now and let us know which of the incredible migratory mammals you’d like to meet!
Humpback whales are the unparalleled performers of the seas with a flair for the dramatic - acrobatic leaps and tremendous tail slaps are common-place amongst this boisterous bunch. Not only are they movement artists, their talent extends into music. Humpback whales use a complex sequence of moans, howls, cries and even whispers to communicate to each other over great distances. It’s an ethereal experience when you hear it for yourself!
Humpbacks are the most wide-spread whales you’ll encounter in Baja California Sur, coming and going within the bay of La Paz itself, or cruising the Pacific coastline just offshore from Todos Santos. There are numerous fantastic options at your disposal for getting that Free Willy action shot you’ve dreamed of.
The Gray whales of Baja California Sur are dubbed the freindliest whales on the planet because of their affinity for pets and head scratches! These 40-50 foot giants endure the longest migration of any mammal, from Alaska down to Mexico and back again, so they are more than ready to absorb all the comfort and contentment they can get once they’ve arrived here. They swim the 5-7,000 miles south in order to breed and give birth in our comparatively warmer waters.
Accredited tours can be reserved directly in Puerto Chale (2.5 hours from La Paz) or as a daytrip from La Paz, as well as in Bahia Magdalena (3.5 hours from La Paz to the entry point town of San Carlos). February is the best month to visit, when calves are becoming stronger and more curious about us human visitors!
Lastly, blue whales, though incredibly shy, can be spotted via whale watching excursions to the Loreto Bay National Park (4.5 hours from La Paz, so take the opportunity to visit the town of Loreto for a night, as well). These bohemoths can measure in at up to 100 feet and 200 tons, yet only feed on tiny krill…granted, 4 tons of it each day!
FYI, the blue whales have special protections to not scare them off of their feeding grounds while their breeding or calving, so tour boats can’t approach any closer than 100 meters. Make sure you bring a good camera or pair of binoculars with you to properly enjoy this incredible opportunity.