5 Whales That Visit Baja California Sur & How To See Them
Get ready for an incredible adventure in Baja California Sur with these five whales that visit Mexico every year. These magnificent creatures will leave you in awe.
But, it's important that we work together to protect these marine ecosystems. Let's make a difference and ensure that future generations can experience the wonder of these whales in their natural homes.
Do you want to find out the best way to see whales in Baja California Sur? Then keep reading!
These five whales swim in the waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean in Mexico
Gray Whale
This magnificent whale migrates along the whole coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The gray whales of Baja capture the curiosity of all visitors with their gentle nature.
Gray whales are known for their annual migration, which is one of the longest journeys undertaken by any mammal. Every winter, they leave their feeding grounds in the frigid waters of the Arctic and travel south to the warm lagoons of Baja California Sur. It is in these protected lagoons that they give birth and nurse their young.
These creatures can reach lengths of up to 15 meters and weigh up to 36 tons. They have a mottled gray body with a distinctive heart-shaped blowhole spray.
One of the most incredible features of the gray whale is its baleen. Baleen is a special part found in some whales' mouths. It's made of long, flexible plates, like giant hairbrushes. When they want to eat, they open their mouths wide and swim through the water. Meanwhile, taking in lots of water and tiny animals called krill.
Then they close their mouths and use their tongues to push the water out through the baleen plates. The baleen acts like a strainer, keeping the krill inside while letting the water go out. The whales then swallow the trapped krill and enjoy their meal.
In Baja, you have the amazing opportunity to witness close interactions between Gray whales and humans. Please choose to go on eco-friendly trips, like our whale-watching expeditions, and see these giants up close without hurting them. It is an unforgettable experience to see a mother Gray whale and her calf gliding gracefully through the water!
The gray whale population was once threatened due to excessive hunting. With conservation efforts and protective measures, their numbers have rebounded in recent years. Their migration to Baja is one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.
Humpback Whale
Baja California Sur is a haven for the majestic Humpback whales during their annual migration. Humpback whales reach lengths of up to 15 meters and weigh up to 40 tons.
They have long fins on the sides of their bodies, called pectoral fins, which help them swim and do fancy moves. Each humpback whale has a special pattern on the bottom of its tail, called the tail flukes. It's like a fingerprint that is unique to them.
Humpback whales swim from the northern Pacific, where it's cold, all the way to the warm waters of BCS (Baja California Sur). They do this because they want to find a nice place to have their babies. They travel a long way to give birth to their little whale calves and to find a safe spot for them to grow up.
Witnessing the acrobatics of Humpback whales is quite the experience. These whales are famous for their spectacular displays, such as breaching. They launch their massive bodies out of the water and crash back down with a resounding splash. They are also known for tail and fin slapping, creating impressive splashes in the water.
To encounter these creatures, expeditions are available in various locations in the region.
Sperm Whale
Sperm whales are the largest-toothed whales. Adult males can reach lengths of up to 18 meters and weigh over 50 tons.
Sperm whales are pretty fascinating, especially when it comes to their heads. They have this thing called a "spermaceti organ," which gives their head a unique shape. Inside this organ, there's a waxy substance called spermaceti. This organ helps them control their buoyancy, which means they can go up and down in the water like a pro.
But that's not all. The spermaceti organ also plays a role in their communication and echolocation. Sperm whales make clicking sounds, and this organ helps with producing those sounds. These clicks are not only used to find their way around but also to communicate with their whale buddies.
BCS serves as an important habitat for Sperm whales, because of its rich ecosystem. Sperm whales dive to incredible depths in search of their preferred prey—giant and colossal squid. Sometimes they reach over 1,000 meters!
Encountering Sperm whales in their natural habitat is a rare and extraordinary experience. But it is possible in Baja!
Blue Whale
Baja California is also home to the gigantic Blue Whale, the largest animal to have ever existed on Earth. They grace the waters with their immense size and captivating presence.
The Blue whale measures up to 30 meters in length and weighs around 200 tons. Their iconic blue-gray coloration and sleek, streamlined bodies make them easily recognizable.
These whales have really big flippers, and when they breathe out through their blowholes, water can reach up to 9 meters!
Baja California Sur provides a vital feeding ground for Blue whales during their migration. They feast on krill, small shrimp-like organisms, and other tiny marine life.
Loreto is well known for Blue whale-watching in February, although we discovered a little secret. Blue whales have recently also been spotted in the Bay of La Ventana!
Fin Whale
Finally, the Fin Whale, the second-largest species of whale on the planet, can also be seen in BCS, Mexico.
The Fin Whale, also known as the ‘finback whale’ can reach lengths of up to 24 meters. Their coloring is asymmetrical, with dark gray or black back and lighter underside.
You'll notice some special things about these whales. They have a head that looks like a V shape, and a big fin on their back called a dorsal fin. And if you look closely, you'll see grooves along their throats. These features make them unique and easy to recognize.
BCS serves as an important migratory route and feeding ground for Fin whales.
Photo credit: Sandra Renaux
Visiting whales in Baja California Sur
When you see these whales in Baja California Sur, it's a powerful reminder of how crucial it is to protect our oceans. By admiring and showing respect for these gentle giants, we can help them survive. This way we ensure that the next generations get to witness the wonder of whales in their natural homes.
We have an important mission ahead of us. We all need to help to protect marine ecosystems and preserve the beauty of these incredible creatures for the future. It's a call to action for all of us to come together and make a difference.
Are you with us?!
