A Day with Grey Whales in Baja

Seeing the grey whales with their newborn calves in Baja California, Mexico had always been on my bucket list. However, the window of opportunity for this encounter is quite small (February to March), so every year something came up until 2016! Here is a travelog of my unforgettable day with the grey whales at Magdalena Bay.

I went with a tour group called Loreto Sea and Land Tours. Mostly because I was staying in Loreto and they provide a free shuttle across the peninsula to Magdalena Bay, where the whales are hanging out. The guides were super enthusiastic and helpful.

More tips on seeing the whales here.

Grey Whales at Magdalena Bay

Entrance into Magdalena Bay is highly controlled. Only a certain amount of boats are allowed in at once in order to avoid a chaotic and dangerous environment for the whales. Only small “pagan” boats with a single engine that can be lifted to avoid injury to the whales are allowed in the bay. Also, many of the boat drivers are also fishermen meaning they’re very attuned to and dependent on the sea. They are able to create a united front in enforcing the proper treatment of the bay and its underwater inhabitants.

The moms are training and feeding their babies like mini-athletes so that they can be big enough and strong enough to make the journey back to the Arctic. As any easily-distracted child doing homework, the calves are extremely curious and will come up to the pagan. The moms have no choice but to follow suit. And that’s how you’ll find yourself in a 20-foot boat with a 45-foot whale next to you trying to corral the cutest little bundle of blubber. Cue an upbeat version of the Jaws theme music…

Grey Whale Encounter Tips

Tip #1: Bring a kid with you! The baby whales are drawn to sounds like the boat engine, but will stay for the laughing and shrieking children. You can also try to imitate one if you don’t have a spare child. Once you see the whale, it’s not too difficult to start screaming and laughing. There was a boat next us with kids on it and the baby whale and doting mother stayed for over 30 minutes. At one point the calf even nudged the boat with the kids in it.

Tip #2: Splash the water like crazy to get the baby whale interested. Our guide started doing it while also coo-ing and singing to the baby. It worked! Who cares if the humans around you think you’re crazy? Today is all about the whales! Although the whales come close enough to you to touch, I would advise not to. 1) The diseases or oils you may be carrying on your hands could be life-threatening to the whales, especially the babies. 2) The desensitization of whales to the dangers of boats and humans could put them into harms way later. Generally speaking, it’s always best to avoid physical contact with a wild animal, especially one that is endangered.