bahia magdalena tours

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Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Experiences

See Gray Whales in the Bay

Explore Dunes & Mangroves

Support the Local Community

One of the Top Spots for Baja California Whale Watching

Embark on a Magdalena Bay whale watching adventure and visit one of the best places to see gray whales interact with each other . Mag Bay is an annual breeding ground for the magnificent California gray whales and with us, you will have the opportunity to witness extraordinary scenes and behavior . Choose the itinerary that fits your schedule, from one day to an overnight trip or the full 3 days and 2 nights . Whatever the length, you’re guaranteed to see a wide variety of wildlife and spectacular landscapes . We work with local islanders and ensure that our tours benefit the community.

The Extra Special Moments

See gray whales up close in their annual breeding ground

Witness calves learning to breathe, breach, and dive

Visit different ecosystems: sand dunes, mangroves, and beaches

Sample fresh, local seafood such as fish and lobster

Observe a variety of sea birds and enjoy opportunities to spot sea lions, eagles, dolphins, and coyotes

Stay overnight in Magdalena Island, and feel the sensation of being in nature and an isolated fisherman town.

Full-Day Trip Details

Overnight trip details, 2-night trip details.

$5,000 MXN ($270 USD*) per person

*USD prices are approximate and final checkout will be in Mexican pesos (see book now button for details)

Departure time

Meeting point.

Pick up from your Todos Santos, Pescadero or La Paz accommodation or the Todos Santos Surf Shop

Availability

Monday to Sunday, January 15th to March 15th

10-11 hours (3 hours whale watching)

4 to 8 people

Good to know

• The ideal tour for people who have one day to see whales in Baja California.
• February is peak season.
• The drive from Todos Santos is 3-4 hours one way.
• We respect wildlife, hire local people and support local culture.  
• 3 hours whale watching
• Optional beach walk (weather permitting)
• Round trip transportation from Todos Santos to Puerto Chale

Not included

What to bring.

• Warm clothes
• Hat & sun protection
• Water bottle to refill

About your guide

Certified Driver Expert bilingual guide Certified local captain

Magdalena Bay Day Trip Itinerary

Support local businesses while eating fresh and delicious food from ranchers and fishermen’s families. By running these tours, it allows fishermen a new form of income and means that they reduce the amount of time they spend fishing, which helps replenish the ecosystem.

We abide by all procedures to protect the whales and other wildlife.

$17,000 MXN ($919 USD*) per person

Departure times

2 days and 1 night

• Please book this tour at least two months in advance in order to ensure your hotel reservation.
• Magdalena Bay is a 3-4 hour drive from Todos Santos each way.
• Conscious experience respecting nature and supporting local community.
• We respect wildlife, hire local people and support local culture.
• Round trip transportation from todos Santos area to Puerto San Carlos
• 1 night in a hotel in San Carlos
• 2 whale watching experiences
• Beach walk on pristine sand dunes and a Pacific beach
• Breakfast, 2 lunches, and dinner
• Alcoholic beverages

Magdalena Bay Overnight Trip Itinerary

This overnight whale watching experience gives you two opportunities to spot the beautiful gray whales in their breeding grounds. We’ll drive from Todos Santos to the bay through desert landscapes where you will spot different types of cacti and desert wildlife. On one of your days here, you will head out in Bahía Magdalena from Puerto San Carlos and the other expedition will be in Puerto Chale. See young gray whale calves learning to breathe, breach, swim against the current, and dive as they accompany their mothers through the waters of the bay.

Explore the impressive sand dunes on Isla Magdalena and sail through the mangrove channels – you’ll be amazed by how many ecosystems have evolved in such a small area. Your meals will consist of fresh local seafood such as fish and lobster, caught by local fishermen. You’ll spend the night in a hotel by the bay and be treated to dinner under the stars.

$26,000 MX ($1,405 USD*) per person

3 days and 2 nights

• Round trip transportation to Puerto San Carlos
• 2 nights in a house on Magdalena island
• 3 whale watching trips
• A walk on pristine dunes and Pacific beaches
• Guided visit to mangroves & seabirds
• 2 breakfasts
• Snacks throughout the whole trip
• Drinks (beer and wine with dinner)
• Extra alcoholic beverages
• Hat & sun protection (the boat is shaded)

Magdalena Bay 2-Night Trip Itinerary

You’ll embark on three whale-watching expeditions with no time limit. Over the three days you can expect life-changing encounters with the majestic California gray whales that congregate in the sheltered bay which is one of their breeding grounds. Watch mothers teach their calves how to breathe, breach, and dive, and you may be treated to the spy-hopping phenomenon.

As well as sunrises and sunsets over the bay, you will explore the area with visits to the beautiful mangroves, walks over the sand dunes, strolls along the Pacific beaches peppered with sand dollars, and sightings of various wildlife that live in the area.

Explora Baja are dedicated to working hand in hand with the islanders and ensuring that the tours we provide leave no impact on the environment and can provide livelihoods for the local community.

Read What Our Guests Have Said...

Tripadvisor reviews.

We were very fortunate to encounter friendly whales who swam up to us and let us pet them… The credit for our fabulous and memorable time goes to Carlos. Unfailingly cheerful, kind, knowledgeable, helpful, he arranged everything. Speaking perfect English, he answered all our many questions about whales, geography, and himself. He was particularly engaging with my friend’s 10-year-old grandson who was never left to feel excluded.

Susie Farrar

Our Explora Baja whale watching trip was everything we dreamed it would be. Guides, Carlos and Paula, are accommodating in every way, have great personalities, good driving skills, and tons of knowledge to share from their experiences and MS degrees in Oceanography and Marine Biology.

Awesome experience, best thing ever. Service was outstanding. We had a great time with friends, whale watching is one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve ever had.

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Magdalena Bay Whales - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• Tour Itinerary

Mag Bay Tours has been a family enterprise guiding expeditions into the fabled grounds of Bahia Magdalena for over 30 years!

We offer a wide range of expeditions for surfing, SUPing, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, and eco-tours.

Family Friendly !!

Our expeditions for surfing, fishing, kayaking, whale watching, and eco-tours trips range from 2 to 8 days, and of course we can arrange longer stays if you want.  Many do!

Our camps are safari-style semi-permanent as we try to have as little impact on the environment as possible.  The camp has a large main structure that serves as the common area, dining room, communication center, and rec. area.

Each tent site has its own shaded and wind protected porch, and plenty of space to dry out your gear.

The tents are enclosed and biting bugs are rare, but a can of repellent would be wise. Sleeping bags, pillows, and cots with foam mattresses are provided. You will be surprised at the comfort.

Remember, you have come to find wonderful, natural areas, free from crowds, not a fancy hotel with crowded beaches.  And, please stay on the marked paths between the sites as the plant ecology is fragile.

CONSULT THE SURF SCHEDULE

Find out why our clients keep coming back! email   booking@magbaytours.com

We would love to hear from you give us a call any time!

 In Mexico: 613-104-8932,  en Español

Or email us:  booking@magbaytours.com

Whale Watching Tour (Bahía Magdalena)

Whale watching tour.

We like to describe any encounter with whales “witnessing magic right before your eyes”. This gigantic & majestic mammals come visit our coast in winter, so if you have your SAMPA trip planned for this months it’s definitely something you want to go see.

Whale Watching in Bahía Magdalena: A Marine Wonderland

Bahía Magdalena, located along the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, is a captivating destination for whale watching. This pristine bay, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape, provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures up close. In this article, we’ll embark on an exploration of the enchanting world of whale watching in Bahía Magdalena and discover why this destination is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

The Whales of Bahía Magdalena

Bahía Magdalena is a renowned gathering place for gray whales during their annual migration. The bay’s calm and warm waters serve as a vital sanctuary for these gentle giants. Gray whales, known for their friendly and curious nature, make Bahía Magdalena a perfect location for close encounters. During the winter months, from December to April, these whales travel thousands of miles from the frigid Arctic waters to the sheltered lagoons of Baja California to give birth and raise their young.

The Whale Watching Experience 

Whale watching in Bahía Magdalena is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Local operators offer guided tours that provide a unique perspective on the lives of gray whales. Expert naturalists lead these excursions, sharing their knowledge about the whales’ behaviors, migration patterns, and the importance of preserving their habitat.

Visitors have the chance to observe gray whales and their playful calves as they breach, spyhop, and slap their tails in the tranquil bay. The close encounters are exhilarating and heartwarming, fostering a deep appreciation for these magnificent creatures.

Responsible Tourism and Conservation

Responsible tourism and conservation are integral to the whale watching experience in Bahía Magdalena. Local operators adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the whales. It’s essential to respect the animals’ space and natural behaviors while minimizing any disturbances.

Participating in whale watching tours also contributes to the protection of these marine mammals and their fragile ecosystem. Many tour operators are actively involved in conservation efforts, and your visit helps support these initiatives.

Please contact [email protected] for more information and/or to set up your tour.

Contact [email protected] to coordinate your tour.

You can find us at Sampa Explore: Carretera Transpeninsular km 6.5 Fracc, 23454 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.

• Your 2024 Guide to Magdalena Bay's Gray Whale Season

2024 Guide to Magdalena Bay's Gray Whale Season

It’s the start of cooler temperatures and you’re ready to seek warmth, sun and be Baja bound. You’ve heard about this magical place far away from Cabo, crowds and poolside cocktails. A small lagoon tucked into Baja’s gnarled finger of a peninsula.  Magdalena Bay :  a place where gray whales arrive each winter during the world's longest mammal migration.

Magdalena Bay is a world of whales and wildness. One where you can get lost in the glossy transition between the blue bay and the rippling sky. One where you find yourself transported into a different world as you stare into the eye of a gray whale, feel their breath and find yourself transformed.

If you’ve heard the call of the whale and are ready to descend into the wild, you’ll probably have some pretty important questions like “when’s the best time to see gray whales in Baja?” Here’s what you need to know.

WHY MAGDALENA BAY?

Magdalena Bay is a mecca for wildlife lovers and wildlife itself. Secreted behind Isla Santa Margarita, Magdalena and Santo Domingo, the tranquil bay is a favorite playground and important breeding lagoon for gray whales.

Every year they travel south from Alaska to spend their winter in Mexico to give birth, mate, raise their calves—and play with their human visitors. The protected, calm lagoons are the ideal destination for gray whales to birth and raise their young.

Though Magdalena Bay is a favored destination for adventurists, you won’t see crowds of pangas crusting over the water. Whale watching is carefully regulated here, so it’s just you and the whales coming out to see you.

ARE THERE GRAY WHALES IN MAGDALENA BAY YET?

2024 is quickly approaching, and one of the top questions for Baja-bound travelers so far this year is “when do the whales arrive?”

The answer? Baja whale watching may be a year-round activity, but gray whale season peaks in the winter months of January-April. By January 2024, pregnant gray whale mothers and single females looking to mate have arrived in Magdalena Bay. They also frequent two other Baja bays, San Ignacio and Laguna Ojo de Liebre (or Scammon’s Lagoon).

HOW LONG CAN YOU SEE GRAY WHALES IN MAGDALENA BAY?

Every year is a little different and the exact arrival and departure dates of the whales is never known in advance. In general the whales arrive in late December and early January and stay until early to late April. They arrive in the bays north of Mag Bay a little earlier, and stay a little later, which is why our whale watching trips shift to San Ignacio in late March and April.  

WHAT ARE FRIENDLY WHALES?

For reasons no one can explain, there is a certain percentage of the gray whale population that comes to Baja (known as the eastern Pacific population), that seek out interaction with humans. This phenomena started in San Ignacio lagoon in the 1970's when a lone fisherman had several encounters with a friendly gray whale.  Today some of the whales approach whale watching boats to play with humans. Mothers often push their young towards the boat.  Witnessing this is a thrill.

IS IT OK TO TOUCH THE WHALES?

As noted, some gray whales, including those in Magdalena Bay, seek attention from humans and completely alter your perception of whale watching. As a wildlife watcher, it’s important to keep a respectful (and federally regulated!) distance from the whales so that the whales don’t undergo any stress. We never chase the whales, nor do we approach them directly. Rather, we stop the boat at a respectful distance from the whales, and wait to see if they want to engage with us.  Some do and some don't. Those that do will swim towards our pangas (whale watching boats for 6-7 people) and, even though they have an entire bay and ocean to explore, choose to come close to us.  

Not only do gray whales approach the humans, they do so in hopes to play. If you simply watch the whales, they appear to be disappointed and leave in hopes of entertainment elsewhere. But if you splash the water, sing some songs or give them a good scratch, they playfully hang around in one of the most joyous, intimate experiences you can find in nature.

Long story short: you can’t “chase” after the whales in Magdalena Bay. But there’s really no need to. They come to you.

DO YOU HAVE TO GO TO BAJA TO SEE THE GRAY WHALES?

Gray whales migrate along the Pacific coast, so there’s plenty of opportunities to see the gray whales as they make their way toward the border. But can you find the same interactive experience? No.

Gray whales only exhibit their extraordinarily friendly behaviors in Baja’s lagoons like Magdalena Bay. Many speculate that this localized behavior is because the gray whale mothers encourage their calves to meet their human guests when they are only weeks old, nudging them toward the boats. As such, many of the mothers who introduce their new babies to humans underwent the same introduction as calves themselves in Magdalena Bay. Many joke that gray whales are Mexican by birth. It appears that, as it so often goes, you’re always more comfortable at home.

To go beyond seeing the gray whales into playing with the gray whales, it’s worth it to venture into Baja’s remote lagoons like Magdalena Bay. After all, a world unto itself is only a border away.

Suggested Baja gray whale adventures this winter:

Magdalena Bay Whale Watching 

Kayaking and Whale Watching Combo

San Ignacio Whale Watching

The Whale Extravaganza

Evolution of the Sea Kayak Paddle 

Kayakers without a sturdy paddle are essentially stranded, and the same holds true for our pioneering predecessors. For these seafaring hunters who relied on small, nimble boats to survive in the frigid Arctic, a broken paddle could mean the difference between life and death.

How to Read Tide Tables 101

Creature feature: Beluga whale

As the only member of the genus Delphinapterus, the beluga whale is a highly sociable cetacean that is truly one of a kind. It has been nicknamed the “sea canary” for its high-pitched squeaks and whistles, and is the only whale to regularly sport a stunning white coat.

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The Magic of Magdalena Bay

There are many reasons Magdalena Bay became one of my favorite places in Baja California Sur. On my first visit with my friends, and on each trip with Dive Ninja Expeditions, I find a magical desert wonderland, that only becomes richer and more mind-blowing every time I return. Here are a few reasons why we love this place so much.

Magdalena Bay, or Bahía Magdalena in Spanish, is a 50 km long bay, and about 200 km of lagoons and channels on the Pacific side of the Baja California Sur, in the municipality of Comondú. It is protected by two islands – Isla Magdalena to the north and, Isla Santa Margarita to the south. Between these islands and smaller sand banks which separate the shallow bay from the Pacific Ocean, small channels let the water come in and out of the bay, bringing in fresh nutrients and clean water. This makes Magdalena Bay a very healthy and productive marine environment, hosting many species throughout the year. The south part of the bay is wide, with the more mountainous part of the islands as barriers. On the contrary, to the north the bay narrows to shallow channels, with thick mangroves growing on the sandy shores to both sides. These are the largest mangrove systems in the whole of Baja California peninsula. The contrast between the sandy desert dunes, the lush mangroves and the vast blue ocean are very distinct here, and create a mesmerizing view of colors and textures. It is indeed a special place, and people have recognized this fact many years ago.

In 1539, Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés, sent the explorer Francisco De Ulloa out of Acapulco to explore the Pacific coast of Mexico. In his travels, De Ulloa discovered that Baja California was actually a peninsula, not an island (though, this idea was still common until the 18th century, like this map from 1687). He named the gulf he has discovered the Sea of Cortez. He also found the beautiful Magdalena Bay on that journey. Later, in 1837, American whaling ships visited the area, harvesting oil and hunting Sperm whales on the Pacific side of the islands. In 1868 the United States had leased and established a ‘Coaling Station’ in the bay. Throughout the 18 hundreds, Magdalena Bay became a busy whaling area, with the discovery of the aggregation of California grey whales. American whaling ships were the first to hunt in the area, but once the word spread of Charles Scammon’s large numbers of landings of Grey whales, other countries started whaling here as well. In the whaling peak years of 1855-1866, an estimated 1250 whales were landed in Magdalena Bay alone. By the end of the 19th century, the Grey whale population in the area was almost extinct.

In the early 19 hundreds, when the world was turbulent and war was on the doorstep, a few countries attempted to lease the area, once the American lease was over in 1907. In 1908 the American ‘Great White Fleet’ of 16 battleships cruised around the world and stopped for some artillery practices in Magdalena Bay. And in 1912, just before the first world war, there were rumors that Japan tried to buy the harbor from Mexico. Moreover, both the German Kaiser and the Emperor of Japan are mentioned to have tried to utilize the bay in historian Barbara Tuchman’s 1966 book The Zimmerman Telegram.  Some reports say Japanese submarines used the bay for shelter before the second world war, and an American submarine that disappeared in 1920 had been found just out of the bay in 2019. The International Whaling Commission banned Grey whale hunting in 1949, and the California grey whale population has been returning to Magdalena Bay every year since then, becoming the main tourist attraction in the area.

People and Industry

My second favorite thing about Magdalena Bay are the local people we work with. At Dive Ninja Expeditions we always try to support the people who live and protect the areas we run tours in. And they do an amazing job! There are only a few small settlements in the bay and along the large lagoon shores. The largest is Puerto San Carlos, a tiny fishing town located at the northern part of the bay, just below the elongated lagoons and extensive mangroves. The main industry here is artisanal fishing, sport fishing and eco-tourism. The artisanal fisheries produce shrimp, lobster, clams, and octopus in a sustainable industry and is limited to the inner parts of the bay. The waters out of the bay are a superb environment for larger, more exciting species. Sport fisherman come here to battle tuna, marlin, Mahi-mahi and other pelagic fish. There is even a tuna fishing tournament which attracts many visitors and competitors. But, there is also a big shark fishing industry on the outer side of the islands, which is not sustainable or very profitable. The eco-tours are what we are most interested in, and the options are various and plentiful. The islands, the mangroves, the bay and the open ocean all hold some amazing natural sights. I’ll talk about that in a moment (if you don’t mind…). Dive Ninja Expeditions collaborates with a few of the local operations in San Carlos, supporting the eco-tours and showing the community that there are sustainable ways to make a good profit, rather then exploiting endangered species.

Another special place in Magdalena Bay is Puerto Adolfo López Mateos. This little village sits in the north part, where Magdalena Island’s sand dunes are closer to the peninsula and create narrow waterways between the mangroves and the dunes. Fishing and eco-tourism are the main industries here as well, though the fishing part is not mostly artisanal such as in San Carlos. The village has a large cannery which processes mainly sardines and tuna, caught by industrial fishing vessels in the Pacific Ocean. Lopez Mateos is also considered one of the best places in the world to encounter Grey Whales. The legend tells, that during the whaling period, fisherman called the Grey whales Devilfish, as the whales would put up a fight when attacked by whalers, and many men were killed trying to land cows, bulls and calves. But one day, a small fishermen’s boat was approached by a lone Grey whale, and while the fishermen were terrified they were going to die, one of them put his hand out to the water. The whale in turn lifted it’s massive head to the hand and touched it, which was interpreted as a peace agreement between the fishermen and the gigantic ‘devil’. Magdalena Island also supports a tiny village called Puerto Magdalena, which offers whale watching tours in season, as well as hiking & ‘glamping’ on the island. Santa Margarita’s only settlement is called Puerto Cortes, and is a naval base, with no permanent residents.

The Best Part of All – Nature and Conservation

Already on the way to the towns and villages of Magdalena Bay, you’ll start seeing incredible natural environment and conservation efforts. Along the road, tall wooden poles, with platforms on their tops, have been placed to provide the ospreys and other marine birds safe nesting sites. Caracara and turkey vultures are also a very common sight, sitting on top of centuries old cardon cacti. These giant cactus trees are also protected by law. In fact, the whole area, including the islands, bay, lagoons and mangroves are all protected by the Mexican government. The locals make sure everyone complies to the rules of the protected area, and it is completely apparent they care about their natural resources. Many species live in the area year round, and bird watching, hiking and ‘glamping’ on the islands are great ways to admire the land and beaches of Magdalena Bay. The mangroves are a great place to see different kinds of heron, ibis, egret and many other coastal birds. Magdalena Island is also a habitat for bald eagles, coyotes and some rare endemic plants, and has the only natural source of fresh water in the whole area. Santa Margarita Island holds the seasonal hatching of the brown pelican chicks in spring. There’s even a tiny sand bank, in the middle of the bay, called the Bird Island where hundreds of cormorants, ducks and pelicans rest, until a boat comes by to make them soar to the sky and fly all around you.

But, the real best part, is the marine wildlife, and Magdalena Bay sure does deliver when it comes to unforgettable, unbelievable, breathtaking encounters. The most famous are the grey whales, which come to shelter in the shallow lagoons during the winter. After an amazing journey from the Bearing Sea where they feed, along the west coast of North America, they arrive to their destination, Magdalena Bay and the other lagoons of Baja California Sur. Here they mate, give birth and rear their young. Since the ‘peace treaty’ with men, they seem to really like interacting with people, coming right to the whale watching boats, rubbing along the sides of the vessels and even allowing people to touch them and splash them with water. It is not uncommon to have a full grown mama whale, bring her calf to the surface beside the boat for a long look. It is an amazing feeling looking a whale calf in the eye, realizing it is just as amazed as you are. Dive Ninja Expeditions gives you an opportunity to experience the incredible grey whale encounters in Magdalena Bay – our Gentle Giants Expeditions which take you all around Baja California Sur, including Lopez Mateos, to see not only the grey whales, but also blue and humpback whales, as well as whale sharks! We can also arrange a shorter excursion, to spend a couple of grey whales filled days in Lopez Mateos or San Carlos.

Our more action filled expedition in Magdalena Bay is based out of San Carlos and is one of the most thrilling experiences I have had in Baja. Dive Ninja Expeditions and Nakawe Project work together to bring you the Striped Marlin Expedition , on which you can witness the Mexican sardine run and swim in the open ocean, along with marlin, sea lions, dolphins and gigantic bait balls of sardines, mackerel and anchovies. Nowhere else have I seen so many pelagic species on one trip! The bait balls attract not only one of the fastest fish in the sea, the striped marlin, but also a variety of other species that cross the area. Humpback, fin and even rare sei whales, orcas, mako sharks, bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, along with many marine bird species, like frigates, boobies, sheerwaters, and many others are only some of the animals you can encounter on these mind-blowing expeditions. There’s nothing like swimming among the top predators of the sea, in their natural habitat. Seeing them look at you as an equal and giving you a turn at their bait ball, just to be confused by you not jumping on the opportunity. A real lesson in collaboration and sharing.

Want to explore the spectacular Magdalena Bay? Join us on one of our expeditions in the area to meet the people, animals and beautiful diversity this awe-inspiring place has to offer!

Nature and outdoors is what I love most. Animals, plants and terrain. Always seeking adventures, exploration and learning something new. Love being a Ninja Instructor and Expedition Guide and showing people the beauties of the world.  Follow Donna on Instagram

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About the staff.

Magdalena Bay Whales! Local family owned and operated, “Proudly creating life-long memories.” for more than 23,000 people in the past 40 plus years. You will have the privilege to embark on an interactive adventure through the majestic ever glade waters of Bahia Magdalena, with father Crispin M. (Whale king) or one of his three sons, that passionately follow in his footsteps.

The Whale King

Since 1976, Magdalena Bay (Mag Bay) Baja Mexico has blessed us with the opportunity to commercial fish & guide whale watching tours. We are intimately familiar with and have learned to care for and respect our long time friends “The Majestic Gray Whales” and deep blue waters of Baja California’s best-kept secret Magdalena Bay. From Puerto San Carlos, Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, South to Isla Magdalena, Alcatraz & beyond.

About Our Boats

Originally made for commercial fishing, able to hold up to 2,500 lbs, she provides a smooth ride. Equipped with a Spot Satellite Tracker, Marine VHS Radio, life jackets and first aid kit. And years of providing many great whale watching & eco tour memories, we can get her customized to your comfort needs. It’s equipped with factory made back support and wide, comfortable, clean cushion seats. Clean ice chest with plenty of sealed bottled water, sodas, Coronas (beer) if you prefer, and lots of snacks. We limit the number of passengers we carry, in an earnest attempt to make each tour satisfying and comfortable. The good news is that its all included in the cost.

Three Reasons Why

Our personal touch.

We will personally make contact through email or a phone call & give you all the info, facts & tips that you must know about your whale Magdalena Whale Watching Tour.

Our Personal Passion

It will be a privilege for my dad (Whale king), myself or one of our licensed & certified guides to share our passion and knowledge about the majestic gray whales & world class Magdalena Bay.You will have a great experience, allowing us to be your experienced local guide.

Our 100% Whale Guarantee

And last but not least, we will not charge you a dime (peso) until you “SEE” a whale at a minimum of 30-35 meters from our boat…

Meet The Magdalena Whale Team

Capt: Crispin M

Mother Maria E.

Capt: Juan Ramirez

Capt. C Marco Antonio

Capt: Cristepher Mateo

Capt: Miguel Ramirez

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Trip Finder

Whale watching tours with gray whales in baja’s magdalena bay, baja mexico sea kayaking, why choose sea quest for your gray whale watching tour in baja mexico, best location for spotting gray whales in baja, mexico, 30+ years as the foremost kayaking and natural history experts in baja mexico., our goal is simple: we want you to have the best sea kayaking tour of your life, we love our work as kayaking tour guides & educators., accessible boat assisted kayak tours.

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

Gray whale watching guaranteed! Of the whale watching tours we offer in Baja Mexico, this one is best for seeing whales at very close range, and plenty of them! Enormous Magdalena Bay is home to thousands of breeding gray whales. Dolphins and more than 100 species of marine birds spend the winter in the sheltered lagoons, including huge white pelicans, brant geese, and many waders. Emerald mangrove forests line the lagoons and shelter many birds and smaller marine life. On the other side of the dunes and barrier islands that separate Magdalena Bay from the Pacific Ocean is a surf-pounded beach studded with countless shipwrecks and tragic history.

This Baja whale watching tour uses a comfortable basecamp and so it is extremely well-suited for families and those who want a less challenging camping experience. The basecamp has large wall tents, cots for sleeping, solar showers, nightly slide shows, and even ice for your desert drinks! The basecamp is located on a remote shore where gray whale activity is excellent. We should see them breaching and spyhopping from our camp.

We can approach the whales with a motorized boat operated by a certified whale watching guide. Most days we are able to move within the herd and possibly get close enough to pet some of the friendly whales who seek our company. A motor boat will also be used for transport to the basecamp.

Sea kayaking can be done in the maze of mangroves that form an estuary along parts of the bay shore. The mangrove forest is a unique and productive marine habitat and is a great place to observe the birds and other marine mammals of Magdalena Bay. We do not approach the whales with the sea kayaks on this tour.

Beachcombing for whale bones, dune hiking, and bird watching is excellent. Although you may swim in Magdalena Bay, the water is silty and snorkeling is usually poor. This region is substantially windier and colder than our Sea of Cortez kayaking locations on the other side of the Baja Peninsula. But the gray whale watching is the best in the world and the importance of this area as a major winter habitat for huge bird concentrations can make up for those shortcomings. Besides, where else can you pet a whale?!

Whale Watching Baja – Gray Whale Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 – Arrive in La Paz, Mexico  Enjoy the small seaside city of La Paz with its wonderful waterfront malecon walkway and local markets. You are responsible for your own accommodations and meals in La Paz.
• Day 2 – First day of whale watching in Baja California  Tour leaders meet you very early after breakfast at your hotel. We board a van for a four hour drive across the Baja Peninsula. After reaching Magdalena Bay we board a motorized boat for a ride to basecamp on a remote beach in time for a late lunch. Depending on weather, we may use the boat for whale watching or go on a dune and beach hike. Basecamp is located in a high whale activity zone so expect to see and hear the whales right from your tent! Great hiking is found in the dunes and beaches. Your guides will be available at all times to identify flora and fauna, and discuss the natural history of the Baja California region.
• Days 3 & 4 – Enjoying Gray Whale Basecamp  Mornings are spent gray whale watching from a motor boat or kayaking as it is usually calmest early in the day. The boat will take us out for close up looks of the gray whales where we will hopefully encounter some “friendlies” who enjoy human contact. Afternoons are free to explore the remote and wild setting.
• Day 5 – Last day of whale watching in Mexico  After morning whale watching or kayaking, and a final lunch at basecamp, the boat will return us to civilization and the van ride back to La Paz by 600pm.
• Day 6 – Departure from La Paz, Mexico or continue your Baja vacation  Unless you have arranged to spend extra time vacationing in Mexico after your Baja whale watching adventure ends, you should get to airport at least 2 hours in advance of your flight.

Quick Tour Facts

Available from late January through mid March. Fees range from $199 to $1899 depending on trip length. Some trips blend kayaking and motor boats while some are exclusively motor boat trips. There is no age limit on motor boats and children aged 2 years or less go free! Only tandem kayaks are available. All meals are included at the gray whale watching basecamp; meals, hotels and airport transfers in La Paz are not included. Sleeping bags, pads, snorkel gear and wet suits are available for rent in La Paz if you choose not to bring your own.

Join us Gray Whale Watching in Baja Mexico’s Magdalena Bay this Winter!

All Group Sizes

Activity Level

Beginner Friendly

Starting From

May-Sept. Custom

Rated 4.6 / 5

(349 Reviews)

Frequently Asked Questions​

We provide the following:.

Sea kayaks, all related sea kayaking trip gear, safety equipment, transportation to and from La Paz and the launch beach, instruction and  expert guides . While camping, all  meals are provided . Our  all inclusive  listing price includes  spacious tents  to ensure you will be well rested for adventure. Sleeping bags and pads can be rented for an additional nominal fee – but feel free to bring your own!

What you need to bring:

Beach clothing, beach foot wear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and other miscellaneous camping gear.

A  detailed packing list  of camping related household items will be provided after you book your tour!

MAPS & ROUTES

Visit our Baja Mexico kayak map page to view or print a larger version of this Baja whale-watching tour map.

PLEASE NOTE:

We partner with a sister company in baja. based off our availability we may refer you to them. our prices and itineraries are similar but not identical. the magdalena gray whale watching tour is available versions ranging from 1 to 7 days. the longer version of the tour is shown below and includes multiple nights at the whale watching basecamp. the shorter versions are the same except that the number of nights at the basecamp for enjoying the whales and baja environment are reduced..

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