Baja California Gray Whale Migration: Encounters & Lagoons

The Greatest Migration on Earth

Every year, thousands of Gray Whales travel over 10,000 miles from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to the warm, salty lagoons of the Baja California Peninsula. This is one of the longest migrations of any mammal, and Baja provides the only place on earth where you can witness the “Friendly Whale” phenomenon.

The Three Sacred Lagoons

To see the Gray whales, you must venture into one of three primary lagoons designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites:

1. Scammon’s Lagoon (Ojo de Liebre): The largest of the lagoons, located near Guerrero Negro. It boasts the highest concentration of whales.
2. San Ignacio Lagoon: Famous for being the most pristine and for the highest frequency of “friendly” encounters where whales actively seek out human interaction.
3. Magdalena Bay: The southernmost lagoon, offering a mix of whale watching and incredible birding in the mangroves.

Why are they “Friendly”?

Unlike other species that maintain a distance, Baja’s Gray whales (especially mothers and calves) often approach small boats (pangas) to be touched or “scratched.” This behavior is unique to this region and is managed under strict environmental regulations to ensure the whales’ safety.

Best Time to Visit Baja

• January: Season begins, whales start arriving and settling into lagoons.
• February - March: Peak Season. Ideal for seeing calves and experiencing the most interactive behavior.
• April: The migration north begins.

Traveling Responsibility

The lagoons are remote. Most visitors stay in “glamping” eco-camps or take multi-day expeditions from San Diego or Cabo San Lucas. We recommend booking with operators who hold SEMARNAT permits and follow the silent-engine approach protocols.

Baja isn’t just a destination; it’s a profound connection with another species.