Baja California is calling on residents and travelers to witness one of the Pacific’s most awe-inspiring natural events: the annual gray whale migration.
According to Miguel Ángel Badiola Montaño, head of the state tourism department, Ensenada is a prime spot to see these marine giants up close as they travel along Baja California’s coastline. Each winter, gray whales make one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom, traveling up to 18,000 kilometers round-trip from the Arctic to Baja’s lagoons to breed and give birth.
The migration draws both domestic and international tourists eager for a responsible wildlife experience, while also enjoying Ensenada’s culinary and cultural offerings. Popular viewing areas include the waters near the Islas Todos Santos and the area around La Bufadora, where conditions make it easier to spot the whales during their passage.
Badiola emphasized that the activity not only promotes tourism but also encourages conservation and respect for wildlife. Despite their size and strength, gray whales face threats from marine pollution, accidental fishing, and boat traffic. In Mexico, the species is officially protected, and measures are in place to ensure its preservation.
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To guarantee a safe and responsible experience, visitors are advised to book tours only with vessels certified by the Mexican environmental agency SEMARNAT and to follow the guidance of authorized captains and guides.
As part of these efforts, the Caracol Museo de Ciencias, along with Indómita Aventuras Educativas, offers a course on recommended whale-watching practices, helping operators prioritize the safety of both visitors and the whales.
Badiola invited everyone to enjoy the spectacle responsibly, helping protect the species while supporting sustainable tourism in Baja California.
