Miguel Aguíñiga Rodríguez, Baja California’s Secretary of Tourism, has announced the start of the whale shark observation season, running from June 1 to December 15 in Bahía de los Ángeles.
The whale shark, the largest fish in the world, is a harmless species that visits the waters of the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve, established by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP). Visitors can spot them in areas such as El Rincón and Playa La Gringa, where their main food source, plankton, is abundant.
Aguíñiga Rodríguez noted that anyone interested in swimming with whale sharks must purchase an access bracelet, priced at $125 pesos for Mexican nationals and $215 pesos for international visitors. The bracelet is valid for one day within the protected area and can be purchased at the CONANP office in Bahía de los Ángeles.
Guidelines for Whale Shark Watching and Swimming
Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible and sustainable tourism. To help protect this species and its habitat, CONANP has established the following rules:
- Use only authorized tour operators.
- Do not touch or ride the whale sharks.
- Avoid obstructing the animal’s path.
- Do not dive or jump into the water from boats.
- Do not use flash when taking photos.
- Do not operate drones, jet skis, or personal watercraft in areas where whale sharks are present.
- Maintain a minimum distance of two meters from the animals.
- Use only biodegradable sunscreen.
The Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve spans nearly 380,000 hectares (roughly 939,000 acres) and includes part of the Baja California coastline, 16 main islands, numerous islets and channels. It is home to several endangered marine species, including the whale shark, fin whale, California sea lion, and five species of sea turtles.
For more information, visit https://descubreanp.conanp.gob.mx or contact the San Quintín Department of Tourism at (616) 165-3645.
