The diversity of large marine mammals roaming offshore Mexico include sperm whales, blue whales, killer whales, and grey whales, but all these are quite elusive and hence are rarely spotted during whale watching tours.
Humpback whales, however, aren't afraid of people and are likely to leap out of the water right next to your boat. You can enjoy whale watching in Baja California Sur. Los Cabos is quite a popular spot, to name a few. The fishing village of Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos located at the north end of Magdalena Bay event holds the International Festival of the Gray Whale is celebrated, Whale-watching tours are also possible further south in Puerto Vallarta or along the Riviera Nayarit.
If you prefer a less touristic location, go south to Bahia de Petatlan, boasting a few fishing villages and a long stretch of pristine beach in the Mexican state of Guerrero, However, humpbacks are seasonal visitors in Mexico as they come from the cold American Northwest areas to the warmth of the Pacific. Overall, the Pacific coast of Mexico welcomes about 2,000 humpback whales to mate and calf. Their winter stay lasts from December through March.
Practical info
When can one witness the migration of humpback whales towards Mexico, and which other whales might be observed?
From December to March, humpback whales migrate from the north to mate and calf in Mexico's Pacific coast. Apart from humpback whales, one may hope to see elusive species like sperm whales, blue whales, killer whales, and grey whales during whale watching tours. Though the chances of running into them are not as high as they are for humpback whales, which number about 2,000 at the location. Show more
Which species of whales are more dominant in the whale watching tours across Mexico?
Whale watching tours in Mexico primarily feature humpback whales. Humpback whales are known to leap out of the water and show off by getting up close to humans. Other species that can be found in the vicinity are less common, and sightings are therefore rarer. These include blue whales, Sperm whales, killer whales, and gray whales. Show more
Which spots offer the best whale watching experience, and which ones offer a quieter experience?
Mexico's Los Cabos, Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Nayarit are some of the best places for whale watching. While Los Cabos may get crowded, other places such as Bahia de Petatlan in Guerrero tend to see fewer tourists and offer a more tranquil experience. These places offer a rich concentration of humpback whales and other sea mammals for sightings and interactions. Show more
Aside from whales, what other types of marine animals are one likely to spot in Mexico's waters?
Mexico's marine habitats are teeming with life, and you're likely to see a wide variety of animals like dolphins, sea lions, and seals while on a whale watching tour. The waters feature several species of dolphins, including the common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, spotted dolphin, and Pacific white-sided dolphin. Other animals one may encounter include sea turtles, sharks or mantas, and harbor seals resting on rocky outcrops. Show more
What is the duration of the principal whale watching season?
Humpback whales tend to visit the warm Pacific waters of Mexico from around December to March. They come from colder regions of the American Northwest, making the most of the tropical climate. The experience might be affected by factors such as climatic conditions and regional environmental influences. In general, it is best to double-check with the tour providers and watchdogs for updates on the best time to visit for whale watching. Show more
