If swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, wait until you touch a whale. Yes, you read that right — I TOUCHED A WHALE in Baja California, Mexico!
Whale watching in Baja turned out to be one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences of my life. Nowhere else in the world can you get this close — literally hands-on — to a wild grey whale. And if you’re lucky, like I was, one of these majestic creatures might just glide up to your boat and invite a gentle pat.
Why Baja California Is the Best Place in the World for Whale Watching
Every year, grey whales migrate thousands of miles from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm, shallow lagoons of Baja California Sur, Mexico, to breed and give birth. One of the top whale watching spots in the world, Ojo de Liebre Lagoon near Guerrero Negro, is a sanctuary where these gentle giants feel safe — and sometimes even seek out interaction with humans.
What makes this place so unique? Mexico is the only place in the world where grey whales are known to voluntarily approach boats and allow themselves to be touched. It’s a deeply humbling and emotional experience that connects you with nature in a profound way.
Malarrimo Ecotours – The Best Whale Watching Tour in Guerrero Negro
We booked our whale watching adventure with Malarrimo Ecotours, one of the most trusted and eco-friendly tour operators in the area. Based out of the Malarrimo Hotel in Guerrero Negro, Malarrimo offers daily whale watching tours at 8:00 AM and noon, from January to April — the peak of the whale season.
We chose the 8:00 AM tour, which costs about U$S55 per person — a fantastic deal for what turned out to be a life-changing adventure. The tour begins with a quick shuttle ride from the hotel to the docks, followed by a fun boat ride into the Ojo de Liebre Lagoon.
Once there, you’re surrounded by the spouts, breaches, and playful tail slaps of countless grey whales. And if fortune smiles on you — as it did for us — one might approach your boat and linger long enough for a gentle touch.
Sustainable, Responsible Whale Watching in Baja
One of the things I loved about Malarrimo Ecotours is their commitment to eco-tourism and sustainability. The guides are knowledgeable, respectful of the whales, and ensure that all interactions are safe and non-invasive. It’s all about coexisting with nature, not exploiting it.
Plan Your Whale Watching Trip to Baja, Mexico
If you’re planning a trip to Baja, Mexico and looking for a unique wildlife encounter, make sure whale watching in Guerrero Negro is at the top of your itinerary. Here’s what you need to know:
- Time to Visit: January to April
- Tour Departs From: Malarrimo Hotel, Guerrero Negro
- Tour Price: Around $55 USD per person
- Tour Times: 8AM and 12PM daily
- Tour Operator: Malarrimo Ecotours
Final Thoughts:
Touching a whale in the wild is not something I ever imagined possible. But in Baja California Sur, Mexico, it’s real — and it’s extraordinary. If you crave adventure, connection, and the raw beauty of nature, this is an experience you’ll never forget. Add it to your bucket list. You won’t regret it.