Loreto, a charming town nestled on the east coast of Baja California Sur along the Sea of Cortez, provides access to Loreto Bay National Park. This park is celebrated for its five major islands and thrives as an outstanding habitat for marine life, including several endangered species. Jacques Cousteau famously dubbed this area "the world’s aquarium" in recognition of its stunning biodiversity.

*Baja adventures expedition boat “La Puma” with bottlenose dolphins during a marine expedition in Loreto*

This marine park presents a unique opportunity to witness the majesty of blue whales – the largest animals on Earth – in their natural habitat. As a boutique expedition operator based in Loreto, we're committed to regenerative tourism, ensuring our tours not only minimize environmental impact but actively contribute to the health of this delicate ecosystem. Many sources refer to this area of Baja as one of the top locations worldwide to spot Blue Whales every year.

*A majestic blue whale in 2025 season captured in Loreto Bay by our talented guide, Regina Domingo*

This prime location sees blue whales transiting the Gulf of California during their annual migration. While theories vary, it's suggested that these giants use these waters to rest, and potentially mate, give birth, and raise their young, taking advantage of the calm, protected environment. Another theory proposes that the whales come to the Baja area to feed on the nutrient rich waters where plankton thrive.

Why choose a regenerative whale watching experience?

Our approach goes beyond simply observing wildlife; we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between species and their environment. That's why we prioritize:

*Baja adventures expedition boat “La Puma” with guests during a whale expedition in Loreto*

Small group sizes: Minimizing disturbance to the whales and their habitat.
Expert guides: Our team includes experienced and local naturalists passionate about conservation.
Responsible practices: We adhere to strict guidelines for whale watching, ensuring a safe and respectful experience for both our guests and the whales.
Citizen science: key to supporting our cetacean distribution project in collaboration with researchers at CICESE. Together, we can deepen our understanding of marine life and protect these incredible species for future generations.

What sets our expeditions apart

Two Guides, Enhanced Experience: To maximize your learning and viewing opportunities, we always have two knowledgeable bilingual guides on board. One focuses on spotting and interpreting whale behavior and taking photo ID’s and collect cetacean distribution crucial data while the other provides in-depth ecological and biological insights.
Comfort and safety: Our specialized boat LA PUMA is equipped with a restroom (WC) for your comfort during the expedition, as well as safety equipment and shade.

A day on the water: more than just blue whales

While blue whales are the stars of the show, Loreto Bay teems with other incredible marine life. During the blue whale season (January-March), keep an eye out for:

*A humpback whale captured in Loreto during 2025 season, Bay by our guide, Regina Domingo*

Humpback Whales: Known for their acrobatic displays, these whales sometimes grace the waters of Loreto Bay.
Fin Whales: Sleek and fast, fin whales are the second-largest whale species and are frequently observed in the area.
Hybrid Whales: Occasionally, we encounter whale species that exhibit characteristics of two different types, providing a unique glimpse into the complexities of marine genetics. In Loreto we can observe fin whale and blue whale hybrid!
Dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds, adding to the diversity of the marine ecosystem.

*Common dolphins during a Baja Adventures winter expedition in Loreto*

The importance of daily scouting by our team

*Our founder Leopoldo Sanmiguel searching for whales in Loreto*

The location of whales within Loreto Bay National Park varies throughout the season, as these magnificent creatures move around in search of the most productive feeding grounds. Our team dedicates time every day to survey the area, identifying prime locations and ensuring the highest chance of sightings. This dedication maximizes both your enjoyment and the scientific value of our expeditions. The data we collect is shared with local scientists to aid in ongoing research and protection efforts. Whale activity can depend on luck but our experienced team knows the best locations to maximize the possibilities of a great sighting depending on the week during the season

Ecological insights: The Blue whale's role

*A majestic blue whale captured in Loreto Bay by our wildlife guide, Regina Domingo!*

Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are not only the largest animals on Earth but also play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. As baleen whales, they filter-feed on krill and other planktonic organisms, helping to regulate populations and distribute nutrients throughout the water column. Their presence supports a diverse web of life, from microscopic organisms to larger predators. The krill fead on the nutrient coming from the bottom of the sea after the upwelling during the winter season. This season creates a dynamic ecosystem where big and small species thrive together. The area surrounding Loreto is ideal for whale watching, with the whales just a short boat ride away from the marina. Seeing and hearing their "blows"—the plume of mist they expel when surfacing to breathe—is often the first sign of their presence, followed by the appearance of their sleek back and small dorsal fin. These gentle giants are known for their docile nature and immense size, with a tongue weighing as much as an elephant and a heart the size of a car! In fact, their total weight can be equivalent to as much as 33 elephants! Blue whales in this region are part of the eastern North Pacific population, one of the largest known, numbering around 2,800 individuals, of the estimated 10,000 to 25,000 that exist. These baleen whales spend their time in shallower waters or at the surface, using specialized plates in their mouths to sieve food from the water. From the surface, their skin appears grey, but in the water, it appears a true blue color giving them their iconic name.

These blues whales, from approximately November onwards, begin their journey South from the Arctic waters off Alaska and Canada where they spend their summer months feeding. However, blue whales tend to have the shortest stay of all migrating whales in Baja California Sur, typically remaining in the Gulf of California near Loreto for around two months.

Planning your trip: When to visit

*Baja adventures expedition boat “La Puma” and Regina Domingo our wildlife guide capturing whale’s ID’s during a whale expedition in Loreto*

The optimal time to witness blue whales in Loreto is during the winter months, specifically from mid January to mid March. While whale activity in Baja generally occurs between December and April, Loreto's whale season is concentrated within this narrower window due to its northerly location. The peak season for blue whale sightings in Loreto, when their numbers are highest, is the end of January and February, providing the best opportunity for a sighting. It's worth noting that the precise arrival time of the whales can vary from year to year.

A Note on Blue whale behavior and sightings

Blue whales are often solitary animals, and while few mothers can sometimes be observed with their calves, it is more common to spot individual whales. While we cannot guarantee a sighting, our experienced captain and guides will make every effort to locate whales within the national park. The search may involve cruising through the bay on the lookout, or, on some lucky days, a whale may be spotted almost immediately. Be prepared for a rewarding experience that requires patience and a sense of adventure!

*A majestic blue whale captured in Loreto near Carmen Island by our guide, Regina Domingo*

Thanks to the generally calm waters in the bay, seasickness is not typically a concern. You’ll usually spot a blue whale from its breath first, seeing a plume of mist expelled from the whale’s nostrils as it surfaces to breathe. Then its sleek back rises from the water, followed by a small dorsal fin breaking the surface. On days when the water is especially still, the bay can be as smooth and sparkly as glass.

Once spotted, the captain will carefully navigate the boat towards the whale, adhering to all legal speed regulations and maintaining a designated distance to ensure the whale's safety and well-being.

*Baja adventures expedition boat “La Puma” during a whale expedition in Loreto*

Ethical whale watching in Loreto

We understand the importance of responsible wildlife tourism. Whale watching in Loreto is conducted under strict regulations set forth by SEMARNAT (Mexico’s environment ministry). Only authorized boats, operated by companies that have met specific criteria and undergone required training, are permitted to engage in whale watching activities. It is prohibited to use your own boat or hire a private boat without the whale watching permits for the purpose of whale watching, ensuring a controlled and ethical environment.

Loreto Bay's protected status means it is carefully monitored with special legislation to safeguard the marine life within. The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) actively patrols the bay to ensure that tour companies adhere to the regulations and can revoke permits for non-compliance. The dedication of the local community also led to the area being declared a National Park in 1996. These measures provide a safe haven for many animals, including endangered species. In addition to whales, you might encounter dolphins, turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and a dazzling array of fish.

*Blue-footed boobies observed in Loreto during a winter marine expedition*

The relaxed surface behaviour and feeding patterns we typically observe indicate that the whales are generally unbothered by our presence, reflecting the success of these ethical practices. In 2005, Loreto Bay's significance was further recognized when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reflecting on a successful whale season and looking ahead

The Loreto whale season has drawn to a close, but what a beautiful season it was! As the waters warm and orcas have arrived to hunt in the area. While the krill population may be dwindling, leaving only humpback and fin whales remaining in the park, we experienced incredible sunrises and unforgettable days on the water. This season, we were privileged to witness a variety of marine life, including blue whales, 2 with calves, fin whales, hybrids, humpbacks, orcas, and different species of dolphins, all thriving in these productive waters.

Our 2025 whale season is wrapping up, with our final expeditions running until April 15th.

*Bottle nose dolphins captured in Loreto by our guide Regina Domingo*

Transitioning to spring: New adventures await!

However, the vibrant marine ecosystem of Baja California remains teeming with life, offering exciting new opportunities for exploration. As we transition to our spring expeditions, we anticipate spotting sperm whales and pilot whales, drawn to the abundant squid populations this year. Spring also brings the spectacle of massive dolphin superpods and the awe-inspiring aggregation of mobula rays in the Gulf of California.

*Common dolphin super pod captured in Loreto by our guide Regina Domingo*

Secure your spot for the whale season in 2026!

Join our spring and summer 2025 regenerative tourism marine expeditions and witness these incredible events, or reserve your place for the 2026 whale season now! February remains the peak month for blue whale sightings, making it the most sought-after period for our whale expeditions. Our 2026 calendar is now open— secure your spot for an unforgettable experience alongside the gentle giants of the ocean!

*A majestic blue whale captured in Loreto by our guide, Regina Domingo*

Join our whale season 2026

Loreto Blue Whale Season: Plan for 2026 (2025 season highlights)