Monocular: The Blue whale with unique holes in its fluke that returns to Loreto in some winters.

Blue whale “Monocular” in Loreto, BCS by Regina Domingo

Loreto, located on the eastern coast of Baja California Sur, is a vital habitat for blue whales, attracting these magnificent creatures each winter. The region's Loreto Bay National Park encompasses five large islands and offers protected waters that are essential for the feeding, calving, and mating of blue whales. This area is renowned as one of the best places in the world to observe these gentle giants, who migrate to the Gulf of California seeking nutrient-rich waters teeming with krill.Every year from January to March, blue whales flock to Loreto, taking advantage of the warmer waters and abundant food sources. The unique geography of the park, with its sheltered bays and rich marine biodiversity, creates an ideal environment for these whales to thrive. Here, mothers nurse their calves in safety while the young learn to swim and feed, making Loreto not just a stopover but a crucial nursery for blue whale populations.The presence of blue whales in Loreto highlights the ecological significance of this region and underscores the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitat. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Loreto Bay National Park is not only a haven for blue whales but also supports a diverse array of marine life, making it a key destination for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Blue whale “Monocular” in Loreto, BCS by Regina Domingo

Many people have inquired about Monocular, the first blue whale spotted by our team at Baja Adventures and Nakawe Project this season in Loreto, BCS, which has unique holes in its fluke or tail. Our hypothesis is that these marks were caused by a cookie-cutter shark (Isistius brasiliensis), a small deep-sea shark known for its distinctive feeding behavior. Cookie-cutter sharks leave characteristic circular wounds on larger marine animals, including whales, by attaching to their prey and using specialized teeth to extract flesh in the shape of a "cookie," resulting in unique scars that serve as identifiers for individual animals.

Blue whale “Monocular” in Loreto, BCS by Regina Domingo

In the case of Monocular, the marks on its tail not only indicate encounters with other marine species but also assist researchers and local captains in identifying it upon its return to Loreto. Each blue whale possesses a uniquely shaped dorsal fin and fluke, along with scars or injuries acquired over time, akin to a fingerprint. These features enable scientists to track individual whales, study their movements, habitat use, and social behaviors

The distinctive markings on Monocular have made it an icon of Loreto’s waters, symbolizing the fascinating stories each whale carries throughout its oceanic journey. Observing such unique individuals enhances our understanding of marine life and the complex interactions within ocean ecosystems.Join us for a whale expedition this winter and learn more about these incredible creatures and other species that inhabit Loreto during this season. For reservations, please contact us at info@bajaadventures.com.

Our expedition boat in Loreto, La Puma

Photos by wildlife specialist guide Regina Domingo aboard La Puma expedition boat on a expedition in Loreto Bay National Park.