Whale time in Cabo

Big excitement this week as the first sightings of grey whales were made in the waters of the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, in Laguna San Ignacio. 

Photograph: Christopher Swann

Local fisherman suggest these are the male whales, they always arrive 2-3 weeks before the pregnant females. They expect many more to arrive in Laguna San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay over the next week or so.

The waters around BCS, especially in Loreto, can attract up to as many as 5000 grey whales per season. It is estimated that at least 2000 of these whales will have been born in the waters of Ojo del Libre, San Ignacio or Magdalena bay.

Every year these huge cetaceans swim more than 12,000km from the cold waters of the North Pole to the warmer waters of Baja California Sur. Where they stay for about five months feeding, mating and giving birth.

The whales bring thousands of tourists to the area every year. And provide huge economic benefits to the local community. And to safeguard the lives of the whales, loads of conservation programs are in place. Plus training and permits for all tour operators.

The official whale watching season begins on Dec 15 through to April 30. If you haven’t yet witnessed this amazing event. You must. It’s the perfect excuse to make a trip to Cabo.

Make sure you take a tour with a registered provider. And book a budget room with a boutique feel at Los Milagros Hotel Rooms $70-$120 including all taxes.