Gray Whale Watching Tour at Lopez Mateos
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience one of the most incredible close up wildlife
encounters on the planet with the friendly gray whales of
Magdalena Bay.
Located on Baja’s Pacific Coast, Magdalena Bay is a world
renowned winter nursery grounds of the California gray whale.
Late December through mid March, hundreds of gray whales
mate and bear their young in these protected waters after
traveling over 5000 miles from the Bering Strait.
The gray whale calving lagoons gained acclaim in the early 1970s
when a gray whale made contact with a local fisherman, allowing him to
pat her head. Word spread of this remarkable occurrence both among the
fishermen and apparently among the gray whales, who now eagerly approach
whale watching boats and interact freely with guests on board.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Magdalena Bay
Going on a whale watching tour in Loreto is a must-do!
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Lunch at a local restaurant
Experienced Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Refreshments
Use of Panga Boat
Gratuities
Pickup points
Villa Del Palmar At The Islands Of Loreto By Danzante Bay
Carr. Transpeninsular Km. 84 Loreto Mexico
Options
Interactive Whale Watching & Lunch Cruise
Pickup included
7:00 am Option
Different Time
Pickup included
Reviews
16 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome whale watching trip
nancyi600,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whale watching trip was awesome! Our guides, Chris & Carlos were very attentive, entertaining/funny & accommodating. We got to see so many whales & one was friendly enough to hang out with our boats & even let us pet "her." The petting is unusual, though. Blessed! Definitely plan on doing it next time too!
Close-up encounters with gray whales in the wild
carmenwilf,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must excursion when you are staying in Loreto for more than a week. It is a full 8 hour day that includes 4 hours return trip in an air conditioned van, 2 amazing hours watching for gray whales in Magdalena Bay, and a hearty Mexican lunch in Puerto Lopez Mateos. You travel across the BSC peninsula from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean through mountains and desert plateaus. Our guide and driver, Carlos, has a vast knowledge of whales and a respectful and eco-friendly manner with these beautiful creatures. Carlos and the boat captain worked collaboratively to give us sightings of more than 6 gray whales with no stress to these wild animals. A thoroughly satisfying day. Many thanks Carlos.
Excellent gray whale watching tour
Quest26999673643,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! First of all, our guide, Francisco was kind, knowledgeable and very good at his job. He transported the 5 of us on the tour in a clean, comfortable, air conditioned van across the beautiful countryside through the mountains, to the coast, for our gray whale tour. We learned alot about local plants, and economy, and had a wonderful lunch at a small local restaurant along the way. The whale watching itself was the highlight of my visit to Loreto! The small panga boat was in great condition and the captain did an excellent job finding many whales for us to see. While no whales came within touching distance of our boat, we did see several within 10-20 feet, and got great pictures of tail flips, water spouts, mulitiple jumps, and even a partial breach! It was very exciting being near so many of these beautiful creatures. I would advise other tour goers to bring a light jacket, since it does get chilly while on the water, and a small backpack or bag to carry a few supplies like water, snacks, and sunscreen. And, make sure you wear shoes that aren’t slippery. I would highly recommend this tour, and won’t hesitate to go again when I return to Loreto.
A must do event
Helen S,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We went out into the Pacific to find single whales as it was a little too early to see the babies. We ended up in a pod and interacted with them for several hours. We were able to touch them! Just like really big sea puppies!
Great whale watching tour
Jimo110,,Mar 24, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mario was a fantastic guide and the tour was great. Even though it was the end of the season we found whales, dolphins and other sea life. Mario was funny and informative and our boat captain was a real pro. I have used Wild Loreto Tours several times while in Loreto area and the experience has always been top notch.
Great people
Swtrunner,,Jan 27, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My fiance and I recently got back from Loreto. Mario was our tour guide for the day on our whale watching tour and was amazing. They arranged transportation, provided information on the wild life along the way and put us on some grey whales. I believe we saw 15 greys, so that was a win. Lunch was provided along the way and was great. Mario also help us to arrange an islands tour. Overall the experience was great and would highly recommend Wild Loreto.
Amazing day
Shänna S,,Mar 22, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We used Wild Loreto tours for our whale watching experience because they "rescued" us when our taxi driver did not show up on a previous day. The driver who helped us was so wonderful we could not imagine using any other tour company. (thanks Pedro) Our driver and tour guide, Francisco, was just as wonderful. We left Loreto with two other tourists in a van driven by Francisco. We drove a couple of hours to the Pacific side of Baja to Magdalena Bay. Along the way he explained about the terrain and knew all about the wild life and cacti. He was especially knowledgeable about the birds. Upon arriving at the bay he joined us in our panga for 2 hours out on the water where we saw a multitude of grey whales, and yes, some of the babies came right up to the boat. It was a rough day on the bay with wind and waves, but it didn't matter. It was a trip to not be forgotten. We have followed whales in Alaska, California and Hawaii. Nothing compared to this. We stopped for lunch on the way back at a spot that is only open during whale season. The lunch was great. We had a pleasant and safe drive home after an amazing day. I would highly recommend Wild Loreto tours.
A Bucket List Tour!
brab,,Mar 6, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We scratched a whale and we liked it💙. Luis our guide and Manuel our driver were excellent. Luis was entertaining and informative on our drive to Magdalena Bay. His excitement and enthusiasm once we were on the boat spotting the abundant grey whales was contagious. Our captain and Luis found two “friendly” whales and gently positioned our boat so that one came alongside to scratch herself against our boat numerous times. Coming so close allowed us to give her a good scratch as well. Truly a lifelong memory. Magdalena Bay is a little wavy but we felt safe. Wild Loreto provided us with a delicious lunch after and safe transport there and back. This is a big yes to book if you are in Loreto during “whale” season!
Highlight of our trip
Craig-World-Travelle,,Feb 22, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went to Magdalena Bay with Wild Loreto and had a fantastic day. They picked us up a the pier in Loreto and drove us to Mag Bay. Had a great couple of hours in the boat with Grey Whale mothers and babies right next to the boat. Had a great lunch at a nearby restaurant. Our guide Chalio and driver were very friendly and knowledgable and spoke great English. It was the highlight of our entire 11 day vacation.
Amazing!
uzid2020,,Feb 10, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you for your passion, your professionalism, your safety and your humor. Having all local guides who know the area so well added to the wonderful experience. See you next time!
From US$185.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Wild Loreto