TODOS SANTOS WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Face-to-Face with Gray Whales: A Day in Magdalena Bay from Todos Santos
A full-day expedition to Magdalena Bay to observe gray whales in the sheltered lagoons during their winter migration — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Face-to-Face with Gray Whales: A Day in Magdalena Bay from Todos Santos.
Each winter, gray whales withdraw into Baja’s sheltered lagoons to calve, mate and teach their young — and Magdalena Bay is one of the handful of places on earth where these gentle giants feel safe enough to approach boats and interact with humans. The Mag Bay Whale Watching Day Trip runs from Todos Santos with an operator experienced in guiding respectful, up-close encounters with mothers and calves amid protected waters.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up-close encounters with gray whales
Magdalena Bay’s sheltered lagoons offer repeated opportunities to watch gray whales nurse, spy-hop, show flukes and display mating and teaching behaviors — often close enough to feel the scale of these animals and the intimacy of their family interactions.
Witness mating, nursing and playful displays
During the season, whales in the bay demonstrate a range of behaviors — from nursing calves to mating displays and spy-hopping — giving a rare, concentrated window into their social lives.
A protected lagoon where whales feel safe
The bay’s protected waters and the local shift away from fishing during the season create an environment where gray whales routinely approach boats, creating the possibility for memorable, close encounters.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
It’s an extended coastal day: a road transfer from Todos Santos down to Puerto Chale, followed by boat time in Magdalena Bay’s protected lagoon watching whales at close range with bilingual water guides. The trip is built around slow, patient observation — moments of silence punctuated by the sudden, intimate presence of a mother and calf rising beside the boat.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should check details with the operator.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip is a single, full-day excursion with a total duration of 11 hours; it centers on the winter season when gray whales come into the lagoons to calve and mate.
Bring a reusable water bottle (disposable water bottles are prohibited) and a hoodie or sweater to stay warm between activities; the operator supplies water, snacks, breakfast and lunch.
Round-trip transportation from Todos Santos to Puerto Chale is included; meeting is at your accommodation in Todos Santos or at the Todos Santos Surf Shop.
The trip price covers whale watching, bilingual water guides, snorkel gear and wetsuits if needed, park entry fees, meals and snacks, and water.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The trip is 11 hours in total.
Where do we meet?
You can be picked up at your accommodation in Todos Santos or meet the group at the Todos Santos Surf Shop.
What is included in the trip?
Round-trip transportation from Todos Santos to Puerto Chale, whale watching, water, a bilingual water guide, snorkel gear and wetsuits if needed, park entry fees, snacks, breakfast and lunch are included.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes — the trip is offered for all ages.
What should I bring?
Bring a reusable water bottle (disposable bottles are prohibited) and a hoodie or sweater to stay warm between activities.
Will I be able to snorkel?
Snorkel gear and wetsuits are available from the operator if needed.