Full Day Gray Whale Watching Experience
Recommended by 92% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Paz, Mexico
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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What's Included
- Bottled water
- Soda/Pop
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
1
Gray Whale National Park (Parque Natural de Ballenas Gris)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This trip requires certain weather conditions, in case of cancellation another date will be offered or a refund will be generated.
- There is a minimum number of people to carry out the activity, in case of cancellation another date will be offered or a refund will be generated.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 36 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Debbie_M
It was an amazing experience being in the presence of these beautiful creatures. Everything was prefect. Our host and her team was very knowledgeable.
Reviews
4.7
based on 66 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
info, Mar 2026
Make sure to bring a thin jacket if you are prone to freezing easily. You will be served a lunch with softdrinks. The lunch was the worst we had during our 14-day trip.
They said that it would be the last week for whale watching and that only 50 whales were still in the bay. However, we could see quite a few pretty close to the boat. Every now and then sticking there head out of the water. The boat trip was partially a bit bumpy. Keep it in mind in case you are prone to seasickness.
Jodie_R, Mar 2026
A must do! We saw so many whales and even babies. Our captain did a great job of getting us away from the crowds and that is when we had a whale come right up to our boat. Unforgetable!
Ashley_M, Feb 2026
Our guide was very knowledgeable. The best advice would be if you’re going to take this excursion plan the first day but then leave at least one other day of your trip open just in case it needs to get moved. There are many factors, including tides, winds, and currents that might make it not an ideal day. This happened to us, but we actually had an open day that worked better for while watching.
Antonio_C, Feb 2026
The experience was good, we spotted a lot of whales near the boat. Unfortunately they did not stay just next to the boat, but nonetheless it was worth. Guides are friendly and knowledgeable. I honestly think this is a very long drive of 2 hours plus each way, for only 2 hours in the water. And of course, those 2 hours in the water include sailing from the port to the whales location. So overall it is a very very short time of contact with the whales. Keep that in mind fo the price this costs. Food must be improved.
Troy_K, Feb 2026
The trip was exceptional. Got to get up close to to experience the whales. Our guide Salvador was is a wonderful and very informative. We will do it again in the future.
Suzy_K, Feb 2026
This is a must do! Please remember you are dealing with wildlife and may not get to touch the whales, but you WILL see them! This group WILL bring you to the magical creatures! Suzannah was amazing and very knowledgeable. She helped us with other things we will enjoy doing as well. The town is 2 hours away and the ride to the whales was about 25 mins from the town. It includes a lunch at the local restaurant which was super authentic. I also loved that the captain would not block the whales in with other boats and make it feel like a petting zoo. Give them their peace
Dirk_M, Feb 2026
Picked up on time. Susanna was our guide, she was excellent and provided some great information about the whales and the area, she also provided some great sandwiches as a snack during the drive. Our van driver was also excellent and super friendly. We saw lots of Gray Whales, several pods of dolphins and a couple Sea Lions. Lunch was also provided which was nice. The 2 hour drive each way is long, but worth it, we actually did this trip the week before as well! Highly recommended!
Jill_G, Feb 2026
Incredibly punctual pick up and a great whale watching experience! Saw tons of whales! Lunch was delicious - he found us bathrooms when needed, it was a great experience!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the punctual pickup, the whale watching experience, and that you had the chance to see so many whales. We’re also happy you enjoyed the lunch and that our team could take care of every detail along the way.
It truly means a lot to us to know you had a great experience. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! 🌊🐋
Richard_G, Jan 2026
Exceeded expectations. Saw dozens of whales, often 2-3 or a half dozen within 100 yards of our boat.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! 🌊🐋
We’re thrilled to hear that your trip exceeded expectations and that you were able to witness so many gray whales around the boat. Seeing them surface, travel in small groups, and move freely in their natural environment is truly a magical experience—and one that never gets old for us.
Thank you for choosing to travel with purpose and for being part of an experience that supports respectful wildlife observation and marine conservation. We hope to welcome you back again for another unforgettable adventure at sea.
Warm regards,
Baja Whales Team 🐋🌊
Rebecca_V, Mar 2025
This lived up to my expectations! We were in a boat with 6 other people. Surrounded by about 15 whales, they just floated along side of us. What a beautiful and relaxing experience. We went in mid-January, our guide told us that February usually has more whales.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! 🌊🐋
We’re truly happy to hear that the tour lived up to your expectations and that you were able to enjoy such a peaceful and beautiful moment surrounded by gray whales. Watching them glide calmly alongside the boat is one of those magical experiences that stays with you forever.
Thank you for choosing to travel with purpose and for being part of a respectful wildlife experience. We’d love to welcome you back again for another unforgettable day on the water.
Warm regards,
Baja Whales Team 🐋🌊
Marc_C, Mar 2025
A 2 hour ride each way but worth it. We were in the middle of a 300+ whale pod, unforgettable experience.
Lothar_M, Feb 2025
The three stars are not for the experience itself which was great but for the tour/tour guide. Description said that a Marine Biologist will be part of the tour. Unless the tour guide who barely spoke was the Biologist this is not correct. Basically this was a round trip transportation. If you have your own rental car, just drive there yourself and save $$.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
We are very sorry that you felt that we did not provide the correct service. We will certainly continue working to improve the interaction with each of our visitors. MSc Shiro, is part of the Baja Whales team, committed to the environment and supporting the local community. From our corner, we work to encourage respectful and responsible tourism. Thank you for your comment. Soon you will be able to visit the profile of each team member on the page, and we will continue to put more effort into improving our interaction every day.
Carly_R, Feb 2025
This adventure was well worth the 2hr drive each way. We went with my 9 and 11 year old and my 77 year old parents and everyone absolutely loved it. There were plenty of whales and some came right up to the boat! It was a one in a lifetime experience. Our guide, Shiro, was very knowledgeable and fun to hang out with all day. The food at Puerto Chale was good too! They had water and sodas for the trip, but bring snacks for the car ride.
susan_b, Feb 2025
This whale watching group got us up close! We got to rub the whales. There were so many! Guide was knowledgeable and nice.
Alan_S, Feb 2025
We saw so many whales! Some came very close to the boat, and my wife even touched one! The boat was small and we were warned not to all rush to one side to see a whale so as not to tip the boat over. We all found it hard to resist the urge to do this.
Nadiya_S, Feb 2025
This was a magical and very memorable experience, and the tour was well organized from start to finish. We saw many whales and they came very close to the boat. The driver was careful not to disturb them. It seems like Puerto Chale is a great place from which to see them. The tour provider had good communication throughout the experience and were customer service oriented. There was a nice meal at the end.
If you are prone to sea sickness, consider taking a medication. The tour operator recommended to dress warmly including a windbreaker, which is wise. Lastly, for tipping, keep in mind that there are several service providers - van driver and guide, boat driver and guide.
Christine_B, Feb 2025
We saw so many whales it was incredible! The day was windy so we started earlier than expected. Our boat captain knew where to go for the calmest wind conditions and the whales were spy hopping all around us. It was a really magical experience
Ron_F, Feb 2025
This was an over the top, up close and personal experience with the beautiful gray whales. There were so many around us.
Alejandro_L, Feb 2025
Our guides Susana and Diana were very friendly, knowledgeable, funny and helpful. The tour was incredible with so many whales!!! We appreciated the eco consciousness in ensuring the safety of the whales while also supporting the local community.
Gerard_M, Jan 2025
It's the best tour to do in baja , it was amazing ,so many many whales it was so fun to be surrounded by the gray whales,there was so many
Marieke_P, Jan 2025
We loved the trip! Pamela took really good care of us, knew a lot about the wales and we were very happy seeing some whales and dolphins! Also lunch was very tasty. The fact that Pamela is supporting also the local community and is doing the whale watching in a sustainable way, is great!
Jeffrey_J, Mar 2024
Great tour, great time. We saw lots of whales and were close to a few of them. Pamela was a great guide, was helpful when my wife became sick and we had to cancel, rescheduling us on a new discounted tour. We would have hated to miss this experience. We had a nice lunch as well. Many thanks.
Gillian_H, Mar 2024
A really enjoyable experience. The tour operator moved up the pick up time in response to weather conditions and the communication was very good. On arrival at Puerto Chale we transferred to the boat and were soon heading off towards Santa Margarita Island. We then had a magical two and a half hours watching the whales, must have seen around 30, singly and in pods. The captain was respectful of the whales and kept his distance, allowing them to come closer rather than chasing them. It all felt very peaceful and we had so many sightings. At one time we had a whale under the boat! Maria was a very good and knowlegeable guide who was very good at spotting whales about to breach. All in all a very enjoyable day
Ellen_K, Feb 2024
We enjoyed being with a marine biologist who told us about the whales and could answer our questions. Seeing so many whales was very special.
Debbie_M, Feb 2024
It was an amazing experience being in the presence of these beautiful creatures. Everything was prefect. Our host and her team was very knowledgeable.
Mario_L, Feb 2024
After a ride from La Paz Mexico in a comfortable VAN that allowed us to enjoy views of the desert, we arrived to Puerto Chale. We took a boat with two more families. Our guide, Pamela, was a knowledgeable and highly entertaining Marine Biologist. Our expectations were low about watching those amazing and colosal beings. The fact is that, after a few minutes navigating, we were sorrounded by lots of gray whales including some of them with their babies. They are playful an curios of those beings outside the water. And we learned that the encounter has to be respectful. If they feel like it, they will approach the boat. Do not insist to touch them or chase them. If you are patient they will get closer and you will have one of the most amazing experiences in your life.
Rachael_S, Feb 2024
Had such a wonderful time on this tour- the guide Pamela was so considerate and informative. Amazing time seeing the whales and would recommend to anyone
Felipe_G, Feb 2026
Wonderful tour of whale observation. Pamela, our guide, picked us up at the hotel with a comfortable van and provided breakfast. Her mother, very friendly, also accompanied us. The information submitted the day before was clear and accurate. The tour itself was excellent, we could see many whales! It was possible to note Pamela's extensive knowledge of the subject. She and our sailor Hugo were very kind and did everything to help my girlfriend with an emergency. I highly recommend!
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Yokary_M, Jan 2026
We understand that being a natural phenomenon, the sighting, you can not guarantee the number that will be seen, but ultimately they should not open dates if they know that the chances are low as tourists we leave disappointed and it is bad the agency and port chale since I do not plan to return and less before the comment of “if only they came in two weeks”... it is much better to open the dates in those two weeks or when really is the time where in particular they see in that port. We trusted their experience and it was a great disappointment, they lose customers, recommendations and income for the population.
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Response from Host, Jan 2026
Estimado visitante, lamentamos que su experiencia no haya cumplido con sus expectativas. El avistamiento de ballenas es un fenómeno natural y, como tal, no puede garantizarse un comportamiento específico, ya que depende de diversos factores ambientales y biológicos fuera de nuestro control.
Las actividades se ofrecen considerando el inicio de la temporada de ballenas que es el 15 de diciembre, con base en registros y observaciones de temporadas anteriores. Incluso en los periodos de mayor presencia, es posible que los animales permanezcan en superficie o presenten comportamientos poco visibles, lo cual es completamente natural.
Lamentamos que las ballenas observadas el día de su exploración no hayan sido las esperadas por usted y reiteramos que la observación responsable y el cuidado de los ecosistemas marinos son clave para que estas poblaciones continúen desarrollándose de manera saludable año con año.
Susanna_M, Mar 2025
Giornata fantastica!! Abbiamo visto almeno trenta balene, alcune con i loro piccoli. Il pranzo è stato buono e la nostra guida ok👍
From $211.77
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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