Baja California Sur is one of those places where the ocean never falls short. Here, major migrations converge, predators are in full action, protected reefs thrive, and biodiversity shifts with the seasons—making every visit different from the last.
In this article, we explain which marine species you can encounter, the best places and seasons for sightings, and the regulations in place to protect this ecosystem, so you know when to go and how to enjoy it responsibly.
The giants of the sea: whales and whale sharks
Each year, Baja California Sur becomes a migratory highway for some of the largest animals in the ocean.
- Gray whale: They arrive from Alaska seeking warm, shallow waters. Mainly spotted in Magdalena Bay between January and March.
- Humpback whale: Famous for their breaches and songs. Seen around Cabo San Lucas and along the peninsula from November to mid-April.
- Blue whale: The largest animal on the planet. The La Paz area offers the best chances, especially between April and June.
- Whale shark: The largest fish in the world visits La Paz Bay to feed on plankton. The season usually runs from September/October to April/May.
Sea lions, sharks, and reef life
Beyond the great migrators, Baja California Sur offers constant encounters with resident marine life.
- Sea lions: Present year-round in colonies such as Los Islotes (Espíritu Santo Island), Isla Partida, and San Rafaelito. Juveniles and females are often especially curious and interactive with divers.
- Sharks in Cabo San Lucas: Sightings of blue sharks (April–December), mako sharks (December–June), and silky sharks year-round, with peak activity between May and August.
- Blue-footed booby: Recognizable by its bright blue feet, it can be observed on Espíritu Santo Island, particularly during courtship season.
- Sea turtles: Six of the world’s eight species inhabit these waters. In Cabo Pulmo, five protected species coexist, and in Todos Santos it is possible to participate in hatchling release programs.
Magdalena Bay and Cabo Pulmo: two unique spectacles
The Magdalena Bay Sardine Run
Between October and December, millions of sardines form tight bait balls that attract striped marlin, creating one of the fastest and most visually striking hunting spectacles in the ocean.
Cabo Pulmo
A National Park and a true jewel of the Sea of Cortez. It hosts the only living coral reef on the peninsula and the highest fish biomass in the gulf. Here, divers can encounter massive schools of jacks, bull sharks, and wrecks such as El Vencedor.
Regulations and conservation
The balance of this ecosystem is maintained through clear regulations and responsible tourism:
- Cabo Pulmo: A Protected Natural Area and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Limited access, mandatory fees, and a strong focus on sustainability.
- Los Islotes (sea lions): Closed from June to August to respect the breeding season.
- Whale shark: Activities are conducted in small groups, with a maximum of five people in the water to minimize stress on the animal.
- Balandra Beach: Controlled visiting hours to limit human impact and preserve its natural environment.
Keep exploring Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur is a vast and ever-changing destination, where each area offers different diving experiences depending on the season and conditions. Understanding the environment is key to choosing the right time to visit and knowing what kind of dives to expect.
If you would like to learn more and discover the main diving spots in Baja California Sur, we recommend exploring our related articles, where we detail each area and its unique characteristics.
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