What it’s Like in Magdalena Bay

mag bay gray whale trip

Gray Whales

Magdalena Bay is one of the primary breeding and calving grounds for gray whales during their annual migration. Each year, from December to April, gray whales migrate from the cold waters of the Arctic to the warm, protected waters of Baja California, including Magdalena Bay, to give birth and nurture their young.

Find out more about our Mag Bay trips…

 

Underwater Photography

Magdalena Bay offers excellent opportunities for underwater photography. The bay’s rich marine biodiversity and clear waters make it a great destination for capturing stunning underwater images. Here are some highlights for underwater photographers:

  • Marine Life: The bay is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, rays, sea turtles, and various invertebrates. During the gray whale season, you might even capture close encounters with these magnificent creatures.
  • Mangroves and Seagrass Beds: The bay’s mangroves and seagrass beds provide unique underwater landscapes and habitats for numerous marine species, offering diverse photographic subjects.
  • Clear Waters: The water clarity in Magdalena Bay is often good, especially in the protected areas, making it easier to capture sharp and vibrant underwater images.
  • Colorful Corals: Although not as abundant as in some tropical destinations, there are still patches of colorful corals and sponges that provide interesting subjects and backgrounds for underwater photography.
  • Diverse Ecosystems: The variety of ecosystems within the bay, from shallow lagoons to deeper channels, allows for a range of photographic opportunities and creative compositions.

How about bird watching? 

Here are some highlights for bird watchers:

  • Migratory Birds: Magdalena Bay is a stopover for many migratory bird species traveling along the Pacific Flyway. During migration seasons, you can observe a variety of shorebirds, waders, and waterfowl.
  • Resident Birds: The bay is home to numerous resident bird species. You can spot species such as herons, egrets, pelicans, cormorants, and frigatebirds throughout the year.
  • Mangrove Habitats: The extensive mangrove forests around the bay are particularly rich in birdlife. These areas provide nesting and feeding grounds for many species, including the mangrove warbler and the yellow-crowned night heron.
  • Bird Islands: Several islands within the bay are important breeding sites for seabirds. Visiting these islands can offer sightings of nesting birds and their chicks.
  • Raptors: Birds of prey, such as ospreys and hawks, can be seen hunting over the bay and its surrounding areas.
  • Waterfowl and Shorebirds: The shallow waters and mudflats of Magdalena Bay attract a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds, including sandpipers, plovers, and ducks.

So How do I get there? 

Getting to Magdalena Bay involves a few steps, as it is a relatively remote location in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Here is a general guide on how to get there:

Fly to La Paz or Loreto:

    • La Paz: La Paz International Airport (Manuel Márquez de León International Airport, code: LAP) is a common entry point. La Paz is about 4-5 hours by road from Magdalena Bay. We offer shuttle service from here.
    • Cabo: Cabo International Airport (code: SJD) is another option. We offer shuttle service from here.
    • From La Paz:
      • Shuttle or Private Transfer: Arrange for a shuttle service or private transfer from La Paz to Magdalena Bay. We have a shuttle service from here.

Local Transport:

  • Boat Tours: Once in San Carlos or Puerto López Mateos, our local boat operators are ready for tours around Magdalena Bay. These tours can include whale watching, bird watching, and exploring the mangroves and other natural attractions.