Baja California Sur is home to vibrant wildlife and human communities that have coexisted for centuries. On the west coast of the peninsula, San Ignacio Lagoon is one of only a few birthing and calving grounds trusted by the Eastern North Pacific gray whale — the same whale we often see from the shores of the US West Coast. Of the three gray whale lagoons on the Baja Peninsula, San Ignacio is the most strictly regulated, with community-led guidelines that limit boat traffic, control visitor numbers, and prioritize whale well-being. San Ignacio Lagoon is within the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and whale sanctuary.
We’ve been taking wildlife enthusiasts to San Ignacio lagoon since the early 1990s, when gray whales were removed from the Endangered Species List — fully recovered from whaling. Scientific research, including that from Marine Mammal Institute professors, has since documented population booms and busts, reaching a high of 27,000 individuals and plummeting during two Unusual Mortality Events. Today, the population is again in decline, with recent counts estimating only about 12,000 whales — the lowest since surveys began in the late 1960s.
During times like these, it can be hard to celebrate our love for the natural world. Yet this is when nature needs us most. Join us on the Baja Gray Whale Expedition to learn about these amazing animals up close. Your participation raises awareness and contributes to the protection of critical habitats during a pivotal time for the species. Our expedition also supports local livelihoods that depend on sustainable tourism, offering an alternative to extractive industries that would threaten both ecosystems and communities.
As Professor Josh Stewart has said, “Gray whales have lived through huge periods of climate change in the past, from ice ages to more recent warming events. They are very adaptable.” MMI's Baja Gray Whale Expedition is more than a wildlife tour. It's a chance to witness nature's endurance and be part of a story of resilience and hope. We have just a few spots left on the 2026 expedition. Please email [email protected].
We hope you will join us.
Lisa T. Ballance, Director
