Dolphin Watching in Baja California

As more and more people have the opportunity to travel and experience the incredible culture and wildlife of our world, close encounters with elusive and often endangered species are becoming increasingly popular. Dolphin watching is something that many people have on their top ten list of things to do - and the experience can be life changing.

Found in seas all over the world, these are famously gentle creatures with an intriguing curiosity and an incredible intelligence that makes them even more fascinating to humans. Their beauty and grace and the apparent mystery of these beautiful mammals makes seeing them in the wild a very special experience.

Most live in saltwater, although some thrive in freshwater too. Their preferred habitat depends on their species. It is good news for all those wanting to go dolphin watching though, that these creatures appear to enjoy human contact and their natural inquisitiveness makes them much easier to spot than some of the other endangered species.

Baja California

Baja California in Mexico is a prime destination for dolphin watching and the wonderful thing about it is the plethora of other wildlife on display as well. Famous for its Blue Whales and Harbour Porpoise, Baja California is a wildlife lover’s dream come true.

The best time to visit this area is in February and March, when small cruise ships take visitors out in search of the inhabitants of the great Sea of Cortez. If you book onto an organised tour with a reputable travel company you will be guaranteed a top class experience. Cruise ships are small and personal and your tour will be led by an expert naturalist guide, who will be able to point out the wildlife and offer information.

Make sure you keep an eye out for the San Ignacio’s Grey Whales - known for their amiable nature and rather humorous personalities - as well as the Humpback Whale, Sperm Whale, Elephant Seal, turtle, and even the Orca. Of course, the skies above teem with birdlife too, and avid bird watchers should look out for the Xantu’s Hummingbird and the Red-billed Tropicbird.

There is plenty of opportunity to get into the water too and snorkel with sea lions and whatever other creatures may grace your presence beneath the ocean. For those wanting a truly unique experience that focuses on dolphin watching as well as sighting other mammals and birds of the region, Baja California is a superb destination.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for dolphin watching tours, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to Jaguar watching tours in some of the most spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.