Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino

The Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaíno is a coastal marine conservation area on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, Mexico, protecting a network of lagoons and bays that serve as critical breeding grounds for marine mammals. It is internationally recognised for its importance to migratory whales.

The sanctuary comprises broad coastal lagoons, estuaries and shallow bays where gray whales congregate to mate and calve each winter; boat tours, scientific observation and birdwatching are common visitor activities. The site also supports other marine species and shorebird populations.

The lagoons have long been used by indigenous people and later by coastal communities; contemporary protection measures aim to conserve marine mammal populations and their calving habitat from unsustainable development and disturbance.

The sanctuary lies along the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, encompassing several coastal lagoons and estuaries on the peninsula’s western shore.

• Gray whale breeding: The lagoons are internationally important breeding and calving sites for the eastern Pacific gray whale population during the northern hemisphere winter.

What to See #

• Ojo de Liebre Lagoon (Scammon's Lagoon): A large coastal lagoon system and breeding ground known for supporting Pacific gray whales during their winter calving season.
• San Ignacio Lagoon: A shallow lagoon and bay used by breeding and calving whales, as well as important habitat for migratory birds.
• Magdalena Bay: A complex of coastal estuaries and bays important for marine mammals and coastal bird species on the Pacific side of Baja California.