Whale Shark Watching Season Begins
The whale shark, the largest fish in the world, has returned to Bahía de los Ángeles, marking the start of the whale shark watching season, which runs through December 15.
Whale sharks can measure up to 40 feet in length and weigh as much as 21 tons. Their distinctive appearance includes a pale belly and a grayish back covered in white or yellowish spots and lines, resembling a chessboard. Their mouths can stretch up to five feet wide, though they feed primarily on plankton, macroalgae, krill, and small fish such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and tuna.
Bahía de los Ángeles, located within one of Mexico’s largest protected marine ecosystems, the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve, the Whale Channels, and Salsipuedes, spans over 380,000 hectares in the Gulf of California. Thanks to its rich biodiversity, the region hosts the largest congregation of whale sharks in the Northeastern Pacific.
The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) announced the start of the season following the arrival of several whale sharks to the area.
For more than a decade, the local community group PEJESAPO and tourism operators have collaborated with CONANP to monitor these gentle giants. Their efforts include measuring, photo identification, population counts, and, in some years, tagging individuals with satellite trackers to better understand their migratory patterns.
Thanks to this research, Bahía de los Ángeles has earned the title “House of the Whale Shark.”
The season draws both international and domestic visitors eager to observe, and swim alongside, the world’s largest fish. Whale shark tourism provides an important economic boost for the town of Bahía de los Ángeles and supports local conservation efforts.
The whale shark is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and classified as Threatened in Mexico. Visitors are encouraged to review access requirements before planning their trip by calling: (616) 165-3645 #TurismoBC