Every winter, Ensenada gets quieter on land and louder at sea. The tourists thin out, the mornings sharpen, and then—right on cue—the gray whales show up like they’ve been keeping a very reliable appointment.
The 2025–2026 gray whale watching season officially kicked off this weekend in Ensenada, with authorized tours running through May 15, 2026. That gives locals and visitors nearly five months to step onto a boat, leave the dock behind, and watch one of the longest migrations on Earth unfold a few meters away.
According to Martín Ramírez Jaime, president of Armadores Unidos de Pesca Deportiva de Ensenada, roughly 30 licensed vessels are participating this season. Some are small, carrying five passengers. Others are much larger, holding up to 50. The key detail, he says, is not the size—it’s the paperwork.
Tours depart from the Ensenada malecón, where passengers are encouraged to confirm that boats display proper permits and the official flag that signals authorization. This isn’t just bureaucracy. It’s how Mexico keeps this experience sustainable.
Tickets currently run about 700 pesos for adults and 550 pesos for children. In exchange, you get a four- to five-hour trip that’s less of a “whale sprint” and more of a floating biodiversity seminar.
Boats leave Ensenada harbor and fan out toward Punta Banda, the waters around Isla Todos Santos, Punta San Miguel, and the San Miguel shallows. Whales are the headline act, but they’re not alone. Dolphins regularly race the boats. Pelicans glide low enough to make eye contact. Sea lions bark from rocky outcrops. Gulls hover with professional optimism.
This stretch of coastline sits directly along the gray whale’s migratory corridor. Each year, these animals travel thousands of kilometers from Arctic feeding grounds to breeding lagoons farther south. Ensenada is one of their more visible pit stops, and one of the few places where sightings can happen surprisingly close to shore.
Respect is the rule
Mexico’s whale-watching regulations are strict, and for good reason. Boats must maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters from any whale. Operators who follow the rules often get rewarded anyway.
Gray whales, known scientifically as gray whale, have a reputation for curiosity. When not pressured, they surface calmly, linger, and sometimes approach on their own terms. Push closer than allowed, and they disappear with a flick of the tail. The message is clear, and they don’t repeat it.
Operators in Ensenada are required to follow these guidelines to protect the whales’ natural behavior and habitat. The goal is observation, not interference.
Before you board
This is the Pacific in winter, which means preparation matters. Operators recommend taking motion-sickness medication about an hour before departure if your doctor approves. Dress warmer than you think necessary. Eat breakfast. Bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol, predictably, is not allowed.
Weather also calls the shots. If conditions turn rough, the Harbor Master shuts everything down. No exceptions. Checking the marine forecast before your trip can save disappointment and seasickness in equal measure.
A seasonal ritual
For Ensenada, gray whale season isn’t just an attraction—it’s a reminder of place. Few cities get front-row seats to a migration this vast. Fewer still manage to balance access with protection as carefully as this.
Tours are already filling up on calm days, especially weekends. Those interested in booking can contact local operators directly at (646) 218 22 27.
Out there, beyond the breakwater, the water darkens and the horizon stretches. Somewhere between Punta Banda and Todos Santos, a whale exhales. And for a moment, Ensenada listens.
