Whale watching off the coast of Puerto Peñasco is actually registered as a natural privilege and was recently authorized by SEMARNAT under the Official Mexican Standard that establishes regulations for the development of the practice of observation of this species.

The season in which whale sightings are historically recorded are from the beginning of the year and their presence in the area often lasts until the month of April. There have been sightings as early as November and after April, depending on temperatures.

A common visitor to the areas near Rocky Point is the grey whale, which follow the same general migration path each year during the winter months. The huge whales feed in the Bering Sea of Alaska during the summer months and arrive in our area during the winter to give birth. After giving birth, the whales return north to start this process again, a journey which allows many along the Baja coast and the California coasts the opportunity to observe the gray whales.

The black fin whale is the second largest marine animal in the world and is a frequent visitor to our waters, as well as the humpback whales, which are usually more active and show greater mobility in the waters. During this same season, it is very common to see huge pods of dolphins swimming in the area, very frequently very near the beach.

In Puerto Peñasco, several companies offer tours to observe and marvel at these marvelous creatures. The two most popular companies are the Eco Fun and Del Mar Charters, and both are well known for their record of professionalism, safety, and adherence to required protocols. If you have not been out to watch the whales in the area, it is definitely recommended that you make an opportunity to do so. Bring a good camera and be ready because they can appear unexpectedly and may disappear just as quickly.

Although most tour guides have an excellent record of finding whales to observe, no boat captain can guarantee that whales will appear.

Rules for Whale Watching:

*The boat must travel at a slower speed than the slowest whale at all times. In all cases you should avoid accelerating and decelerating sharply.

* It is prohibited to harass or damage the whales in any way, or to obstruct their course.

*Cause the whales to disburse or come between whales mating or a whale giving birth.

*No fishing, diving, swimming, water skiing, or parachute flying. Do not use jet-ski boats or jet skis, kayaks, small boats. No ultralight aircraft and helicopters are allowed for observation activities in the authorized areas.

*Do not dispose of any type of waste, including garbage or oils and fuels used in the operation of vessels.

* It is not allowed to collect, capture, hunt, retain or appropriate specimens of wild flora and fauna, or to introduce specimens of species, or transport specimens of species from one community to another.

* Companion animals are not allowed on board, with the exception of guide dogs.

* Do not feed the whales.

* Do not tow any type of object or drag ropes, lines, nets, hooks, or other similar attachment.

This article is brought to you by the Sonoran Resorts Sales Team, www.sonoranresorts.mx, Jim Ringquist, Director of Sales and Marketing. Sign up for Jim’s Monthly Newsletter: http://www.tinyurl.com/JimNewsletter