HOW TO GET THERE

Through Ciudad Constitución located at Km 555 south of Guerrero Negro and at Km 216 north of La Paz . From there to the bay there is a distance of 57 km through the State Highway 22. By plane to the National Airport of Ciudad Constitución, to the airstrip of López Mateos and by sea by touristic and private boats to Puerto San Carlos and Puerto López Mateos.

ACTIVITIES

Boat or "panga" trips for gray whale watching from January to March in San Carlos. Boat or "panga" trips for gray whale watching from January to March in Puerto López Mateos. Ecological tours around the bay. Camping in the islands. Sports fishing. Arts and Crafts. Gray Whale Festivals in February and March.

ORIGIN

Bahía Magdalena, due to its size, richness and strategic position has been coveted since memorable times by foreign governments, whalers and adventurers. In 1864 it was included within the land of the Leese Concession, granted by the Government of Juárez. Incapable of fulfilling the agreement signed by the Government of Mexico, Leese transferred his rights to the Lower California Co. This enterprise tried to start a settlement in the vast territory not very clearly done. Hundreds of settlers were brought down by trickery and used to exploit the orchil factory which the enterprise started without prior authorization. Later on the Government granted the concession for six more years from Cabo San Lucas up to the 27th Parallel, which caused the opening of Puerto de Bahía Magdalena to seagoing traffic.

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Finally, the Government of Mexico was able to get the land back, due to the fact that Lower California Co. did not comply with the agreement. From 1902 to 1920 approximately, U.S. Navy warships invaded the bay and performed maneuvers violating the national sovereignty in countless occasions while the successive governments of that country made all possible attempts to keep it. In order to protect its sovereignty, the Mexican Government had to establish a Marine Navy Base in Isla Margarita. Today, there are two more ports in the bay: the seaport of San Carlos and the Port of Lopez Mateos.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The gray whale is a natural resource protected by the Mexican Law. Whale watching is regulated. We highly recommend to make your reservations ahead of time and to strictly follow the regulations. Consult your travel agent. Do not venture around the area without the guidance of an expert.

DESCRIPTION

The great Bahía Magdalena is not only the gate entrance to the Pacific, it is also a unique universe where men who are dedicated to exploit sea species live nomadically with their diverse habitat. It is a natural reserve of gray whales that arrive to its waters to fulfill their biological cycle during the months of January to March. The bay is 50 km long and the Islands of Magdalena and Margarita contribute with the counter coastline that protects it from the strong waves which characterize the Pacific Ocean. The elongated form and little altitude of the islands, shaped almost totally by white sand dunes, permits to enjoy simultaneously the inside and outside ocean view from some of its points. A very beautiful coastline offers plenty of beaches, inlets, marshes and mangrove swamps that are the sanctuary of resident and migratory sea birds and its waters are rich in species for commercial and sports fishing. San Carlos has a big power plant and the most important seaport in Baja California Sur. It is the outlet to agricultural production of Valle de Santo Domingo. Cargo ships, tourist cruisers, yachts and fishing boats can be observed in the port activities. Puerto López Mateos has a Sea Product Cannery. Due to its location, its narrow channel and its closeness to the bay entrance (Boca de la Soledad), it is one of the best sites in the peninsula for gray whale watching.

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Although limited numbers of pangas are allowed in the bay at any one time, early morning and late afternoon are best for avoiding crowds.  Because the waters of San Carlos are deeper, you can usually see more whale acrobatics in this area than off Lopez Mateos.

One of the best viewing spots is Punta Entrada, at the southern tip of Isla Magdelena, which forms the north end of the wide channel between Bahia Magdelena and the Pacific.  The island is accessible only by boat, with the best anchorage on the southeast side of the point, or by small plane (a landing strip lies just north of Punta Entrada).  You can camp at the fish camp near the tip or farther north near the village of Puerto Magdelena.  A San Carlos pangero will drop you off on the island and pick you up the following day.