Magdalena Bay and Puerto San Carlos

A Large Sheltered Lagoon System With Mangrove Channels, Long Barrier Beaches On Isla Magdalena And Isla Santa Margarita, And The Winter Calving Grounds Of Grey Whales, With Whale Watching Boat Trips From January To March, Plus Sport Fishing And Clam Camps. Remote, Reached By Long Roads, With A Handful Of Simple Hotels · Puerto San Carlos, Baja California Sur

Magdalena Bay is a huge sheltered lagoon on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, reached from the small port of Puerto San Carlos or from Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, about 250 km north-west of La Paz. From January to March grey whales come here to give birth, and licensed boats take visitors out to see mothers and calves, sometimes close enough to touch from the boat. Outside whale season the bay is a quiet landscape of mangrove channels, long empty beaches on Isla Magdalena, clam camps and sport-fishing boats. It suits wildlife watchers, anglers, bird lovers and travellers who like remote places with few facilities. It is worth the long drive in whale season, or for a quiet fishing trip. It is not worth it if you want a resort, nightlife or a swim, because the water is cold, the wind strong and services thin. Ciudad Constitucion is the nearest large town, about 55 km away. There are few ATMs, so bring cash. Boat prices and seasons shift, so confirm locally.

Bahia Magdalena, a huge sheltered lagoon on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur reached from Puerto San Carlos or Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, about 250 km north-west of La Paz; coordinates approximate, Puerto San Carlos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Whale-watching boats run mainly from January to March, usually in the morning and early afternoon when the wind is lighter, and trips are CANCELLED when the bay is too rough. Outside the season, most whale boats are not working, and many small hotels and restaurants may be CLOSED. The beaches and mangrove edges are FREE and open at any hour, but you need a boat for the islands. Boat operators work from the docks at Puerto San Carlos and Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, and the local cooperatives set the times, so confirm each trip a day ahead.

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