Puerto Chale, located northwest of the municipality of La Paz, Baja California Sur, is a fishing village entering one of its busiest tourist seasons of the year, driven by the arrival of both domestic and international tourists.
This activity not only represents a natural attraction but also an economic engine for the port, where whale watching has allowed for income diversification, strengthened community organization, and generated local employment.
How did the gray whale watching season begin in Puerto Chale?
After the municipal whale-watching station registered gray whale sightings, the formal start of the season was marked by the participation of municipal, state, and federal authorities, who officially kicked off the whale watching activities.
Although the official ceremony took place recently, the community was already operating normally due to the early arrival of visitors.
The gray whale is one of the most emblematic species of the Baja California Sur coast, and its presence makes Puerto Chale a strategic point for nature tourism, due to its proximity to the city of La Paz and its relatively easy access by road.
How much economic impact does gray whale watching generate in Baja California Sur?
The economic impact of gray whale watching in Puerto Chale has shown steady growth in recent years.
According to official figures, the economic impact increased from 15 million pesos in 2022 to 24 million in 2023 and reached 36 million pesos in 2024.
For the current season, it is estimated that the income generated by this activity could exceed 40 million pesos, directly benefiting tourism service providers and indirectly benefiting the entire community.
This growth is associated with the increase in tourist arrivals, as well as improvements in infrastructure, local organization, and the diversification of services offered to visitors. This season, the destination received approximately 80 visitors.
Tourists experience gray whale watching up close in Puerto Chale, one of the most visited spots during the winter. Photo: TripAdvisor
How many tourism service providers have official permits in Baja California Sur?
The Director of Welfare and Economic Development, Carla Jonguitud Mendarozqueta, reported that Puerto Chale currently has more than 50 authorized tourism service providers operating during the whale watching season.
These include boat tours, food services, basic lodging, and complementary nature experiences.
Service providers have received prior training in areas such as visitor services, first aid, basic administration, and basic English, with the goal of improving service quality and ensuring a safe experience for tourists.
Why is Puerto Chale becoming a leading gray whale watching destination?
In addition to gray whale watching, the community has begun promoting other activities such as birdwatching, camping, and nature tourism, expanding its tourism offerings beyond the winter months.
Whale watching is regulated nationally by the Official Mexican Standard NOM-131, which establishes criteria to prevent harm to cetaceans, such as speed limits, defined hours, and minimum distances between vessels.
This year, the topic is even more relevant because, according to Mayor Milena Quiroga Romero, around 25 whales were observed at this time in 2025.
With this growth, Puerto Chale remains one of the most sought-after spots for whale watching in Baja California Sur, where the arrival of visitors also boosts the local economy and community involvement.
Source: posta
