Grey whales inhabiting in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico are listed among the most friendly whales on Earth because the marine mammals not only can confidently perform in front of many visitors but also allow them pat and kiss without any fear or embarrassment.
Every season, hundred of travelers all over the world traveling the lagoon, a little more than half way down the long peninsula’s Pacific Coast, to watch the whales up close and even touch them. The whale-watching period’s peak is between February and March.
Each year, the grey whales migrate thousands of miles from Canada and Alaska to the remote spot off Mexico's northwest Baja California peninsula to breed and nurse their calves.
Tourists take pictures and greet a friendly grey whale whilst whale in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Visitors watch some performances of the friendly grey whale whilst whales in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico
One visitor tries to touch a grey whale in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico
These grey whales start their 20,000 km round journey from the Bering Sea in the Arctic, one of the longest migrations undertaken by any mammal. They set off down the Pacific coast in December and don’t eat again until returning to their northern feeding grounds five months later.
One grey whale is captured near a tourist ship
Famous zoologist and BBC presenter Mark Carwardine, who has been visiting the area for over 25 years, is passionate about whale conservation and sees whale watching as an important way of increasing awareness and appreciation of these beautiful animals
Some people closely approach a grey whale to film it
A man touches a grey whale without any fear and embarrassment
The grey whale likes to be rubbed across its body, especially on the top of its head
Visitors can rub a grey whale’s huge tongue
They sometimes let people kiss them on the top of the head
It is wonderful when a friendly whale willingly approaches your boat and looks you straight in the eyes
Some whales can weigh up to 40 metric tons and measure up to 46 feet (14 meters)
Mexico’s Grey Whales: World’s Friendliest Whales