Almost summer and the surprising presence of Humpback whales in Loreto bay National Park

Humpback whale feeding captured on May 31, 2025, by our expedition leader Regina Domingo in Loreto bay national park.

In our marine expeditions during the last week of May and the beginning of June, we observed several individual humpback whales in Loreto National Park. Despite the typical whale season ending earlier in the spring, these sightings highlight the continued presence of these majestic creatures in the Gulf of California as summer approaches.

Majestic humpback whale tail captured on May 31, 2025, by our expedition leader Regina Domingo.

While humpback whales are best known for their seasonal migration—arriving in the Gulf of California from December to April to mate and calve—recent observations in Loreto National Park show that some humpbacks are choosing to stay longer, even into June. This extended presence is linked to the region’s unusually high productivity this year, driven by a strong La Niña event.

Cooler ocean temperatures and intensified upwelling have boosted nutrient levels, leading to abundant sardine baitballs that attract not only humpbacks but also large groups of common dolphins.

These sardine baitballs create a feeding hotspot where humpbacks and dolphins feed side by side, taking advantage of the rich food supply.

Normally, humpbacks migrate back to colder feeding grounds after the breeding season, but the plentiful food and favorable conditions in the Gulf encourage some to linger year-round or delay their departure.

Common dolphins captured on May 31, 2025, by our expedition leader Regina Domingo.

The Gulf of California’s warm, nutrient-rich waters provide a unique environment that supports this behavior. For humpbacks, it means more time to build energy reserves before their long migration. For common dolphins, it offers a reliable food source that sustains their populations locally.

Humpback whale feeding alongside a common dolphin in Loreto, captured by our team at Baja Adventures

This phenomenon highlights the Gulf’s ecological importance as both a breeding ground and a productive feeding area. It also underscores how climate patterns like La Niña can influence marine life behavior, creating rare and exciting opportunities for wildlife watchers in Loreto.

Common dolphins feeding on sardine baitballs in Loreto Bay National Park.

The presence of humpback whales and common dolphins feeding together on sardine baitballs in June reflects a dynamic and resilient marine ecosystem shaped by seasonal cycles and climate variability, making Loreto a special place to witness nature’s surprises.