As social media users oversaturate their feeds with images of iconic manmade landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Colosseum, some travelers seek something more challenging to experience from behind a screen: unique natural phenomena. This hot travel trend tops Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report, highlighting spiking interest in experiencing volcanic eruptions, mass migrations, and the Northern Lights firsthand.
For travelers who can’t brave the tundra or climb a volcano, an often easier-to-spot phenomenon awaits: the majestic annual migrations of whales. With whale watching season kicking off in some of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations, now is the time to quench the thirst for phenomena — with a margarita in hand for good measure.
Whale Watching in Mexico
While “phenomena tourism” is a new travel trend, whale-watching has been popular for decades. A 2009 report estimated the industry generated around $2 billion globally, created over 13,000 jobs, and welcomed roughly 13 million spectators. Though no more recent global statistics are available, trends indicate monumental growth over the past 15 years.
Whale watching opportunities span more than 100 countries, fueling tourism numbers and expanding the activity’s economic impact. “Whale watching has been popular for years, but we’re really seeing it take off in new areas, drawing more visitors seeking it out specifically,” said Sandra Felix, Commercial Director of Visit Baja California Sur, a region considered among the world’s best for spotting a variety of species of whales.
Part of the appeal of whale watching, especially in destinations like Baja California Sur in Mexico, comes from its relative ease. During the height of whale watching season — between December and late March — spectators can plainly view the creatures from the sandy shorelines and balconies of some of the area’s most popular hotels and resorts.
From the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez sides of the region and even from the resort-saturated Los Cabos on the peninsula’s tip, sightseers can observe humpback and blue whales breaching and playing as they migrate through the region’s rich waters. “This makes it perfect for travelers who can’t get much more ‘adventurous’ but want a memorable experience of spotting something incredible,” says Felix.
Migrating to Punta de Mita
Baja California Sur has long been considered a fantastic whale-watching destination, but some of Mexico’s similarly sought-after destinations should also be on travelers’ radars. One of the best whale-watching areas is Punta de Mita, less than an hour north of Puerto Vallarta along the golden sands of Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Unlike overbuilt resort destinations in Mexico like Los Cabos and Cancún, Punta de Mita has seen slower and more intentional growth. It’s now a haven for travelers seeking a more secluded getaway, with luxury names like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Auberge Resorts Collection planting flags there in recent years.
In Punta de Mita, Two Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts have become celebrated whale-watching spots: the family-friendly Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort and the adults-only Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort. The all-inclusive, all-suite resorts opened in 2021 and were designed by renowned architectural firm Sordo Madaleno for what feels like the perfect vantage point for whale watching.
The dramatic, modern design of the side-by-side properties creates endless ocean viewpoints from balconies and the resort’s exclusive, elevated rooftop pool, which feels like a front-row seat to one of nature’s most impressive shows every season. A fun touch makes the experience a group affair: a bell on the beachfront labeled WHALE alerts guests amid whale sightings.
The resorts also book carefully crafted tours designed for up-close encounters with whales, keeping whale population conservation and protection at the heart of the experience. Still, travelers will be astounded to see how close they often get to the numerous humpback whales and other species like blue whales and California gray whales, making for what is no less than a breathtaking encounter for phenomena-seeking travelers.
Just the Start
For many travelers, watching migrating whales from a beach chair is just what the doctor ordered. Still, more adventurous spirits looking for a little more of a challenge will find plenty more in Mexico. La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur, is among the best places to swim alongside migrating whale sharks. Known as the world’s largest fish, these gentle giants regularly reach up to 40 feet long.
Though spotting whale sharks is far from guaranteed, even at the height of their migration season, it offers much more of the thrill that makes phenomena-focused travel so appealing in the first place. Even if beachside whale observation is the extent of the adventure, the excitement and anticipation make this one-of-a-kind trend seem here to stay.
