Creature Feature: Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Every winter, thousands of gray whales make an epic journey from the cold waters of the Arctic to the warm, sheltered lagoons of Baja California. Gray whales have one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom, they travel nearly 12,000 miles round-trip each year.
In this post, we’ll dive into some fun facts about gray whales, from their barnacle-encrusted backs to their powerful maternal instincts. Whether you're planning a trip to Baja or just love learning about marine life, these fun facts will deepen your appreciation for this incredible species.
They're Not Your Average Whale Cousin
You may not know it, but gray whales belong to the same baleen whale suborder as porpoises and dolphins. Unlike their smooth-skinned extended family, however, gray whales are often covered with other organisms and parasites that make their backs and snouts look like a crusty ocean rock.
Gray Whales Feed From the Ocean Floor
To feed, the gray whale uses its snout to dislodge tiny creatures from the seafloor, then filters them with its baleen—a cable plate or strainer in the upper jaw.
They Are Truly Massive
An adult gray whale can weigh up to 35 tons and 15 meters long. To get the picture, stack five male African elephants into a scale. Female whales are usually slightly bigger than their male counterparts and less streamlined than other whales.
Calves Are Born on the Migration
Newborn gray whales are usually born towards the end of the whales’ annual southward migration. Newborns weigh up to 900kg and are about 5 meters long. Twins are unheard of, though two conjoined twins were recently found floating dead in their Mexican breeding lagoon a couple of years ago.
No Teeth, No Problem
Gray whales don’t have teeth. Because of their baleen state, they filter food through their baleen plates that hang down from the roof of their mouths. They scoop tiny critters that live near the seafloor and feed on them (this is the only whale that does this).
Mothers Are Fiercely Protective
Mother gray whales fiercely defend their young ones. They keep them away from other predators like killer whales. Their strong maternal bond is one of the most moving aspects of whale behavior to witness.
They’re Marathon Migrators
Gray whales complete one of the longest known migrations of any mammal—traveling up to 12,000 miles annually between the Arctic and Baja California. Because they surface frequently to breathe, their migration is often visible from shore.
They May Feel Emotions
There aren’t many animals that are thought to feel emotions. Gray whales are believed to feel at least some of the emotions that humans can, making them adorable large creatures.
They’ve Made an Incredible Comeback
As the target of extensive hunting, gray whales were in serious danger of extinction in the early 20th century. They have now been removed from the endangered species list because their numbers have grown—a wonder we can witness every year.
A Truly Unforgettable Encounter
From their immense size to their gentle nature, gray whales have a way of leaving a lasting impression. For many guests—and guides!—encountering a gray whale up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s hard to put into words.
Ready to Meet the Gray Whales?
Baja California is an amazing location to witness gray whales. Our whale watching adventures in Magdalena Bay, Puerto Chale, and San Ignacio Lagoon offer intimate, small-group encounters with these gentle giants at the height of their migration season.
