8 Fun Things to do in Guerrero Negro, Baja California (2024)
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Guerrero Negro is by far not one of the most popular places to visit in Baja California. Located about halfway down the Baja California Peninsula, this small town is treated as a pit stop by most travelers who pass it on the way from Baja Norte toward Cabo San Lucas.
One thing that Guerrero Negro a bucket list destination is whale watching. Gray whales spend winters in the nearby Laguna Ojo de Liebre after they migrate from the frigid Arctic waters. While whales are cherished and protected in Baja today, Guerrero Negro is ironically named after the US whaling ship that crashed in the lagoon over a century ago.
Whether you are visiting this town during the whale watching season, which is from December through late March, or are wondering about things to do in Guerrero Negro in the off-season, this guide got you covered.
I stopped in Guerrero Negro during my Baja road trip and had a chance to enjoy some of the most fun activities in this underrated place. An off-season in Guerrero Negro is much slower, but there are still some cool things to see here, which make it worth your time.
Where is Guerrero Negro?
Guerrero Negro is a remote town along the Pacific Coast, near the border between Baja California Sur and Baja California. The town is known for its salt production, whale watching, and natural reserves, including the nearby El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve.
Guerrero Negro is far from major cities, so it takes time and effort to get there, but the experience of getting close to whales and touching these majestic creatures is well worth the effort!
Guerrero Negro Baja California Sur Map
Distances to Guerrero Negro, Baja California
- Tijuana to Guerrero Negro – 761 km (473 miles) – 8 hours 40 minutes
- La Paz to Guerrero Negro – 771 km (480 miles) – 9 hours 30 minutes
- Cabo San Lucas to Guerrero Negro – 923 km (573 miles) – 11 hours 15 minutes
- Mulege to Guerrero Negro – 282 km (175 miles) – 3 hours 35 minutes
- Loreto To Guerrero Negro – 416 km (258 miles) – 5 hours 15 minutes
What is the history of Guerrero Negro?
Located on the northern end of Baja California Sur, Guerrero Negro was founded in 1954 along with Exportadora de Sal, the world’s largest salt production company.
The town was named after the U.S. whaling ship that sank in the area in 1958. The name of the ship was the Black Warrior which translates as Guerrero Negro in Spanish.
Guerrero Negro also produces salt for industrial purposes and home to the largest salt flats in the world.
The town is also famous for its whale watching. Guerrero Negro is part of the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a protected area including whales, sea lions, dozens of bird species and the American antelope.
Things to do in Guerrero Negro
1. Enjoy Guerrero Negro Whale Watching
Whale watching is the most popular activity in Guerrero Negro, which attracts travelers from all over the world to this often-overlooked town.
Between December and April, dozens of gray whales gather in the Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, a sanctuary for marine wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, and many species of birds.
Gray whales travel from the Arctic to Baja California to mate and give birth to their offspring in the calm waters of Laguna Ojo de Liebre which has relatively warm and buoyant water because of the high concentration of salt.
Where to book whale watching tour in Guerrero Negro?
You can book whale-watching tours in Guerrero Negro online and in person. Several tour companies offer whale-watching tours in town, including Mario’s Tours and Malarrimo Eco Tours, you can contact them via WhatsApp ahead of your trip and request information about the tour and reserve your spot.
I booked my whale-watching tour with Mario’s Tours and had a great experience with them.
After I arrived at their office on the morning of the tour, I joined my group for a quick onboarding and a presentation on gray whales, where local guides explained the significance of grey whales and gave brief instructions on how to act and how not to act around grey whales.
After the presentation, we got into the tour company’s vans and drove to Laguna Ojo de Liebre, from where we started the tour.
How much are whale watching tours in Guerrero Negro?
A typical whale watching tour in Guerrero Negro costs around 850 Mexican Pesos ($50 USD). It’s realtivley low price considering that you have a chance to get close to one of the most majestic creatures on the planet.
Tours depart twice daily, at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and last about 4 hours.
Tips for taking a whale watching tours in Guerrero Negro
- Be mindful when interacting with the whales – Getting close to gray whales or touching them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. Avoid touching whales’ eyes, mouth and blowhole.
- Layer up – Most people picture sunny tropical beaches and margaritas when thinking about Mexico, but Guerrero Negro and many places along the Pacific Coast of Baja California actually get cold, especially in winter. Make sure to put on plenty of layers when going on this trip.
- Wear sunscreen – While it can be chilly, the sun in Baja is strong year round. It’s not uncommon to get a sunburn even on a cloudy day, which is why you should always put on plenty of sunscreen.
- Always follow directions of your guide – Be sure to follow the rules and directions that your tour guide, who is also your boat captain, gives you on this tour.
- Leave no trace – Some companies offer snacks on tours, so make sure not to leave any trash around.
- Have your camera ready – As you navigate the waters of Laguna Ojo de Liebre, you might spend a couple of minutes crusing around before you spot the first whale. Have your camera ready and don’t stand when the boat is moving.
2. Spot sea lions
As you cruise around Laguna Ojo De Liebre, you will also see groups of sea lions basking in the sun on top of the buoys. These adorable marine creatures call this place home and are fun to watch.
Even though they look lazy, sea lions can dive as deep as 200 meters (656 feet) when they are looking for food and swim up to 40 kilometers (25 miles) per hour.
3. Watch the sunset on Las Dunas de Soledad
Located behind Guerrero Negro Airport, Las Dunas De Soledad is one of the top attractions of the area. These beautiful dunes are a perfect spot for taking photos, stargazing, and camping. The best time to visit the dunes is around sunrise or sunset when you can see the incredible colors.
4. Visit the largest salt flats in the world
Besides being one of the best places for whale watching in Baja California, Guerrero Negro is known for its export of salt, one of the top economic drivers of the area.
Guerrero Negro puts Mexico at the top of one of the largest salt producers in the world with 6 million tons per year, as most of the salt comes from this town. Salt in Guerrero Negro is produced through evaporation and is used mostly for industrial purposes.
If you have time, take a drive through Guerrero Negro’s salt flats, where you can see huge evaporation ponds spanning for miles.
5. Explore Sierra De San Francisco cave paintings
One of the best places to visit near Guerrero Negro is Sierra de San Francisco, a gateway to the most ancient cave paintings in Baja California that date back 10,000 years.
Sierra De San Francisco is a remote desert town about 90 km from Guerrero Negro. Seeing the famous paintings is possible only with a tour guide, as the trek to the famous site takes several days through remote desert terrain, with hiking and camping.
You can buy tours on the spot or online. If you are stopping in San Ignacio on your way to or from Guerrero Negro, you can also book a tour with one of the local companies like Kuyimita, which has an office in San Ignacio.
I haven’t visited Sierra De San Francisco cave paintings, because I didn’t have time to stop there, but I visited cave paintings just outside of Mulege and really enjoyed my experience.
6. Visit Bahia De Los Angeles
Located about 2 hours north of Guerrero Negro, Bahia de Los Angeles (also known as the Bay of LA) is one of the most incredible places in Baja California known for its spectacular landscapes, wildlife watching, and hiking.
Similar to Guerrero Negro, you can spot incredible marine wildlife in Bahia de Los Angeles, including whales, dolphins, manta rays and turtles.
Another popular activity in Bahia De Los Angeles is swimming with whale sharks, which can be done from July through November when these gentle giants grace the waters of the Bay of LA.
If you want to book a wildlife-watching tour in Guerrero Negro, contact Sergio from Capitan Rojo, an amazing local guide who offers fun and educational whale watching, snorkeling, and other tours. Sergio is very knowledgeable about the area and loves educating visitors about wildlife conservation.
7. Visit Guerrero Negro Wetlands
When it comes to ecotourism, Guerrero Negro’s wetlands make the most idyllic backdrop. These gorgeous marshes are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site in the Vizcaino Bay Natural Biosphere Reserve, thanks to its diverse ecosystems and rich natural history.
(Guerrero Negro is also part of the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a protected area crucial for the life of several species at risk of extinction, including migratory birds, the pronghorn or American antelope, one of the fastest land animals, which can reach nearly 100 KPH.)
Of course, this is a beautiful area to observe from shore and snap a few photos of, but if you have time to hike the circumnavigating trails or set out in a kayak, you won’t regret it.
These marshes are fresh and saltwater, allowing you to spot a massive range of wildlife like dolphins, octopuses, crabs, and large freshwater fish.
Best hotels in Guerrero Negro
- Hotel Malarrimo by Rotamundos – Located in the center of town, this hotel has a free on-site parking, restaurant, and bar.
- Hotel Caracoles – A populat hotel along tha highway that’s close to stores, gas stations and also has a restaurant and coffee shop nearby.
✅ Find more accommodations in Guerrero Negro
Best restaurants in Guerrero Negro
- Península – Cocina de Mar – A popular restaurant in Guerrero Negro, Cocina de Mar serves fantastic ceviche, aguachile, and other types of seafood.
- Eugenia’s Restaurante & Cafe – One of the best breakfast places in Guerrero Negro, Eugenia’s has chilaquiles, pancakes, quasadillas and tacos. They also have good prices and friendly service, according to reviews.
- Tacos El Muelle / Food Truck – The best place to try shrimp and fish tacos in Guerrero Negro, this food truck makes popular Mexican staples from the fresh and well cooked fish. You can also add various toppings like salsa, lime and sauces.
- Soy Salud – You are probably not expecting to find any vegan or vegetarian options in this small town, but there’s one place that has them: Soy Salud is a small restaurant along the main highway that serves basic vegan and vegetarian Mexican dishes.
How to get to Guerrero Negro?
You can get to Guerrero Negro by car, bus or plane. If you are traveling by car, take the Federal Highway 1, and if you are traveling by public transport, you can catch a bus to Guerrero Negro from several major cities in Baja like Tijuana, Cabo Can Lucas or La Paz.
Finally, you can also take a flight to Loreto, the closest commercial airport to Guerrero Negro that has flights from the United States and Mexico, and rent a car to get to Guerrero Negro.
Where to rent a car for your trip?
I recommend and use DiscoverCars, an online platform where you can find dozens of vehicles in the most popular destinations throughout Baja California. DiscoverCars offers flexible rates and has no hidden fees or surcharges.
Do I need Mexican insurance for driving to Guerrero Negro?
If you plan to drive your car or RV to Guerrero Negro, you will need to get a Mexican insurance, which is required for all vehicles .
The most popular option with travelers is Baja Bound Mexican Insurance, that specializes in coverage for cars, RV’s, camper vans, boats and motorcycles for Baja California. You can get a quote from them ahead of your trip.
Guerrero Negro Airport
Guerrero Negro is home to small regional airport (code GUB) that has charter flights.
Weather in Guerrero Negro
Guerrero Negro has a dry, desert climate with mostly clear skies and little precipitation. The town’s location near the Pacific Ocean helps to keep it a bit cooler, but temperatures still can reach triple digits in summer.
Guerrero Negro camping
- Mario’s RV Park – Located near the office of Mario Tours, this RV park has 40 spots with tap water, electicity and wi-fi. The campground is along the highway just outside of town and has hot showers, bathrooms and a restaurant.
- Malarrimo RV Park – Malarrimo is a lot within walking walking distance from the city’s center that has electircity, bathrooms and wi-fi.
- Spondylus Campground – A newer campground in Guerrero Negro. It doesn’t have water or electricity but has fast wi-fi.
- Ojo De Liebre Campground – A popular place to stay for RV’s near Laguna Ojo De Liebre, a gray whale sanctuary in Baja California. The campground is open only during the whale watching season.
Guerrero Negro Packing List
- Reef-safe sunscreen will protect you and also keep marine animals safe, as it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals.
- Hat – A good hat will protect you from the harsh desert sun.
- Sunglasses – Wear sunglasses to void harmful UV rays.
- Hiking shoes – If you want to hike and spend time in the desert, you need a pair of good hiking shoes to keep your feet protected from the harsh terrain. On my first visit to San Felipe, I hiked in regular shoes, and got a lot of spikes which hurt my feet.
- Layers – light sweaters or long-sleeve shirts as well as T-shirts and Shorts for warm, sunny weather.
- Camera and/or GoPro – Musts for capturing your adventures.
- Backpack – You will need it if you want to spend time enjoying outdoors and carry all the basics with you.
- Waterbottle – Make sure you stay hydrated, as it’s very dry in the desert.
Things to do in Guerrero Negro: FAQ’s
Is Guerrero Negro safe?
Guerrero Negro is mostly safe, but you still need to follow basic safety precautions like anywhere else in Baja California.
Register for the STEP program
If you are a U.S. citizen and plan a trip to Baja California, consider enrolling in STEP, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens abroad to register their trip with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Here are some of the benefits of enrolling in the STEP program ahead of your trip:
- Get updates from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
- Stay in contact with the U.S. Embassy in case of an emergency whether it’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or anything else.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
What is Guerrero Negro known for?
Guerrero Negro is a popular destination for whale watching and the largest salt flats in the world.
What is the history of Guerrero Negro?
Guerrero Negro was establed in 1957 after the establishment of the nearby salt mine near the Ojo de Liebre Lagoon, which was created to support the demand from the United States. The town was named after the U.S. whaling ship, the Black Warrior, that wrecked in the nearby lagoon in 1858. The Black Warrior translates as Guerrero Negro to Spanish.
Guerrero Negro, Baja California: Final word
Guerrero Negro is one of the most overlooked places in Baja California. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth a stop. If you are visiting Guerrero Negro from December through April, you can enjoy the best whale watching in Baja California, and if you happen to be here when the whales have already left, don’t miss Guerrero Negro’s salt flats.
Baja California travel guide
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisa a website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I recommend DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja
Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use Hostels.com to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.