The Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar (Whale Museum and Marine Sciences) is a must-see for anyone visiting La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of marine mammal skeletons, with nearly 38 skeletons on display. These skeletons have been rescued from various locations throughout Baja California Sur and include species like the critically endangered vaquita marina, the orca, and the dwarf sperm whale.
The museum was founded in 1997 by a civil society organization with the aim of disseminating knowledge about cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) to promote their study, conservation, and the environment in which they live. The museum offers educational exhibits on the evolution, classification, and history of whaling, as well as the feeding habits, distribution, mating behaviors, and the influence of cetaceans in rock art.
Here’s a summary of the Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar:
- Location:Â La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Address: Malecón Benito Juárez s/n esq. calle Rangel, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico
- Hours:Â Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Admission Fee:Â 50 MXN
- Website:Â Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias Del Mar:Â http://www.museodelaballena.org/Â (Spanish only)
While the Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar may not have the most high-tech exhibits, the passion of the staff and the extensive collection make it a worthwhile visit. Visitors consistently report that the explanations from the guides are informative and engaging, making the experience even better.
Official Picture
La Paz City Map Pics
