Blue whale · Loreto

GBAL Committee – responsible whale watching for a sustainable local activity.

The GBAL Committee brings together tour operators, captains and boat owners committed to the passive whale watching method and the conservation of the Gulf of California.

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• Responsible passive practices • Priority for local providers • Ongoing field training
Gafete de ejemplo Comité GBAL
Official badge 2026
Service providers accredited by the GBAL Committee.
The badge identifies those who commit to the passive blue whale watching manual and the internal agreements of the group.
✓ Conservation · Self‑regulation · Responsible tourism
Committee objectives

Actions to protect blue whales and support the community.

The GBAL Committee works to ensure that whale watching remains a sustainable, well‑regulated activity that benefits Loreto’s coastal communities.

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Responsible passive practices.

Maintain passive practices for whale watching so tourism remains sustainable, giving priority to local captains and boat owners.

Sustainable activity
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Local economy and conservation.

Strengthen Loreto’s local economy through responsible care of our key natural resource: the blue whale and its habitat.

Local economy
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Self‑regulation body.

Create an internal self‑regulation body to ensure compliance with the “passive blue whale watching manual” (2012) and other agreements.

2012 manual
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Service quality.

Improve visitor experience with safe, informative trips that respect the natural behaviour of whales.

Visitor experience
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Service‑provider badges.

Continue issuing badges for tour providers involved in whale watching in the region.

GBAL ID
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Ongoing field training.

Offer regular field trainings on the passive method and other marine practices that support a conservation culture.

Continuous training

Official badge for whale watching service providers.

The GBAL badge recognizes those who commit to protecting blue whales and following passive whale watching practices in Loreto Bay.

Identifies captains, guides and boat owners who apply the passive method.
Includes contact data, vessel, role and badge validity.
Allows the committee to track badge numbers, status and renewals.