The crystal-clear water off the coast of La Paz, Mexico, is home to a thriving ecosystem. To better learn about the healthy population of gray and blue whales, sea lions, whale sharks, sea turtles and other marine life that live off the coast of the Baja Peninsula, visitors to Mexico should carve some time out for a trip to the city's brand-new whale museum.
Visiting Museo de La Ballena (Community Whale Museum), which opened in February 2016, is a great way to add educational value to a client's trip, especially if other itinerary items include whale watching or swimming with whale sharks. The building is located off the main boardwalk in La Paz and is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The entire museum __ which can be fully explored within an hour or two __ includes five exhibition spaces with life-size models and skeletons of marine animals; educational videos and audio soundtracks; and information about marine life conservation. Bilingual guides are available for tours, which range from about $7 to $10 for tourists. During my visit, I found the guide extremely informed, well-paced and engaging.
