4X4 Rentals in Baja California fully equipped for any adventure
25/03/2025
📍 Presence in Baja California
San Benito and Guadalupe Island are the main breeding sites in Mexico. Guadalupe Island is home to the largest colony in the country.
In winter, some individuals can be spotted in the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, along the coasts of Bahía de los Ángeles and surrounding areas.
🐘 Why “elephant seal”?
Their name comes from the large snout of adult males, which resembles an elephant’s trunk. They use it to produce loud sounds during mating season.
💨 Diving champions
These marine mammals can dive deeper than many whales, reaching depths of over 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) and holding their breath for up to two hours.
They spend up to 90% of their lives in the water, only coming ashore for breeding or molting.
🦭 Epic battles
Males can grow over 4 meters (13 feet) long and weigh up to 2,500 kg (5,500 lbs).
During the breeding season (December–March), dominant males engage in fierce battles for control over a group of females, known as a “harem.”
Only 1% of males get to reproduce, as they must be strong enough to defend their territory.
🔥 Can they survive without drinking water?
Yes! They get almost all the water they need from their diet, which consists of fish and squid.
💤 Extreme fasting
During breeding and molting seasons, they can go up to three months without eating or drinking, surviving solely on their fat reserves.
😱 They almost went extinct
In the 19th century, they were hunted down to fewer than 100 individuals. However, thanks to protection efforts in places like Guadalupe Island, their population has recovered.
If you visit Baja California in winter, you might spot these incredible animals resting on the beaches or fighting for territory. A truly unique experience! 🌊🐘
