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Baja California Sur has been honored as the Best Wildlife Destination of 2025 by the Matador Network Travel Awards, a recognition that highlights the region’s exceptional natural biodiversity and responsible wildlife tourism practices.
The Matador Network Travel Awards are presented annually by Matador Network, a respected digital travel media organization based in San Francisco that focuses on global travel, outdoor adventure, culture, and conservation-oriented experiences. The awards bring together insights from Matador’s experienced editorial team and contributors, as well as reader engagement in some award categories. The program celebrates destinations and travel experiences that align with contemporary traveler interests, including sustainability, wildlife encounters, adventure, and cultural immersion.
In 2025, the awards expanded to include a new category, Best Wildlife Destination, reflecting growing global interest in responsible wildlife encounters and conservation-minded travel. Baja California Sur was selected as the inaugural winner in this category based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including accessibility, range of experiences, sustainability, ecosystem health, local traditions, community enrichment, and wildlife viewing standards.
Why Baja California Sur Stood Out
Matador Network’s editorial team emphasized that Baja California Sur’s unique natural environment offers some of the most remarkable wildlife experiences on Earth. The region is characterised by its striking marine biodiversity and protected areas, many of which are recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites due to their global ecological significance.
Key factors in the award decision included:
Marine mammal migrations. Each winter, thousands of whales (including humpbacks, greys, and blues) undertake one of the longest mammal migrations on the planet, arriving in Baja’s lagoons where careful management and low-impact tourism allow visitors to observe these animals in their natural behaviour.
Rich aquatic ecosystems. The Gulf of California, often described as the “aquarium of the world,” hosts diverse marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and mobula rays. Protected islands and coastal zones provide rich opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Responsible wildlife tourism practices. Operators around La Paz, San Ignacio, and other key areas work under strict regulations that include wildlife encounter limits, timed departures, and low-impact guidelines designed to prioritise animal welfare over crowding.
Endemic terrestrial wildlife. Beyond marine life, Baja California Sur’s desert and bird habitats support unique fauna, including raptors, endemic lizards, and large cacti that create dramatic landscapes and additional opportunities for wildlife appreciation.
A Model for Wildlife-Focused Travel
By awarding Baja California Sur the Best Wildlife Destination of 2025, Matador Network has highlighted the region as a leader in sustainable wildlife tourism. The accolade recognises not only the abundance and diversity of wildlife, but also the community and conservation practices that ensure these experiences remain responsible and ecologically sound.