‘Swimming with orcas is out of control’: can new rules keep tourists and Mexico’s whales safe?

A dramatic surge in orca-tourism in La Ventana, Baja California Sur, has sparked legal chaos as authorities grapple with how to balance tourism with the protection of marine wildlife. Evans Baudin's tour company is now focusing on land-based excursions after facing legal challenges, while experts propose a species management plan to regulate interactions around orcas, aiming to fund local safety measures through permits for tourists. However, critics argue that arbitrary decisions could harm local communities and disrupt smaller tour operators, while experts hope the plan will balance orca protection with sustainable tourism practices.