Laguna San Ignacio is a protected bay of Baja California, a little more than half way down the long peninsula's Pacific Coast. One of several such bays, Laguna San Ignacio is a known nursing area for the California Gray Whale, and is famous among nursing grounds for its "friendly encounters." Every season, hundreds of people from all over the world come here to see the whales up close, even to touch them, as the whales here are just as curious about the human visitors. Recognized for its importance in birthing and raising young whales, Laguna San Ignacio is a protected bioreserve under Mexican law, and has received numerous international recognitions.